EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR): Digital Product Passports
Updated 2026-08-03
The EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR, Regulation 2024/1781) establishes a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for nearly all physical products sold in the EU. It mandates Digital Product Passports (DPP) containing information on durability, repairability, recycled content, and environmental footprint. The regulation applies progressively from 2025, with specific product requirements to be set through delegated acts.
Primary sources
This page is grounded in the primary materials below. Rules change, so open the source and confirm the current version before acting.
FAQ
What is the ESPR and what does it cover?+
The ESPR is a framework regulation that enables the EU to set specific ecodesign requirements for product groups. It covers nearly all physical goods sold in the EU, excluding food, feed, medicinal products, and living organisms. Requirements focus on energy efficiency, durability, repairability, recycled content, and environmental footprint.
What is a Digital Product Passport (DPP)?+
A Digital Product Passport is a digital record accessible via a data carrier (QR code, NFC tag) on the product, containing information about its sustainability, durability, and environmental impact. The DPP will include details on materials, manufacturing, repair instructions, recycling guidance, and carbon footprint. It enables consumers, repairers, and recyclers to make informed decisions.
When will Digital Product Passports be required?+
The ESPR regulation entered into force on July 18, 2024. DPP requirements will be introduced through product-specific delegated acts, with the first expected in 2025-2026 for priority products (textiles, electronics, furniture). Iron and steel and aluminum are likely to be among the first product groups with DPP requirements.
How does ESPR affect e-commerce sellers?+
E-commerce sellers must ensure their products meet applicable ecodesign requirements once specific delegated acts take effect. Sellers must provide DPP information in online listings, ensure products meet durability and repairability standards, and maintain compliance documentation. Marketplaces may require sellers to upload DPP data to product listings.
Can products be banned for not meeting ecodesign requirements?+
Yes, products that do not meet applicable ecodesign requirements cannot be placed on the EU market. Market surveillance authorities can order corrective measures, restrict sales, or withdraw non-compliant products. Online marketplaces can be required to delist products that do not meet requirements.
What about the destruction of unsold products?+
The ESPR includes provisions to address the destruction of unsold consumer goods. Large companies must disclose the quantity of unsold products they discard, and the regulation empowers the Commission to ban the destruction of specific categories of unsold goods through delegated acts. This addresses the practice of destroying excess inventory.
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