Market signal
EU Textile Digital Product Passports: Prepare the Records, Not Just a QR Code
For apparel buyers, the useful preparation is consistent material and manufacturing information. Textile-specific passport requirements are still being developed.
A digital product passport will only be as useful as the records behind it. Before selecting a platform, make sure your collection's fibre specification, material references and manufacturing information can be connected to the correct product.
What has been decided
Textile apparel is a priority under the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation working plan. The European Commission states that textile-specific passport requirements will be defined in a future delegated act. This is not a blanket obligation already in force for every garment, and an indicative policy timetable is not a product compliance deadline.
The practical distinction is between preparing reliable records now and claiming compliance with requirements that have not yet been finalised. Keep both the product scope and the applicable transition period under review as the legislation develops.
Start with a usable product record
Connect the style reference to its approved bill of materials, fibre composition, fabric and trim references, and manufacturing locations. Keep revisions identifiable: a changed lining or elastic may leave the style name unchanged while changing the information needed to describe it accurately.
For repeat orders, decide which records stay at style level and which need updating for a material lot or production order. This is a procurement control, not a claim that every one of these fields will become mandatory passport data.
Agree who supplies and checks each field
A brand may hold the product identifier and consumer-facing information, while fabric mills, component suppliers and garment factories hold different manufacturing records. Ask who supplies each item, who checks it and how a revised record reaches the team responsible for publication.
Do not confuse public product information with unrestricted disclosure of commercial files. Agree access arrangements for sensitive supplier and order information rather than publishing an entire technical pack.
Turn preparation into a sourcing decision
When comparing suppliers, ask whether the proposed fabric, garment assembly and supporting documents can be reviewed together. A QR code linked to a generic company page does not establish product traceability.
DALI's China and Cambodia manufacturing network brings material development and garment production into the same sourcing discussion. Share the product category, destination and information requirements so the team can assess the records needed for the proposed manufacturing route. This is preparation support, not a claim of DPP certification.
Sources and further reading
Buyer questions
Are EU textile digital product passports already mandatory for every garment?
No. The European Commission says textile-specific requirements will be set through a future delegated act. Confirm the final scope and application dates for your product before treating a passport as mandatory.
What should apparel buyers prepare before the final textile rules?
Begin with consistent style references, approved material specifications, manufacturing locations and revision records. Final mandatory fields must be checked against the applicable legislation.
Review the information your collection needs.
Share the product category, destination market and supplier information requirements with DALI.
Discuss your sourcing requirements