Legislation
The EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) introduces digital product passports, starting with priority product groups such as textiles.
Key dates
July 2024
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 comes into force.
April 2025
The Commission publishes its first working plan, prioritising textiles and apparel, furniture, tyres, mattresses, steel and aluminium.
July 2026
Ban on large companies destroying unsold apparel and footwear applies. The EU's DPP registry is due.
From 2027 (expected)
Product rules for textiles are expected to be adopted, with passports required after a transition period.
Dates are from our reading of the regulation text on EUR-Lex and the European Commission's ESPR page. Later dates depend on rules still to be adopted, so check the official sources.
What a digital product passport is
A DPP is a digital record for a product, reached through a data carrier on the item, such as a QR code, NFC chip or RFID tag. It shares information on materials, origin, durability, repair and recycling with consumers, businesses and authorities.
How the rules roll out
ESPR is a framework. Requirements for each product group, including what data its passport must hold, come in separate delegated acts. A passport becomes required for a product group only once its act applies.
What this means for merch
- Clothing: textiles are a priority, so tour apparel is likely to be in scope first.
- Footwear: already covered by the unsold-goods ban.
- Materials: supply chain data is the hardest part, so start now.
- Other merch: optional for now, but useful for authenticity and fan content.
What to do now
- Ask suppliers for fibre, origin and certificate data.
- Pick a carrier that works for both compliance and fans: usually a QR code plus an NFC chip.
- Use standards such as GS1 Digital Link so codes stay valid as rules change.
- Choose a platform that can update passport data after the item ships.
This page is general guidance, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ESPR?
The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (EU) 2024/1781. It is the EU framework that introduces digital product passports.
When do passports become required?
Product group by product group, once each group's delegated act applies. Textile rules are expected from 2027, followed by a transition period.
What carrier does a passport use?
A data carrier on the product, such as a QR code, NFC chip or RFID tag, linking to the passport record.
Is this page legal advice?
No. It is general guidance. Check the official EU sources for current requirements.
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.