In previous publications from the Ruse Chamber of Commerce and Industry's information series, we looked at what the Digital Product Passport is, what data it may contain, and which product groups are expected to be subject to the requirements at an earlier stage.

But what does this information look like in practice?

The Digital Product Passport will not simply be an electronic document or a static file. It will be a structured digital source of product information, where data can be organised into different sections and accessed according to the role of the respective user.

The Link Between the Physical Product and the Digital Passport

Access to the Digital Product Passport will be provided through a data carrier, such as a QR code, which, depending on the applicable requirements, may be placed on the product, label, packaging, or accompanying documentation.

Once scanned, the user is directed to the digital information for the respective product. The initial section of the passport may contain basic identification data such as:

product name;
model or product code;
manufacturer or other responsible economic operator;
country of manufacture;
unique identifier;
date of launch;
version or date of update of the information.

This creates a digital link to the specific physical product. Depending on the requirements applicable to the respective product category, the passport may be linked to a model, batch, or individual item.

Key Indicators at a Glance

The initial section of the product passport may present several key indicators that allow users to quickly understand the main characteristics of the product.

Depending on the relevant product group, these may include:

recyclability;
recycled material content;
carbon or ecological footprint;
energy performance;
repairability;
expected durability;
presence of substances of concern.

These summary indicators do not replace detailed data. They serve as an entry point to the individual sections of the passport, where additional information and supporting evidence may be provided.

Materials and Components

One of the important elements of the Digital Product Passport is information about the product's composition.

For simpler products, the percentage of the main materials may be indicated. For products with more components, the information may be organized by individual parts, modules or materials.

Depending on the product, the passport may include:

type and quantity of materials;
origin;
recycled content;
applicable certificates;
possibilities for reuse or recycling;
presence of certain substances.

This information has different value for different stakeholders. Consumers gain greater transparency about product composition. Repair services can identify which components can be replaced. Recycling companies receive information needed for separating and properly treating materials.

Traceability Along the Production Chain

Product information is often generated by more than one company. Data may come from raw material suppliers, component manufacturers, processors, assembly companies, and the final manufacturer.

For this reason, the Digital Product Passport may contain information about the main stages of the supply chain, for example:

origin of raw materials;
production of materials;
processing and finishing;
component production;
assembly;
quality control;
packaging.

For a textile product, the production chain may include fiber production, spinning, weaving, dyeing, cutting, and sewing. For furniture, it may include woodworking, textile and foam production, metalworking, assembly, and finishing.

Some of this information may be visible to all users, while more detailed data on companies and suppliers may be accessible only to certain professional actors or competent authorities.

Information on Substances and Safety

The Digital Product Passport may also include information on substances relevant to health, safety, or the environment.

Depending on the characteristics of the specific product, this may include information on:

substances of very high concern;
formaldehyde;
heavy metals;
PFAS or other persistent chemicals;
biocides;
volatile organic compounds;
flame retardants;
other substances to which specific requirements apply.

Where applicable, this data may be linked to tests, declarations, certificates or other documentation.

Environmental Indicators

The Digital Product Passport may also provide structured information about the product's environmental impact.

Depending on the product group, it may include:

carbon footprint;
energy consumption;
water use;
content of recycled raw materials;
recyclability;
other indicators defined for the relevant product.

For the end user, some of this data may be presented in more digestible summaries. More detailed information on methodology, calculations or evidence may be intended for professional users or competent authorities.

Use, Maintenance and Repair

One of the important practical functions of the Digital Product Passport is to support longer product use.

The passport may contain:

instructions for proper use;
cleaning and maintenance instructions;
information about expected durability;
availability of spare parts;
repair instructions;
information about replaceable components;
contact or way to order spare parts.

This type of information can be useful for both the end user and service and repair companies.

For the consumer, it creates conditions for the product to be used and maintained correctly. For professionals, it can provide technical instructions, component characteristics, and information on safe disassembly.

End-of-Life Information

The Digital Product Passport may also support the proper treatment of the product once it reaches the end of its useful life.

The passport may indicate:

components suitable for reuse;
materials that can be recycled;
disassembly method;
instructions for separating materials;
parts that require special treatment;
renewal or resale options;
availability of a readmission scheme.

This information is particularly important for companies engaged in repair, refurbishment, reuse, and recycling.

Certificates and Supporting Documentation

One of the key features of the product passport is the possibility of linking part of the information provided to specific supporting documents.

These can be:

declarations of conformity;
certificates;
laboratory tests;
technical documentation;
assessments and analyses;
documents of origin;
applicable standards.

Depending on the type of document, details such as its number, issuing body, validity period, and verification method may also be provided.

This is one of the ways in which a Digital Product Passport differs from an ordinary product webpage, as the information may be linked to a specific source or document.

Not All Users Will Have the Same Level of Access

One of the important principles of the Digital Product Passport is that not all information needs to be publicly accessible. Different stakeholders may receive different levels of access depending on their role.

End users, for example, may be able to view basic information on:

composition;
characteristics;
maintenance;
durability;
sustainability;
recycling.

Professional users may have access to more detailed information, such as:

technical characteristics;
repair instructions;
component information;
disassembly data;
documents and test results.

Customs and market surveillance authorities may be given access to the data required to verify product identification and compliance.

This approach makes it possible to provide the necessary information while protecting sensitive technical and commercial information.

Information May Change Throughout the Product Life Cycle

he Digital Product Passport should not be regarded as a file created once and then left unchanged. Depending on the product and the applicable requirements, some information may be updated following:

repair;
technical inspection;
component replacement;
change in certificate status;
renovation;
reuse;
other life cycle events.

For products subject to individual identification, it may be possible to track certain events for the specific item.

What the Practical Application of the Digital Product Passport Shows

What does the practical application of the Digital Product Passport show?

In practice, the Digital Product Passport can bring together information about:

product identification;
main product features;
materials and components;
production stages;
substances and safety;
environmental indicators;
maintenance and repair;
treatment after use;
certificates and supporting documents;
different levels of access.

The specific structure and scope of the data will depend on the requirements for the relevant product group. The general principle is that the information should be structured, verifiable, up-to-date and accessible to the participants who have the right to use it.

For a more visual illustration of what a Digital Product Passport may look like, you can view a demonstration example here:

Digital Product Passport – Demo

This material is part of the RTIK information series on the Digital Product Passport. The illustrations and demonstration example used are provided by Wiara - Daas Ltd and show an exemplary way to structure and visualize product information.

Note: This publication was prepared with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence, used to support content structuring, source verification, and text formulation. The final version reflects the author's expert contribution and editorial review. The information is current as of 19 August 2026 and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

Digital product passport in practice: what it looks like and what information it provides