What you need to know about the new Ecodesign Regulation

On July 18, 2024, the EU published a new Ecodesign Regulation, 2024/1781, which will revolutionize how we manufacture and consume products. This regulation marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future and includes two main components:

• Requirements for sustainable products
• The introduction of digital product passports

The goal of the Ecodesign Regulation: Reducing environmental impact throughout a product’s lifecycle

The new Ecodesign Regulation sets higher standards for sustainability in product design and manufacturing. The aim is to reduce environmental impact throughout the entire product lifecycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life waste management. Manufacturers will need to:

• Increase energy efficiency: Products must be designed to consume less energy during use.
• Improve repairability: Spare parts and repair information must be accessible to consumers and independent workshops.
• Promote recycling: Materials used in production must be recyclable and easy to separate.

Digital Product Passports – What Are They?

One of the most innovative aspects of the new regulation is the introduction of digital product passports. Although the specific regulation detailing digital product passports has not yet been published, standardization efforts are already underway. These passports will provide detailed information about a product’s origin, material composition, repair options, and recycling instructions.

Benefits of digital product passports include:

• Transparency: Consumers gain access to detailed information about products, enabling more environmentally conscious choices.
• Traceability: Manufacturers can track a product’s entire lifecycle to ensure compliance with sustainability requirements.
• Efficient recycling: Recycling facilities receive precise material information, simplifying proper recycling and reducing waste.

The regulation defining digital product passports is expected to be published in 2025. Afterward, industries will have two years to adapt.

Digital Product Passports and You as a Consumer

One of the most significant advantages of digital product passports is empowering consumers to make sustainable choices. You will quickly gain insights into a product’s origin, manufacturer, production methods, and material composition.

Digital Product Passports and Customs

Another critical aspect of digital product passports is their role in customs controls. As products cross international borders, customs authorities play a key role in ensuring compliance with legislation. Digital product passports simplify this process by:

• Quick verification: Customs can swiftly verify a product’s origin and content by scanning the digital passport, reducing the risk of counterfeit or illegal goods.
• Compliance with standards: Digital product passports ensure products meet international standards and regulations, enabling smoother customs clearance.
• Environmental and safety requirements: Customs can confirm that products meet specific environmental and safety standards, preventing the import of hazardous or non-compliant goods.
• Efficiency: Digitizing product information reduces paperwork and administrative work, speeding up processing times and cutting costs for businesses and customs authorities alike.

This increased efficiency and security at customs are among the many benefits of the new Ecodesign Regulation, fostering a more transparent and sustainable market for all stakeholders.

Which Products Will Require Digital Product Passports?

It is still unclear exactly which products will require digital product passports, as the specific regulation is not yet published.

We know the following products will require digital product passports:

• Toys
• Batteries
• Textiles and clothing (including shoes)
• Furniture (including mattresses)

The following products are likely to require digital product passports:

• Electronic products
• Certain machinery
• Chemicals
• Vehicle tires
• Paints
• Lubricants

The following categories will be excluded:

• Food
• Medicine
• Animal feed

The rules will be implemented gradually, prioritizing products with high environmental impact and improvement potential.