The Digital Product Passport (DPP) part of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) came into force on 18 July 2024 to establish a horizontal framework on sustainability and circularity of most physical goods placed on the EU market. Under this framework, the European Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts setting out performance and information requirements, irrespective of whether they are manufactured within the Union or imported from third countries.
Below is a summary is based on a 2026 European Commission Joint Research Centre report. Final rules will be confirmed in the delegated act expected around 2027.
What You Must Report to Comply with ESPR
Here’s what brands, manufacturers, and importers will need to include in the DPP for textile apparel:
1. Product Identification
- Unique product ID (like a serial number)
- Batch ID (if tracking groups of items)
- Model ID (e.g., “Men’s Blue T-Shirt, Size M”)
- Product category (e.g., “T-shirts”, “Jeans”, “Dresses”)
- Customs code (HS/TARIC code for import/export)
2. Producer Information
- Manufacturer name and address
- Importer name and address (if manufacturer is outside EU)
- Facility ID (where the product was made)
- Contact info (email/website)
3. Product Details
- Fiber composition (e.g., “98% Cotton, 2% Elastane”) — mandatory under current law
- Care instructions — may become mandatory under revised textile labelling rules
- Repair instructions — optional, but encouraged
- Repair services offered by brand — optional
- Warranty or durability guarantee (if longer than 2 years) — mandatory under new consumer law
- Substances of concern (e.g., chemicals above certain thresholds) — mandatory
- Location of harmful substances — optional, for recyclers
- Recycled content % — mandatory if claimed or required
- Origin of recycled material (pre/post-consumer) — optional
- Organic content % — optional
- EU Ecolabel (if certified) — optional
- Recyclability score — proposed, not yet mandatory
- Carbon/environmental footprint class — proposed, not yet mandatory
4. Compliance & Verification
- EU Declaration of Conformity (proof the product meets rules)
- Test results (e.g., for durability, shrinkage, spirality)
- Third-party certifications (e.g., GOTS, GRS, OEKO-TEX)
- Weight of product (excluding trims)
Who Can See What? (Access Rights)
- Public: Fiber content, care instructions, recyclability score, brand info, model ID
- Authorities (customs, regulators): Full access to all data, including test results and compliance docs
- Recyclers/Repairers: Access to chemical info, component specs, repair guides
- Brands/Suppliers: Can add extra data (like logistics codes) — must be marked as “voluntary”
Important Notes
- Granularity: Most data can be reported at “model level” (e.g., all “Size M Blue T-Shirts” share the same info). Some, like chemical content or batch testing, may need “batch level”. “Item level” (per garment) is optional for now.
- SMEs: Small businesses won’t be forced to build complex systems — they can use existing tools or partner with platforms.
- Data must be accurate and up-to-date — especially if changes happen (e.g., after a repair).
- No greenwashing: Only standardized, verified environmental claims are allowed — no vague “eco-friendly” labels.
For the full report follow the link below
PG Section Documents | Product Bureau
How Does this Impact You? Contact Us to Discuss
Bureau Veritas can assist you with your garment testing needs. If you have any comments and/or questions, please contact your customer service representative or visit: www.bureauveritas.co.uk/cps
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