What is the EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) and what data will apparel need?

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a core tool of the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). Textiles are a priority category, and garments sold in the EU are expected to carry a data carrier (QR code or similar) linking to a structured product record. Final timing depends on delegated acts, with apparel expected in the first waves around 2027 and beyond - which means brands placing 2027/2028 seasonal orders should build the data pipeline into development now.

What the passport is expected to contain for apparel:

• Product identity: style, model, batch and unique product identifiers.
• Material composition: fibre percentages, trims, and substances of concern status.
• Supply chain traceability: where the fabric was made, where the garment was cut and sewn.
• Circularity data: recyclability, recycled content (GRS-certified where applicable), care and repair information.
• Compliance documents: references to test reports and certificates behind the claims.

What a custom manufacturer must provide: accurate bill of materials, mill-level fabric origin, and test report references in a structured format your DPP platform can ingest. UniOuter supplies BOM-level documentation and certification references with shipments, which maps directly onto DPP data fields.

Read our 2027 workwear market outlook covering DPP and ESG scoring for the wider regulatory timeline.