What Data Does a Digital Product Passport Contain?
The building blocks of a DPP, the product information it holds and who gets to see what.
A Digital Product Passport is only as useful as the data inside it. But what exactly has to go into a passport, and who gets to see it? While the precise requirements are set for each product group, the overall structure is already clear.
The core building blocks
For passports under ESPR, the framework includes these elements, with details set by the applicable product rules:
- A unique product identifier that links the passport to a specific model, batch or item.
- A data carrier, such as a QR code, NFC or RFID tag, that gives access to the passport.
- Operator information identifying the manufacturer, importer or other responsible economic operator.
- Product-specific data defined by the delegated act for that product group.
Typical product information
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) lists the kinds of information a passport can be required to contain. Depending on the product group, this may include:
- material composition and recycled content
- substances of concern and safe handling information
- environmental footprint, such as carbon footprint
- durability, repairability and spare part availability
- instructions for use, maintenance, disassembly and recycling
- compliance documentation, certificates and declarations of conformity
Different audiences, different access
Access rights depend on the applicable product rules. The examples below illustrate possible audiences and information, not a fixed access scheme for every passport:
| Audience | Examples of information they may access |
|---|---|
| Consumers | Materials, origin, environmental data, care and recycling guidance |
| Repairers and refurbishers | Disassembly instructions, spare parts, technical details |
| Recyclers | Detailed material composition and substances of concern |
| Market surveillance authorities | Compliance documentation and technical files |
The access rules must balance useful information with the protection of confidential business information. A passport does not make every field public.
Data quality matters
The responsible economic operator must meet the applicable duties on passport accuracy, completeness and updates. Under ESPR, the product-specific act sets the availability period, which must be at least the expected product lifetime. Plan how evidence and updates will be maintained.
Build your passport data model with DPPVIEW
DPPVIEW helps organise your product information, map the applicable requirements and identify data gaps. Product passport preparation is available now; the hosting platform is in development.
