New policy programmes introduced by the European Union are redefining the way businesses achieve regulatory compliance. By introducing demands for data collection from the supply chain, and new digital methods to achieve compliance, these policies are pushing the consumer product industry towards the precipice of change.

The introduction of the EU’s Digital Product Passport (DPP) contributes to this by creating a digital framework for sharing key product information – enabling better supply chain traceability, informed consumer decision-making, and easier regulatory checks. For businesses, it means moving toward a streamlined reporting system that supports compliance and circular economy goals.

The DPP presents significant opportunities for businesses that act early and integrate Digital Passport solutions into their operations – allowing them to achieve a more resilient supply chain, greater transparency, optimised resource use and costs, improved consumer engagement, and potential incentives through eco-modulation.

How to prepare now for DPP compliance

Implementing Digital Passport solutions that pull data from the supply chain and the product itself for DPP compliance, whilst providing compliance across multiple regulations can deliver long-term compliance and measurable returns on investment.

The main priority for businesses in scope is data collection, with 3 key areas that will set businesses on the path to preparation: 

1. Supply chain traceability
2. Chemical usage
3. Product circularity

Taking a proactive approach with Digital Passport solutions that cover the items listed allows businesses to identify gaps, prioritise high-risk areas, and gradually build the information needed for full DPP compliance.

Introducing the Roadmap to Ready: Digital Passport solutions

With our deep expertise in sustainability, product testing, and regulatory compliance, Eurofins Sustainability Services supports businesses in collecting and validating sustainability data and supply chain traceability to help you start your journey towards DPP compliance.

Supply chain traceability

Although the European Commission stated the DPP is not a traceability tool, achieving compliance with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) requirements will demand significant supply chain traceability. Supply chain mapping has emerged as an invaluable first step in this. The most effective model is a risk-mapped supply chain, which highlights environmental hotspots and identifies suppliers in regions of high regulatory risk. This level of supply chain traceability allows businesses to target improvements and lay a strong foundation for DPP compliance and broader regulatory readiness.

Our Risk-Mapped Supply Chain uses sophisticated supply chain traceability technology to highlight issues by geolocations, analyse region-specific sustainability risks, and incorporate satellite imagery to assess environmental concerns directly relevant to DPP compliance. These are then visually layered onto an identified supply chain, often in the form of heatmaps, highlighting areas of concern or confirming low-risk suppliers.

Accurate risk assessment depends not just on digital supply chain traceability tools, but on material and product-specific expertise. Our specialist knowledge can help to produce accurate insights and workable improvements for supply chain traceability.

Substances of concern

The ESPR and its upcoming delegated acts will require companies to disclose detailed information about substances of concern (SoCs) in products on their DPPs. The European Commission estimates around 6,000 substances fall under the SoC definition – a significant increase in the number of chemicals businesses must already report on.

When considering all the different versions or variants of these substances, this figure is closer to 35,000 – vastly increasing the number of chemicals a business in scope must test for.

In light of the impact this has on businesses, we have developed Chem-ST™ Chemical Smart Testing – a revolutionary chemical assessment programme that offers an innovative and flexible solution to complex regulatory challenges. Unlike conventional Restricted Substances List (RSL) testing, which focuses on specific chemicals, Chem-ST™ uses a matrix-independent, composite testing model which allows for:

• A wider net to be cast
• More data to be generated
• More coverage across multiple RSL categories
• Cleansing of the supply chain in advance of restrictions

Every Chem-ST™ test not only supports current compliance efforts but also lays the groundwork for proactive preparation for the ESPR and DPP.

Durability

Under the ESPR, the Commission places prominence on product circularity features such as durability and repairability. The official EU ESPR FAQ provides insights into compliance with durability measures, stating that requirements must be verifiable by market surveillance authorities.

Our Durability testing and verification marks helps clients differentiate their products in the market via credible, independent third-party assessment. Our durability testing specifications allow us to assess products for their durability for categories in which extended life would deliver significant, positive impacts and allows businesses to identify where improvements need to be made before the DPP comes into force. There are two durable testing marks available – Durable SILVER and Durable GOLD which are awarded to products that achieve durability above the accepted published industry standards.

These add value by demonstrating elevated performance above normal industry standards, helping to support sustainability claims and appeal to consumers who prioritise eco-friendly practices.

Recognising opportunity with DPP compliance

Businesses that embrace the digital architecture behind the DPP can turn regulatory pressure into operational efficiency. Gathering comprehensive supply chain traceability and product data will result in data that can serve many needs, particularly regarding DPP compliance.

The key to having a DPP programme is ensuring the implementation of tools and processes that can be used to gain or support compliance with multiple regulations and requirements, underpinned by excellent regulatory knowledge, data validation and material and product expertise.

Eurofins Sustainability Services’ Roadmap to Ready provides Digital Passport solutions for DPP compliance, so you can achieve supply chain traceability, chemical compliance, and durability in your products.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can use Eurofins Sustainability Services’ Roadmap to Ready to make meaningful strides on your journey to DPP compliance, contact us! We will be your partner to innovate your sustainability testing with our Digital Passport solutions.

Digital Product Passport resources to assist with DPP compliance

Eurofins is passionate about providing you with accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information. Please see below for valuable resources on DPP compliance, Digital Passport solutions, and supply chain traceability.

• White paper | DPP Compliance: The roadmap to ready. Download now!
• Webinar On-demand | Digital Product Passport: The roadmap to ready. Watch now!
• White paper | AGEC’s Product Sheet for Effective DPP Preparation. Download now!
• White paper | The EU’s Digital Product Passport: Unlocking a circular future. Download now!
• Article | Roadmap to Digital Product Passport (DPP) compliance. Read now!
• Webinar On-demand: The EU’s Digital Product Passport. Watch now!
• Article | The rising importance of supply chain due diligence. Read now!
• Article | Preparing for the EU Digital Product Passport (DPP). Read now!
• Article | Strengthen compliance with supply chain traceability. Read now!
• Article | The role of durability testing in sustainable product development Read now!
• Webinar On-demand | Introducing durability testing and verification marks. Watch now!

Frequently asked questions about DPP compliance