28/05/2026
By 2027, every consumer electronics product sold in the EU needs a Digital Product Passport. Most US brands aren't ready.
The DPP isn't a label update - it's a data infrastructure project. A machine-readable record (via QR or RFID) carrying material composition, repairability scores, recycling instructions, and traceability data. Required under ESPR from 2027–2028 depending on category.
Building the systems to do this properly, supplier data collection, material records, digital link generation, packaging integration , takes 12 - 18 months from a standing start. It's also the reporting mechanism for ESPR eco-design obligations broadly: energy efficiency, repairability, restricted materials. DPP-ready means ESPR-ready.
2027 isn't a future problem. 2026 is the planning decision.
Link in comments - full DPP and ESPR breakdown for consumer electronics.