New EU Product Rules Demand Action

export-import

A major change is coming to the way products are traded and tracked across the EU and businesses that fail to prepare could face serious compliance challenges. 

The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is being introduced as part of the EU’s wider push toward a circular economy, and it will soon be mandatory for a wide range of finished goods and materials.

From 2026 onwards, exporters to the EU, especially initially in sectors like textiles, tyres, furniture and metals, will need to provide detailed, structured data with every product. That means full visibility over materials, sourcing, environmental impact, and recycling or repair information. All of this will need to be digitally accessible, up to date, and aligned with new EU sustainability standards.

What Is the Digital Product Passport?
The DPP is a unique digital identifier linked to a comprehensive data set that travels with a product throughout its life. It aims to increase transparency, improve environmental outcomes, and enable smarter regulation across the EU’s internal market.

The data may include:

  • Material composition and sourcing origins
  • Energy use and emissions
  • Safety and compliance certifications
  • Repairability and recyclability guidance
  • Supply chain traceability and lifecycle updates

Accessible via scannable tags or embedded links, the DPP will require integration with digital systems across multiple tiers of the supply chain.

When Does It Apply?
The DPP will be rolled out gradually by sector and intermediate materials:

2027 – Textiles, apparel, and tyres
2028 – Furniture
2029 – Mattresses

Intermediate materials:

2026 – Iron & steel
2027 – Aluminium

For UK manufacturers exporting to the EU, the new rules will demand a step-change in how product and supply chain data is captured and shared. EU importers must also be ready to receive, validate and manage this information as part of their compliance protocols.

How to Prepare
Although final specifications are still being confirmed, the direction is clear: supply chains must become digitally enabled, transparent, and sustainability-ready. 

Key steps include:

  • Mapping existing product data and identifying gaps
  • Collaborating with suppliers to trace materials across all tiers
  • Upgrading IT systems for structured data management and sharing
  • Preparing for increased scrutiny and potential border checks

This transition will be complex, especially for businesses with multi-layered supply chains, but those who act now will reduce risk, strengthen brand reputation, and gain competitive edge in a sustainability-driven market.

Noatum Logistics: Your Partner for Digital Compliance
At Noatum Logistics, we’re already working with clients to assess their readiness for the Digital Product Passport. Our Global Trade Management experts are developing the digital infrastructure and supply chain workflows needed to meet evolving EU compliance standards.

From data traceability to customs integration, we support importers and exporters with the tools, insight and technology to stay compliant—and unlock long-term value from transparent, sustainable operations.

Ready for the DPP?
Let Noatum Logistics help you prepare your products, partners and systems for the next phase of EU regulation.

Learn more about our compliance and trade management solutions:
Global Trade Management