EU ESPR JRC Study Proposes DPP Content Requirements for Textile Apparel

SG 091/26

European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) publishes ‘Study on DPP Content for Textile Apparel Products under ESPR’.

In May 2026, the JRC published ‘Study on DPP content for textile apparel products under ESPR’, a preparatory report outlining proposed data content for the future delegated act on textile apparel under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). This comprehensive study shifts the apparel industry away from self-regulated, fragmented sustainability claims and moves it into a highly standardized, mandatory digital ecosystem. It details mandatory data elements, how data will be structured, and how the Digital Product Passport (DPP) will function as a regulatory gateway to the EU market.

Product scope

Applies to textile products containing at least 80% textile fibers by weight. Including most garments, accessories, technical sportswear and workwear. Excludes intermediate products (fabrics, yarns), smart/e-textiles, PPE, medical devices and toys.

Proposed DPP content

The JRC proposes a structured set of data organized into four main categories, aligned with ESPR Annex III. Many elements build on existing requirements, while others address industry gaps.

1. Product identification & classification: unique product identifier (GTIN/SGTIN), batch identifier, model identifier, ESPR/PEFCR category and commodity codes (HS/TARIC)
2. Producer information: manufacturer/importer details, GLN identifiers and facility information
3. Product information: fiber composition, mechanical durability (robustness score supported by standardized test results), substances of concern (SoC identification, location within the article and concentration – currently showing low readiness), recycled/organic content (supported by chain of custody), environmental footprint (PEFCR-aligned) and care instructions.
4. Compliance documentation: EU Declaration of Conformity, technical specifications and test reports

Granularity & access

• Granularity: model-level refers to a version of a product where all units share the same design, pattern, and technical features. It does not need to differentiate items by color or size. Batch-level refers to a group of products from the same model that were made together in the same factory at the same time, using the same materials and processes. The raw materials used may come from different batches. Item-level is defined as a single individual unit of a model
• Access Rights (role-based model): Basic information such as fiber composition, identifiers, care instructions, and a robustness score will be publicly available. Parties with legitimate interests, such as recyclers, will have access to more detailed data, including the location of SoC within the product and the absolute values of the environmental footprint. Regulators, such as market surveillance authorities and customs will be granted full access to conformity documentation and certification, and the calculation parameters for environmental footprint assessments

Timeline for mandatory enforcement

The European Commission is expected to adopt the final Textile Delegated Act by late 2027. Following the standard transition period, compliance with the DPP is expected to become mandatory for all apparel sold in the EU market. Looking ahead, the regulatory scope is expected to expand beyond apparel to encompass all textile categories and eventually roll out to cover a broader range of physical consumer goods.

Technical recommendations

Economic operators should map existing product data against the four categories to strengthen the chain of custody for recycled materials, enhance their chemical management systems and align durability testing with international standards. They should also closely monitor the forthcoming stakeholder consultation and associated impact assessment processes conducted by the European Commission.

Reference:

Study on DPP content for textile apparel products under ESPR - Textiles_DPP_20260513

SGS is committed to providing information about development in regulations for consumer products as complimentary services. Through a global network of laboratories, SGS provides a wide range of services including physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. Contact us for more information or visit our website. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.