The product requirements under ESPR will include new criteria on circularity, carbon and environmental footprint, and will also include additional clarifications of existing requirements. In this way, ESPR broadens and extends the scope of the current Ecodesign Directive, which only focused on energy-related products.

Importantly, ESPR is designed as framework legislation which means it does not yet contain the specific product requirements but rather, it will enable product-specific rules to be laid down in a second stage, via delegated acts. This doesn’t mean that all products under the scope will be covered. Rather, prioritisation of products to be covered will be carried out and careful planning will be needed so that the EU intervenes when and where it brings the most added value.

What are the main features of ESPR?

• Performance and information requirements for greener products
• Tackle the destruction of unsold goods
• Waste prevention and reduction
• Mandatory criteria for green public procurement
• Digital Product Passport and new labelling rules
• Stronger market surveillance

A key element of the ESPR is the Digital Product Passport (DPP), which is a tool that will make product-specific information accessible via a digitally enabled data carrier such as a QR code. Thanks to the DPP, actors will have access to specific product-information that is relevant to them.  For instance, consumers will be able to access information on the reparability of the product or its carbon footprint. Meanwhile, remanufacturers will be able to access information on its main components, spare parts and instructions for safe disassembly of the product. The DPP will also enable market surveillance and customs authorities to efficiently carry out their duties and oversee the life story of a product throughout its value chain. The key role that the DPP will have on improving product transparency and data availability makes it an integral part of the ESPR proposal.

To conclude, the ESPR is a flagship initiative of the European Green Deal that will help operationalize a circular economy for products and align our production and consumption system with circular principles. The proposal brings environmental benefits, as well as benefits to consumers, to supply chain actors, and to the EU economy as a whole. The proposal is currently negotiated with the Council and the European Parliament. If everything goes smoothly, it should enter into force by mid-2024, allowing the Commission to develop product-specific requirements in collaboration with EU institutions, Member States experts, industries and stakeholders.

HOW ESPR FITS IN WITH OTHER INITIATIVES

ESPR ALLOWS FOR THE SETTING OF PRODUCT-LEVEL ECODESIGN REQUIREMENTS TO IMPROVE THE FOLLOWING PRODUCT ASPECTS: