Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The ESPR is a new regulatory framework introduced by the European Union (EU) to improve the environmental sustainability of products sold within the EU. It mandates that products meet specific ecodesign requirements, focusing on factors such as durability, repairability, recyclability, and overall environmental impact throughout the product's lifecycle. 

Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are a key part of the ESPR, designed to provide detailed information about a product’s lifecycle, including materials, production processes, and sustainability attributes. DPPs aim to enhance supply chain transparency, improve product traceability, and support sustainability and circular economy goals. 

Not all products will need a DPP. The product categories regulated under the ESPR, such as electronics, automotive, textiles, furniture, tyres, and chemicals, will likely be required to adopt DPPs. Specific requirements will be set for each product group through future legislative acts. 

The implementation of DPPs is expected to begin by 2027, according to the delegated acts under the ESPR. Businesses will need to comply with the specific deadlines and product categories outlined by the EU at that time. 

The data requirements for each product's DPP will vary depending on the product category, but they will typically include:

• Information on the product’s materials, components, and origin.
• Details on its environmental impact, such as energy efficiency, carbon footprint, and recyclability.
• Information for proper disposal, reuse, or recycling.
• Maintenance and repair instructions, where applicable.

DPPs will be managed digitally through an EU-endorsed platform, and companies will likely need to partner with service providers to create and manage these passports. Consumers, regulators, and other supply chain actors will be able to access product information through secure, digital methods like QR codes or online databases. 

Autheral offers an end-to-end Digital Product Passport platform that helps businesses create, manage, and track product data seamlessly. Our platform integrates RFID, IoT, and blockchain technology for real-time traceability and compliance with the latest regulations, ensuring you meet the ESPR requirements efficiently. 

Yes, products imported into the EU will also be required to have DPPs to ensure they comply with the same environmental and sustainability standards as products manufactured within the EU. 

Non-compliance with DPP requirements could lead to penalties, including fines or restrictions on selling the product in the EU market. Each EU member state will determine specific penalties for non-compliance. 

The DPP provides multiple benefits:

• Compliance: Easily meet regulatory requirements.
• Transparency: Improve product traceability and transparency across the supply chain.
• Sustainability: Provide clear data on the environmental impact of products, supporting circular economy goals.
• Consumer Trust: Build trust with consumers by offering transparency into the sourcing and lifecycle of products.

Market surveillance authorities in EU member states will be responsible for monitoring and enforcing the accuracy and completeness of DPPs. Autheral’s platform ensures that your DPPs are always up-to-date and compliant, minimizing risks of non-compliance. 

The environmental footprint of the DPP system itself will be evaluated for each product group, including the impacts of data storage and transfer. The ESPR aims to ensure that the digital management of these passports aligns with sustainability goals.