The EU Digital Product Passport legal framework entered into force as of July 2026. In July, the European Commission launched the Digital Product Passport Registry System and its testing environment. Through documented APIs, businesses will be able to access a free semantic repository providing machine-readable data models, definitions and vocabularies across different product groups. This will improve interoperability, facilitate data management and support the wider implementation of the Digital Product Passport across different sectors. The Registry System also includes a verification framework and registration system designed to strengthen security, accountability and reliable access management. The Digital Product Passport will subsequently be introduced gradually for selected product groups. Priority sectors include batteries, textiles, iron and steel, and construction products.

The rules concerning the Digital Product Passport are of particular relevance to Turkish manufacturers and traders exporting to the EU market or supplying inputs for exported products. IKV Chairperson Dr. Ayhan Zeytinoğlu made the following statement, drawing attention to the implications of the Digital Product Passport for exporters and manufacturers in Türkiye:

“The EU Digital Product Passport will gradually begin to apply from 2026 onwards to a number of sectors that also hold an important place in Türkiye’s exports to the EU. It is therefore relevant both to companies exporting directly and to manufacturers supplying inputs for export products or investing in the EU. In this context, it is important to understand the obligations associated with the Digital Product Passport. The EU Digital Product Passport serves as a digital container for products, components and materials, storing relevant information in order to support product sustainability, promote circularity and strengthen and facilitate legal compliance. It will be gradually introduced for selected product groups. While certain types of batteries are among the first sectors covered, additional product groups, including textiles, iron and steel, and construction products, will also be brought within its scope.

Depending on the product group, the Digital Product Passport may contain information relating to the product’s safety, origin, materials, repairability, environmental performance, circularity, end-of-life guidance, regulatory compliance, reuse and recycling, in accordance with the applicable data requirements. As Digital Product Passport requirements are gradually introduced across different product groups, companies need to start preparing for upcoming obligations, understand the requirements applicable to their sectors and closely follow the latest regulatory developments. Implementation is envisaged from 2026 for iron and steel, between 2026 and 2029 for energy-related products, from 2027 for textiles, tyres and aluminium, from 2028 for furniture, and from 2029 for mattresses and ICT products. Digital Product Passport obligations will apply to all manufacturers placing products covered by the relevant EU legislation on the Union market, regardless of whether those products are manufactured within the EU or imported.”

IKV Chairperson Dr. Zeytinoğlu finally highlighted the responsibilities associated with the Digital Product Passport:

“Responsibility for the creation and accuracy of the Digital Product Passport primarily lies with the entity placing the product on the EU market. These responsibilities include data collection, registration and life-cycle management. The manufacturer, authorised representative, importer or distributor placing the product on the market must provide product information digitally in accordance with the data structure and obligations specified in the relevant legislation. This information will form the content of the Digital Product Passport. The relevant companies must also ensure that a physical data carrier is attached to the product, its packaging or the documentation accompanying the product, as specified under the relevant product-specific legislation. The second stage is registration. The Digital Product Passport must be registered in the EU Registry in accordance with the relevant technical specifications and legal requirements. This registration will be mandatory for placing the product on the Single Market. For imported products, registration of the Digital Product Passport may also be relevant for the completion of customs procedures and release for free circulation. Third, responsible companies must ensure that the information contained in the Digital Product Passport remains accurate throughout the product’s life cycle. The full information requirements will be determined according to the product group concerned and the applicable legal framework.”