We’ve had a lot of conversations lately with customers and partners who are trying to wrap their heads around the Digital Product Passport (DPP). And no surprise - it’s a big topic. The 2026 deadline is on everyone's radar, but there's still a lot of uncertainty about what it means in practice.
So here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what we’re hearing, what clients are asking, and how the most prepared teams are approaching DPP.
Digital Product Passport: Top Questions Answered
With the 2026 deadline approaching, more teams are asking how to make their product data DPP-ready. Below are the most common questions we hear - from quick fixes that won’t cut it, to the systems that actually make compliance possible.
1. We have QR codes on our packaging - aren’t we already compliant?
This is probably the most common misconception we hear. Yes, QR codes will play a role in displaying the DPP. But the QR code is just the doorway. The real challenge is what’s behind that door: structured, trustworthy, and complete product data. And a lot of e-commerce businesses aren't there yet.
The data needs to be centralised, version-controlled, and formatted to EU interoperability standards. That means no more scattered spreadsheets, no more guessing who owns what. It also means having systems in place to update, distribute and surface that information automatically.
2. Can’t we just handle this in our ERP?
In short: no.
Those systems weren’t built to enrich or publish product information across customer-facing channels. We’re seeing that the teams who rely on their ERP to deliver DPP data quickly run into problems: missing sustainability attributes, siloed documents, poor multilingual support, no readiness for syndication to marketplaces or e-commerce channels.
This is where PIM (Product Information Management) platforms work best - especially modern, composable ones. Bluestone PIM, for example, is designed to support structured and unstructured data, collect and manage documentation, and distribute it everywhere it needs to go, from a single source.
PIM system is really the backbone for DPP compliance. It brings all structured and unstructured product data into one place and makes it accessible and adaptable.
3. How should we even start?
Leading teams aren’t trying to boil the ocean. They’re:
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Auditing existing product data
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Flagging gaps (origin, carbon impact, disposal info)
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Creating new data models for sustainability and compliance
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Setting up central repositories with clear governance
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Starting with their highest-risk product lines first (like textiles or electronics)
The goal isn’t perfection on day one. It’s momentum, clarity, and a structured roadmap.
Not sure how to start? Check out our comprehensive guide.
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Preparing for the Digital Product Passport Regulation
Is your business ready for the digital product passport (DPP) regulation? Our all-in-one guide breaks down everything you need to get yourself prepared.
4. What kind of data needs to be included in a Digital Product Passport?
Beyond basic product details, companies must collect and manage data on materials, carbon footprint, energy use, recyclability, and more. Are you sure your current systems can support this level of structured data?
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5. Shouldn't we wait for the final guidelines?
Totally fair. But it doesn’t mean you have to stand still.
Even if every detail hasn’t been finalised, the direction is clear. And marketplaces, distributors, and platforms will start enforcing their own rules well before the official deadlines. The earlier you get your data in shape, the easier it will be to adapt.
We often say: if your product data isn’t DPP-ready by the time guidelines are finalised, it’s already too late.
What we’re seeing is that companies who already prioritise sustainability and transparency have a head start. The rest can’t afford to wait around.
Explore How Companies Approach Sustainability
6. So what happens if we do nothing until 2026?
Missing the DPP deadline isn’t just a legal risk. You could lose access to key marketplaces, fall behind competitors who already offer transparency, and damage your brand’s sustainability credibility.
Is Your Business DPP-Ready?
The DPP isn't just another regulation. It's a stress test for how well your organisation manages product data. The ones who treat it as a technical upgrade won't gain much. But those who treat it as a chance to clean up, modernise, and tell a better story about their products? They'll stand out.
And we’re here to help you get there.
Schedule a meeting with our experts to explore how Bluestone PIM can help you get DPP-ready.
