MusicConnect

Digital product passports · Merchandise

Digital product passports for music merch.

Not every merch item will need a passport at the same time. Rules arrive one product group at a time. Clothing is likely to be first for most artists.

Which merch is likely in scope

Each product group gets its own rules, called delegated acts. Until a group's rules are adopted, a passport is optional for it.

  • Apparel and textiles: prioritised by the EU
  • Footwear: covered by the ban on destroying unsold goods
  • Metal pins and hardware: affected through rules on steel and aluminium
  • Vinyl, posters and paper goods: not prioritised so far

Optional passports still pay off

Brands that add passports early can use them for authenticity, ownership, fan content and resale. They also build the data habits they will need when rules apply.

Plan one label for everything

Use one carrier and one platform for compliance and fan experience. That avoids two codes on the same garment.

Read the EU DPP rules explained or go back to all passport guides.

This page is general guidance, not legal advice. Check the official EU sources for current requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Does vinyl need a digital product passport?

Not so far. Vinyl and paper goods have not been prioritised, so a passport is optional for them.

Is an optional passport worth it?

It can prove authenticity, record ownership, open fan content and support resale, while building data habits for future rules.

Best practice partner

Digital product passports with SmartLinks

For clothing and merch passports we recommend SmartLinks, the connected product platform behind FanConnect. SmartLinks describes its records as GS1 Digital Link and DPP-ready, works with QR, NFC and RFID, and serves consumers, retailers and regulators from one scan.