Global Supply Chains and the Digital Product Passport: What Non-EU Suppliers Must Know
- madslinjen
- Sep 22
- 3 min read

The EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is about to reshape how goods flow into the European market. At the heart of this transformation lies the Digital Product Passport (DPP), a mandatory digital record that provides detailed information about a product’s composition, lifecycle, compliance, and sustainability.
While much of the conversation so far has focused on European manufacturers, the impact of DPPs extends far beyond EU borders. Suppliers in China, Taiwan, the US, and other global markets will play a critical role in making DPPs work and in staying competitive in the years ahead.
Why Non-EU Suppliers Must Act Now
If you supply to European manufacturers or distributors, the ESPR means your product data will be required. Without it, your customers in the EU will not be able to generate a compliant DPP, and your products may lose access to the market.
Key requirements include:
Accurate materials and component data (chemical composition, origin of raw materials, recyclability).
Lifecycle and sustainability information (carbon footprint, energy efficiency, repairability).
Compliance documentation (CE marking, REACH, RoHS, ISO certifications, safety declarations).
Even if your company is not based in the EU, the pressure to deliver standardized data will come from your European partners. The responsibility for creating the DPP lies with the “economic operator” placing the product on the EU market, but suppliers must provide the building blocks.
The Challenge for Global Suppliers
For suppliers outside Europe, the challenge is twofold:
Regulatory Complexity
The ESPR and delegated acts are detailed and evolving. Keeping track of which data is required, and in what format, is a heavy lift.
Data Management
Many suppliers still rely on manual or fragmented systems for compliance reporting. Converting this into standardized, machine-readable DPP data requires investment and know-how.
Without preparation, suppliers risk slowing down their European partners or being replaced by competitors who are DPP-ready.
How Protag Helps Suppliers Outside the EU
At Protag, we bridge this gap by making DPP adoption seamless for global suppliers.
China & Taiwan Networks
We work closely with manufacturers and suppliers across China and Taiwan, helping them structure product and component data for European compliance. With established partners on the ground, we ensure that Asian suppliers are not left behind as ESPR takes effect.
US Partnerships
For American suppliers exporting to the EU, we provide both compliance tools and advisory services to align with upcoming sector-specific DPP requirements (electronics, batteries, textiles, construction materials, etc.).
Automated Data Conversion
Protag’s platform takes supplier data; whether in spreadsheets, certificates, or ERP systems, and transforms it into compliant DPP records, linked directly to the final product.
Ecosystem Integration
Our solution connects manufacturers, suppliers, certifiers, and regulators in one ecosystem, cutting down administrative costs while ensuring transparency and traceability.
Strategic Benefits for Suppliers
Being DPP-ready is more than just compliance:
Preferred Supplier Status: EU manufacturers will prioritize suppliers who can deliver structured, ready-to-use data.
Faster Market Access: Products won’t be delayed at compliance checkpoints.
Stronger Relationships: Suppliers who help customers meet regulatory burdens become long-term strategic partners.
Competitive Advantage: Early adoption signals reliability and forward-thinking to global buyers.
Conclusion: The Time to Prepare is Now
The ESPR may be an EU regulation, but its impact is global. For suppliers in China, Taiwan, the US, and beyond, the Digital Product Passport will become the new language of trade with Europe.
Those who act now, by digitizing compliance data and partnering with trusted providers — will strengthen their market position and safeguard their access to Europe’s vast marketplace.
At Protag, we are uniquely positioned to support this transition. With strong networks in Asia and the US, and a platform built for efficiency, we make it possible for non-EU suppliers to deliver compliance-ready data and thrive in a new era of transparent, sustainable trade.
References
European Commission (2022) Proposal for a Regulation on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products (ESPR). COM(2022) 142 final. Brussels: European Commission.
European Parliament & Council (2023) Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on General Product Safety (GPSR). Official Journal of the European Union.
One Click LCA (2023) What is a Digital Product Passport? Available at: https://oneclicklca.com/en/resources/articles/digital-product-passport-whats-a-dpp
Piconext (2024) Understanding Digital Product Passports – FAQ. Available at: https://piconext.com/article/understanding-digital-product-passports-faq
Protokol (2023) Digital Product Passport: The Complete Guide. Available at: https://www.protokol.com/insights/digital-product-passport-complete-guide
Z2Data (2023) EU’s Digital Product Passport: Everything You Need to Know. Available at: https://www.z2data.com/insights/eus-digital-product-passport