Digital Product Passport Data Requirements — Complete List by Category
What data must a Digital Product Passport contain? Complete overview of all DPP data fields under ESPR, organised by mandatory categories: identification, materials, environmental data, repairability, and recyclability.
Digital Product Passport Data Requirements — Complete List by Category
What data must a Digital Product Passport contain? This is the core question for manufacturers, importers and distributors preparing for DPP compliance. The answer has two layers: the ESPR (Regulation (EU) 2024/1781) defines a framework of general data requirements, while delegated acts for each product category specify the mandatory fields.
This article provides a complete overview of the known and expected data requirements of the Digital Product Passport — from general ESPR requirements to sector-specific extensions.
If you are new to the DPP topic, we recommend starting with: Digital Product Passport in 15 Minutes.
For a broader view of DPP requirements including responsibilities and penalties, see: Digital Product Passport Requirements — What You Need to Know.
General DPP Requirements Under ESPR
The ESPR defines the general framework for the Digital Product Passport in Articles 8–10 and Annex III. These requirements serve as the baseline for all product categories.
1. Unique Product Identifier
Every product must have a unique identifier that allows unambiguous linking to its DPP. The ESPR expects this identifier to be based on international standards — most likely GS1 (Global Trade Item Number combined with a serial number or batch identifier).
Requirements:
- Globally unique
- Machine-readable
- Linked to a physical data carrier on the product
- Persistent throughout the entire product lifecycle
2. Data Carrier on the Product
The DPP must be accessible via a physical data carrier on the product or its packaging. The ESPR explicitly mentions QR codes and references GS1 Digital Link as the preferred standard.
Options:
- QR code (most common)
- GS1 Digital Link (QR code with a structured URL that resolves to multiple information sources)
- NFC tag (particularly for clothing and small products)
- RFID (for industrial applications)
- Data Matrix (for small components)
For a detailed comparison: QR Code vs GS1 Digital Link — Differences for DPP.
3. Accessibility and Data Formats
The DPP must be accessible in both human-readable (website, app) and machine-readable (API, structured data) formats. The ESPR requires:
- Free access for consumers, market surveillance authorities and recycling operators
- Compliance with international standards for data formats and interoperability
- Availability throughout the entire product lifecycle (including after production ceases)
- Connection to the planned EU DPP Registry
Data Category 1: Product Identification
| Data Field | Description | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| Product name and model | Official product designation | All categories |
| Manufacturer | Name, address, contact details | All categories |
| Country of manufacture | Country of final assembly | All categories |
| Date of manufacture | Date or period of production | Most categories |
| Unique identifier | GS1 GTIN + serial number/batch | All categories |
| Product category | Classification per EU nomenclature | All categories |
| Economic operator ID | Identification of the responsible entity | All categories |
Data Category 2: Material Composition
| Data Field | Description | Typical Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Complete material list | All materials used, with designations | All |
| Weight proportions per material | Percentage or absolute share | Textiles, furniture, electronics |
| Substances of concern (SVHC) | Substances per REACH Candidate List | All |
| Critical raw materials | Substances per Critical Raw Materials Act | Electronics, batteries |
| Recycled content | Share of recycled materials in total product | All |
| Bio-based materials | Share of renewable raw materials | Textiles, packaging |
| Origin of main materials | Countries/regions of raw material extraction | Textiles, wood products |
Data Category 3: Environmental and Sustainability Data
| Data Field | Description | Typical Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon footprint (PCF) | Product Carbon Footprint of manufacture | All (future) |
| Energy consumption | In use (Energy Label data) | Electronics, machinery |
| Water consumption | In manufacturing | Textiles, food |
| PEF indicators | Product Environmental Footprint | All (once methodology is defined) |
| Environmental certifications | EU Ecolabel, Blue Angel, Nordic Swan, etc. | All |
Data Category 4: Durability and Repairability
| Data Field | Description | Typical Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Expected lifespan | Under defined use conditions | All |
| Warranty period | Statutory and voluntary warranty | All consumer goods |
| Spare parts catalogue | List of available spare parts | Electronics, machinery, furniture |
| Spare parts availability period | Duration of spare parts guarantee | Electronics, machinery |
| Repair instructions | Guides for common repairs | Electronics, furniture |
| Repairability index | Repairability rating | Electronics (EU-wide planned) |
| Software update period | Duration of software support | Electronics, machinery |
Data Category 5: Recyclability and End-of-Life
| Data Field | Description | Typical Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Disassembly instructions | Instructions for recycling | Electronics, furniture, machinery |
| Material separability | Can materials be separated from each other? | All |
| Recyclability assessment | Score or classification | All (methodology in development) |
| Disposal instructions | Correct disposal routes per material | All |
| Take-back programmes | Manufacturer collection/take-back systems | Electronics, textiles |
Data Category 6: Compliance and Certifications
| Data Field | Description | Typical Sectors |
|---|---|---|
| CE declaration of conformity | Reference to conformity document | All CE-marked products |
| EU declaration of conformity | Declaration per ESPR | All |
| REACH compliance | Chemical compliance status | All |
| Sector-specific standards | Relevant EN/ISO standards | Varies by sector |
| Quality marks | Voluntary quality labels | All |
Sector-Specific Extensions
Beyond the general categories, delegated acts for each product category will define specific extensions:
Batteries (Delegated Act Published)
- Capacity and performance data
- State of Health, State of Charge
- Charge cycle information
- Cobalt, lithium, nickel and lead content
- Carbon footprint of battery manufacture
Textiles and Clothing (Delegated Act in Preparation)
- Full fibre composition
- PFAS status
- Microplastics release potential
- Supply chain transparency data (production stages and locations)
Electronics (Delegated Act Planned)
- Energy efficiency class
- Repairability index
- Software update period
- Critical raw materials
Furniture (Delegated Act in Preparation)
- Wood origin and forestry certification
- Formaldehyde and flame retardant content
- Durability test results
Mandatory vs Optional Fields
The ESPR distinguishes between:
- Mandatory fields: Data that must be provided for every product in the relevant category. Without this data, the product is non-compliant.
- Conditionally mandatory fields: Data required only under certain conditions (e.g. PFAS declarations only for products that may contain PFAS).
- Optional/recommended fields: Additional data that can be provided voluntarily to enhance information quality.
The exact assignment is defined in the delegated acts. Companies that populate optional fields early position themselves as transparency leaders.
Where Does the Data Come From?
DPP data requirements demand data from different departments and systems:
| Data Area | Typical Source |
|---|---|
| Product master data | ERP, PIM |
| Material composition | PLM, recipe management, supplier data |
| Environmental data | LCA tools, sustainability department |
| Repair and spare parts data | After-sales, service management |
| Compliance data | Quality management, Regulatory Affairs |
| Supply chain data | Procurement, supplier management |
| Identification data | ERP, production control |
DPP platforms like myDPP aggregate data from various source systems and generate compliant Digital Product Passports.
For ERP integration details: DPP and ERP Integration Guide. For PIM integration details: DPP and PIM — Why Product Data Is the Foundation.
Checklist: Is Your Data DPP-Ready?
Use this checklist as a quick assessment:
- Do you have a unique product identifier (GTIN or equivalent) for all products?
- Can you provide the complete material composition of your products?
- Do you know the carbon footprint of your products (at least for representative products)?
- Do you have information on substances of concern (SVHC) in your products?
- Can you document spare parts and their availability?
- Do you have repair or disassembly instructions in a structured format?
- Can your IT systems export DPP data?
- Can your suppliers provide the required data?
If you answer fewer than half with “Yes”, we recommend starting a data inventory and gap analysis promptly.
For a detailed implementation guide: How to Implement DPP — Checklist.
Further Reading
- Digital Product Passport in 15 Minutes
- ESPR Regulation: Ecodesign Requirements for Sustainable Products
- DPP and ERP Integration Guide
- DPP and PIM — Why Product Data Is the Foundation