From 2026, all companies that import or distribute affected product groups in the EU market must comply with the requirements of the Digital Product Passport – regardless of where the products were manufactured. For Swiss companies that export to the EU, it is therefore essential to deal with the new requirements at an early stage in order to retain access to the European market and remain competitive.

The DPP is being introduced as part of the EU Green Deal and the revised Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). The aim is to promote sustainable production and consumption decisions, strengthen the circular economy and ensure greater transparency along the supply chain. The DPP is intended to simplify repair and recycling and thus contribute to reducing environmental impacts.

The Digital Product Passport will be introduced in stages for various product and material groups from 2026. The underlying Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation has been in force since July 2024.

The Digital Product Passport 2026 will start with steel products. Other product areas such as batteries, textiles, construction and electrical products as well as numerous other product groups will gradually follow. In the medium term, almost all material goods – including components and preliminary products – will require a DPP.

Not all products require a Digital Product Passport. However, most physical products placed on the market in the EU will require a DPP in the future.

In particular, food, animal feed, medicinal and veterinary products, living organisms, products of human origin, reproductive materials and certain types of vehicles such as cars, motorcycles and agricultural machinery are exempt from the DPP requirement, as these are subject to their own regulations.

However, e-bikes and e-scooters are not exempt and require a DPP. Medical devices are generally subject to a DPP requirement, although the exact list of exempted product groups may still change with further legislation from the European Commission.

The details of the information required in the DPP will be specified for each product group in so-called “delegated acts”, which will be published from 2025. However, it is already clear that basic information such as clear product labeling, material and origin information, environmental aspects, safety and conformity data, information on maintenance and repair, information on the supply chain and recommendations for disposal and recycling will always be required.

Depending on the industry and product type, additional technical data, instructions for use or special certificates may be required. The details of which information is mandatory will only become binding once the relevant delegated acts enter into force. However, based on current information, the majority of the required information can already be estimated today.

The DPP is accessed via a data carrier, such as a QR code or RFID tag, which is attached directly to the product. This refers to a digital platform where all the necessary information can be accessed. Each product is given an individual digital identifier, for example in the form of a GTIN.

In addition to meeting legal requirements, the DPP enables companies to make their processes more transparent, demonstrate sustainable practices and strengthen customer trust. In addition, optimized data flows can increase efficiency potential in service, maintenance and recycling. The DPP also creates new digital interfaces directly on the product that enable innovative business models.

Investing early in DPP implementation creates long-term competitive advantages, increases transparency and ensures ongoing legal compliance. A proactive approach allows Swiss companies to not only view the DPP as a regulatory obligation, but to use it strategically to improve product transparency, make sustainability initiatives visible and develop innovative business models.

The DPP promotes sustainability by providing transparent information on the materials and harmful substances it contains and on recyclability. This can encourage consumers and companies to make more sustainable decisions. It can also contribute to a higher recycling rate and promote the circular economy.

Collecting and managing extensive data and integrating it into existing systems presents companies with organizational and technological challenges. Early preparation and the implementation of a PIM system can make this easier.

Structured preparation is crucial: firstly, all relevant company divisions should be involved in the project and an inventory of existing product data should be carried out. The next step is to bundle the data centrally, create transparency in the supply chain and implement suitable IT solutions such as PIM systems. Training and pilot projects support the successful rollout.

The main challenges lie in collecting data along the entire supply chain, validating and ensuring data consistency and continuously updating the information. Automated processes must be implemented to validate incoming data, check its completeness and consistency and create a reliable basis for the DPP.

A powerful product information management system (PIM) is essential for the implementation of the DPP. It serves as a central data platform on which all product-related information from various sources is brought together, structured and made available. This ensures that the DPP always contains up-to-date and complete information.

The implementation period varies depending on the size of the company, product complexity and existing data infrastructure. As a rule, a period of 6-18 months should be planned for the complete implementation. aclevion supports companies in creating a realistic schedule and organizing the implementation efficiently.

The cost of DPP implementation depends on various factors, such as the number of products involved, the existing IT infrastructure and the extent of customization required. Investments will mainly be required in the areas of data capture, PIM systems, employee training and possibly also in the adaptation of business processes. aclevion offers customized solutions that are tailored to specific company needs and budgets.

aclevion provides companies with comprehensive support during the introduction of the Digital Product Passport – from the analysis of the existing data structure and the development of an individual data strategy to the implementation of suitable PIM solutions and targeted employee training. The support extends across all project phases, including ongoing optimization and support.

aclevion has many years of experience in the design and implementation of innovative and sustainable system solutions for the organization of communication content. Its expertise in product information management and data management for multichannel communication makes aclevion the ideal partner for DPP projects. The company offers customized solutions that are precisely tailored to customer requirements and provides support throughout the entire implementation process.