Philippine exporters to the European Union (EU) will soon be required to submit detailed digital records on the environmental impact of their products as the bloc begins implementing its Digital Product Passport (DPP), a system designed to strengthen sustainability and supply chain transparency.
The DPP will be introduced in phases, with initial product-level requirements covering priority sectors such as batteries, textiles and garments, electronics and information and communication technology (ICT), furniture, construction products, and selected chemicals starting this year.
The Digital Product Passport is a digital record linked to a product that contains standardized information on sustainability and circularity, including materials and substances used, manufacturing and supply chain data, and details on repair, reuse, recycling, and disposal.
A typical DPP includes product identification, materials and chemical substances, sustainability and circularity indicators such as carbon footprint and energy efficiency, compliance and technical documentation, and end-of-life information such as disassembly instructions, recycling guidance, and waste classification.
The European Commission (EC) said the specific data to be included in the DPP will depend on the product concerned and will be defined in close consultation with relevant stakeholders.
“This information will be accessible electronically, making it easier for consumers, manufacturers, and authorities to make more informed decisions related to sustainability, circularity, and regulatory compliance,” the EC said on its website.
The Commission added that the system will allow customs authorities to conduct automated checks on the existence and authenticity of DPPs for imported products.
According to the EC, the Digital Product Passport is a core requirement of the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and forms part of the European Green Deal.
The ESPR, which entered into force in July 2024, seeks to improve the sustainability of products placed on the EU market by enhancing their circularity, energy performance, recyclability, and durability.
Launched in 2019, the European Green Deal is the EU’s growth strategy aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Tags: Philippine exports, European Union, Digital Product Passport, EU trade rules, sustainability, circular economy, Green Deal, Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, exporters, supply chain transparency