Digital Product Passport for Electronics: What Manufacturers and Sellers Need to Know

Digital Product Passports for Electronics

Electronics are among the most resource-intensive products manufactured globally. The EU has prioritized the electronics sector for Digital Product Passport implementation, with requirements expected to take effect for smartphones, laptops, and household appliances from 2026–2027.

Why Electronics Are a Priority for DPPs

The electronics industry faces several sustainability challenges that DPPs are designed to address:

• Short product lifespans: Many electronics are replaced every 2–3 years
• Difficult repairability: Glued components, proprietary screws, and unavailable spare parts
• Hazardous materials: Lead, mercury, cadmium, and rare earth elements
• E-waste crisis: 53.6 million tonnes of e-waste generated globally in 2019

The EU's Right to Repair initiative and ESPR work together to address these issues.

What Must an Electronics DPP Include?

Product Identity

• Model number, IMEI (for mobile devices), serial number
• Brand and manufacturer information
• Date of manufacture

Technical Specifications

• Energy efficiency class (A+++ to G scale)
• Power consumption (standby, active, off mode)
• Battery capacity and expected lifespan (for battery-powered devices)

Repairability Score

The EU is developing a standardized repairability score (similar to France's existing index) that must appear on electronics DPPs. Factors include:

• Availability of spare parts
• Ease of disassembly
• Availability of repair documentation
• Software support duration

Hazardous Substances

• RoHS compliance declaration
• List of restricted substances and their concentrations
• REACH compliance for chemicals of concern
• Conflict minerals declaration (if applicable)

Certifications

• CE marking
• Energy Star
• TCO Certified (for IT equipment)
• EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool)

End of Life

• WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) registration number
• Recycling instructions
• Take-back program information
• Battery removal instructions

The Right to Repair Connection

The EU's Right to Repair Directive (adopted 2024) works alongside ESPR to ensure:

• Manufacturers must provide spare parts for at least 7–10 years
• Repair documentation must be publicly available
• Software updates must be available for a minimum period
• Independent repair shops must have access to tools and parts

Your electronics DPP should link to or include this repair information.

Practical Steps for Electronics Sellers

For Manufacturers

1. Document all materials and components
2. Calculate repairability score
3. Prepare RoHS and REACH compliance documentation
4. Register with WEEE schemes in EU member states
5. Create DPPs for each product model

For Importers and Resellers

1. Request DPP data from your suppliers/manufacturers
2. If data is unavailable, you may need to conduct your own testing
3. Ensure DPPs are attached to products before EU market entry
4. Appoint an EU Authorized Representative if you are based outside the EU

Electronics DPP with AuraDPP

AuraDPP's Electronics template includes all required fields for electronics DPPs, including:

• Energy efficiency class
• Repairability score
• Hazardous substance declarations
• WEEE information

Create your electronics DPP at auradpp.com