What the ESPR is
The ESPR (Regulation (EU) 2024/1781) entered into force in 2024 and replaces the older Ecodesign Directive. It expands ecodesign rules far beyond energy-related products to almost every category placed on the EU market.
Rather than regulating everything at once, the ESPR sets a framework. The European Commission then adopts delegated acts that define concrete requirements per product group.
What the ESPR requires
The regulation combines several obligations:
- A Digital Product Passport for each in-scope product
- Ecodesign requirements — durability, reparability, recycled content
- Rules to reduce the destruction of unsold consumer goods
- Information on substances of concern along the supply chain
Which products come first
The Commission's working plan prioritises product groups with high environmental impact. Textiles and apparel, iron and steel, furniture, tyres and electronics are among the first in line, with requirements phased in from the mid-2020s onward.
Preparing early is the safe choice: consolidating product data and publishing passports now avoids a rushed, expensive scramble when your category’s delegated act lands.
Frequently asked questions
When does the ESPR take effect?
The ESPR is already in force. Concrete obligations — including the Digital Product Passport — apply per product group as the Commission adopts delegated acts, phased in over the coming years.
Is the ESPR the same as the Digital Product Passport?
No. The ESPR is the regulation; the Digital Product Passport is one of the key instruments it introduces. Most in-scope products will need a DPP.
How can my company prepare for the ESPR?
Start by mapping your product data sources, identifying missing compliance and sustainability fields, and piloting Digital Product Passports for one product category.