prEN 18220

Digital product passport - Data carriers

This document defines requirements for data carriers used in a digital product passport system. This covers: symbology characteristics, format, error correction codes, encoding methods, printing and production quality, and durability.
This document also defines requirements on graphical or other indicators for easy recognition of DPP data carriers and the indication on the data carrier placement, machine readability, quality checking, links between physical product and digital representation.
The following aspects are out of scope: Architecture and use cases, Secure elements and any other cryptographic security features.

Digitaler Produktpass - Datenträger

Dieses Dokument definiert Anforderungen an Datenträger, die in einem digitalen Produktpasssystem verwendet werden. Dazu gehören: Symbologieeigenschaften, Format, Fehlerkorrekturcodes, Codierverfahren, Druck- und Produktionsqualität und Haltbarkeit.
Dieses Dokument definiert ebenfalls Anforderungen an graphische oder andere Indikatoren für die einfache Erkennung von DPP Datenträgern und die Angabe zu Datenträgerplatzierung, Maschinenlesbarkeit, Qualitätsprüfung und Verbindungen zwischen physischem Produkt und digitaler Darstellung.
Die folgenden Aspekte werden nicht behandelt: Architektur und Anwendungsfälle, sichere Elemente und andere kryptographische Sicherheitsmerkmale.

Passeport numérique des produits - Supports de données

Le présent document définit les exigences relatives aux supports de données utilisés dans un système de passeports numériques des produits. Cela couvre : les caractéristiques de symbologie, le format, les codes de correction d'erreur, les méthodes d’encodage, la qualité d'impression et de production, et la durabilité.
Le présent document définit également les exigences relatives aux indicateurs graphiques ou à d'autres indicateurs pour faciliter la reconnaissance des supports de données de DPP et l'indication sur le positionnement des supports de données, la lisibilité par machine, le contrôle de la qualité, les liens entre le produit physique et la représentation numérique.
Les aspects suivants ne relèvent pas du domaine d’application : Architecture et cas d'utilisation, Éléments sécurisés et toute autre fonction de sécurité cryptographique.

Digitalni potni list izdelka - Nosilci podatkov

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 21-May-2026
• ICS: 35.240.63 - IT applications in trade
• Technical Committee: JTC 24 - Digital Product Passport (DPP)
• Drafting Committee: WG 2 - Unique identifiers and data carriers
• Current Stage: 4060 - Closure of enquiry - Enquiry
• Start Date: 18-Sep-2025
• Due Date: 19-Sep-2025
• Completion Date: 18-Sep-2025
• Mandate: M/604 - COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 31.7.2024 on a standardisation request to the European Committee for Standardisation, the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation, and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute as regards digital product passports in support of Union policy on ecodesign requirements for sustainable products and on batteries and waste batteries
• Mandate: M/604 AMD 1 - COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) of 28.11.2025 amending Implementing Decision C(2024)5423 as regards the legal basis and the deadlines for the adoption of the standards.
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN 18220:2025 - Digital product passport - Data carriers

Overview

The prEN 18220:2025 standard, published by CEN, establishes comprehensive requirements for data carriers used in Digital Product Passport (DPP) systems. Focusing specifically on the physical and technical attributes of data carriers, this standard outlines specifications that ensure consistent identification, durability, and interoperability of DPP data carriers across products within the European Union and beyond.

This document plays a critical role in supporting the European Green Deal's vision of sustainability and circular economy by detailing how product information can be effectively linked to physical items through reliable data carriers. It does not cover system architecture, use cases, or cryptographic security features, maintaining a clear focus on data carrier technology and its performance.

Key Topics

• Data Carrier Characteristics
  Defines the symbology, format, encoding methods, and error correction codes necessary for effective and error-tolerant encoding of digital product passport data.

• Printing and Production Quality
  Specifies durability and quality standards for printing, labels, and embedded data carriers to ensure long-lasting readability throughout a product’s lifecycle.

• Machine Readability and Scanning
  Addresses performance requirements for barcode readers, NFC, HF RFID, and UHF RFID technologies, detailing the scanning and decoding process for each type.

• Graphical and Recognition Indicators
  Establishes guidelines for visual signage or indicators that facilitate easy identification of DPP data carriers by operators and automated systems.

• Placement and Accessibility
  Recommends optimal placement of data carriers on products, packaging, or accompanying documents to balance usability with physical and aesthetic product constraints.

• Data Encoding and Syntax
  Covers the data content, syntax, and character sets for encoding, helping ensure interoperability with industry-standard identification schemes like GS1 Digital Link URIs.

• Quality Verification and Testing
  Includes verification procedures and performance criteria to maintain data integrity, reliability, and readability of data carriers in real-world conditions.

Applications

The prEN 18220 standard supports wide-ranging applications related to sustainable product management and traceability:

• Sustainable Product Compliance
  Facilitates compliance with the Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR) by enabling transparent and accessible product data.

• Circular Economy Enablement
  Allows manufacturers, retailers, recyclers, and consumers to identify product material composition, repairability, and end-of-life instructions through reliable data carriers.

• Supply Chain Traceability
  Enhances supply chain transparency by providing machine-readable linkage between physical products and their digital records.

• Product Authentication and Anti-Counterfeiting
  Assists in preventing fraud with durable data carriers that can be easily scanned and verified across multiple touchpoints.

• Consumer Engagement
  Empowers consumers with immediate access to detailed product information by scanning QR codes, NFC tags, or RFID labels.

Related Standards

• ISO/IEC 18975: Provides guidance on product identification methods referenced in data syntax encoding examples in prEN 18220.

• GS1 Digital Link URI: An established scheme used within this standard for web-enabled, structured product identification via QR codes and other carriers.

• Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation (ESPR): The EU regulatory framework that prEN 18220 supports by specifying data carriers for digital passports.

• Barcode and RFID International Standards: Applicable standards detailing the technical specifications for data matrix, QR codes, NFC, HF RFID, and UHF RFID technologies.

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By standardizing data carrier requirements for digital product passports, prEN 18220:2025 ensures reliable linkage between the physical product and its digital identity, empowering stakeholders across industries to benefit from enhanced data accessibility, product sustainability, and regulatory compliance. This focal document is essential for manufacturers, regulators, and technology providers advancing sustainable and circular product innovations.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2025
Digitalni potni list za proizvode - Nosilci podatkov
Digital product passport - Data carriers
Digitaler Produktpass - Datenträger
Passeport numérique des produits - Supports de données
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 18220
ICS:
35.240.63 Uporabniške rešitve IT v IT applications in trade
trgovini
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD DRAFT
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
June 2025
ICS 35.240.63
English version
Digital product passport - Data carriers
Passeport numérique des produits - Supports de Digitaler Produktpass - Datenträger
données
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/CLC/JTC 24.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN and CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal
Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any
alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN and CENELEC in three official versions (English, French, German). A
version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN and CENELEC member into its own language
and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN and CENELEC members are the national standards bodies and national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium,
Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification
of any relevant patent rights of which they are aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre:
Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN/CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means
Ref. No. prEN 18220:2025 E
reserved worldwide for CEN national Members and for
CENELEC Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 5
Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Concepts . 9
4.1 DPP objective . 9
4.2 Basic specifications . 9
4.3 General considerations . 10
4.3.1 New and non-new products . 10
4.3.2 DPP and other applications . 10
4.3.3 Data carrier users and reading devices . 10
5 Requirements . 10
5.1 General . 10
5.2 Data encoding . 10
5.2.1 Data content . 10
5.2.2 Data syntax . 11
5.2.3 Character set . 11
5.3 Data carrier reading . 11
5.3.1 Reading process for barcodes . 11
5.3.2 Reading process for NFC . 11
5.3.3 Reading process for UHF RFID . 11
5.3.4 Decoding software . 11
5.4 Marking or embedding methods on product, packaging, labelling or associated
document on product . 11
5.4.1 General . 11
5.4.2 Marking on product item . 12
5.4.3 Marking on packaging . 12
5.4.4 Labelling . 12
5.4.5 Document . 12
5.4.6 Embedded . 12
5.5 Dimensional characteristics for barcodes . 13
5.5.1 Error correction . 13
5.5.2 Data carrier size . 13
5.6 Data carrier quality/performance . 13
5.6.1 General . 13
5.6.2 Two-dimensional symbols . 13
5.6.3 Barcode verification . 14
5.6.4 HF, UHF RFID and NFC . 14
5.7 Data carrier design . 14
5.7.1 Data carrier placement . 14
5.7.2 Human readable interpretation . 14
5.7.3 Signage . 14
5.7.4 Accessibility . 14
5.8 Other considerations . 15
5.8.1 References to recognised standards . 15
5.8.2 Proven technologies . 15
6 Data carrier technologies . 15
6.1 General . 15
6.2 Two-dimensional barcodes . 15
6.2.1 General . 15
6.2.2 Data Matrix . 15
6.2.3 QR Code . 16
6.2.4 Two-dimensional barcodes characteristics . 16
6.3 Radio frequency data carriers . 17
6.3.1 General . 17
6.3.2 HF RFID . 17
6.3.3 NFC . 18
6.3.4 UHF RFID . 19
Annex A (normative) Criteria for selection of data carriers - Mandatory criteria . 21
Annex B (informative) List of criteria to be considered when selecting a data carrier to
ensure success . 22
Annex C (informative) Examples of Data Syntax . 24
C.1 Example as described in ISO/IEC 18975 . 24
C.2 Example as described in [6] and [7] . 24
C.3 Example of [6] . 25
C.4 Example of [7] . 25
C.5 Examples of syntax with MH-10 . 26
C.6 Example of QR code embedding an identifier in URI a link, ISO/IEC 18975
compliant: GS1 Digital Link URI . 27
Annex D (informative) Data carriers and ID schemes for products . 28
D.1 General . 28
D.2 ID Scheme 5.1.2.1 Web enabled structured path identification for products . 28
D.2.1 General . 28
D.2.2 Example with a QR Code . 28
D.2.3 Example of QR Code with [53] using GS1 Digital Link URI syntax for ECC L . 29
D.2.4 Example with a Data Matrix . 29
D.2.5 Example of Data Matrix with [53] using GS1 Digital Link URI syntax . 29
D.2.6 Example of Data in an NFC tag . 29
D.3 ID Scheme 5.1.2.2 Web enabled query string ID for products, without structure . 29
D.3.1 Web enabled query string ID for products . 30
D.4 Example with a QR Code . 30
D.5 ID scheme 5.2.2.1: Identification Link (IL) with structure . 30
D.5.1 Example of Identification Link (IL) with structure, with graphical frame to indicate
item . 30
D.5.2 QR Code size of IL with graphical marking . 31
D.6 ID scheme 5.2.2.2: Identification Link (Structured ID Link) . 31
D.6.1 Example of Identification Link (IL) with structure and graphical frame to indicate
item . 32
D.6.2 QR Code size of IL with graphical marking . 32
D.6.3 Model Identification IL (product level with optional reuse of existing ID solutions)
QR Code size with graphical marking . 33
D.6.4 Example Model Identification (Product Code Level with optional reuse of existing
ID solutions) . 34
D.7 ID scheme 5.3: Decentralized Identifiers . 34
D.7.1 General . 34
D.7.2 Example with a QR Code . 35
D.8 ID scheme 5.4.2.1: Product and group identification, RFID . 36
D.9 ID scheme 5.4.1.2 Product and group identification, 2D-symbols . 36
D.9.1 Example with a QR Code . 37
D.10 ID scheme 5.5: Digital Object Identifier for products . 38
D.10.1 Example of DOI with a QR Code . 39
Annex E (informative) DPP data carrier recognition . 41
E.1 Example of Data carrier multiple use with implicit recognition . 41
E.2 Examples of data carrier with explicit recognition . 41
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of 2024/1781 . 43
Bibliography . 44
European foreword
This document (prEN 18220:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/CENELEC/JTC 24
Digital product passport – Framework and systems ", the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
Introduction
In 2019, the European Commission introduced the European Green Deal, a detailed strategic plan aimed
at sustainable growth. A key component of this plan is the Ecodesign for Sustainable Product Regulation
(ESPR)[1], which is designed to guide the European Union towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
The ESPR promotes a vision of a society that is equitable and thriving, functioning within a modern,
competitive, and circular economy, all while preserving a toxin-free environment.
In detail, the ESPR mandates the adoption of production and consumption patterns that are in harmony
with the Union’s comprehensive sustainability goals related to climate change, environmental
protection, energy use, resource efficiency, and biodiversity conservation, all within defined planetary
boundaries. To achieve these goals, the regulation introduces a set of stringent ecodesign requirements.
These are specifically crafted to enhance the durability, reliability, repairability, upgradability,
reusability, and recyclability of products. Such measures are vital for reducing waste, diminishing the
presence of hazardous substances in products, and improving their energy and resource efficiency.
Collectively, these requirements establish a rigorous framework for sustainability within the industry,
pivotal for supporting the Union's transition to sustainability.
To support the implementation of these comprehensive requirements, the ESPR highlights Digital
Product Passports (DPP) as a key element and a pivotal tool to ensure that all stakeholders in the value
chain—manufacturers, distributors, consumers, and recyclers— have access to essential, traceable, and
reliable product information, supporting informed consumer choices, and promoting better resource
management and sustainability practices.
The roll-out of the digital product passport (DPP) concept is set to occur gradually over the coming
years. Specific details, including what will be included in the DPP for various product groups and
intermediate products, will be outlined in delegated acts. This approach ensures a comprehensive
strategy that balances environmental objectives with regulatory requirements and stakeholder
expectations.
To support the implementation of the DPP concept, this document addresses suitable data carriers and
show how they meet the requirements. The ESPR defines ‘data carrier’ as a linear barcode symbol, a
two-dimensional symbol or other automatic identification data capture medium that can be read by a
device. It further stipulates that delegated acts will specify one or more data carriers to be used. This
document specifies common rules for how to construct the automatic identification and data capture
(AIDC) media to be used as data carrier linked to the product passport. These rules are based on the
requirements derived from the ESPR and from the subsequent standardisation request issued by the
European Commission. The requirements relate to the encoding capability, the dimensional
characteristics, quality, persistence and durability as applicable. This document includes data carriers
and shows how they meet the requirements.
1 Scope
This document defines requirements for data carriers used in a digital product passport system. This
covers: symbology characteristics, format, error correction codes, encoding methods, printing and
production quality, and durability.
This document also defines requirements on graphical or other indicators for easy recognition of DPP
data carriers and the indication on the data carrier placement, machine readability, quality checking,
links between physical product and digital representation.
The following aspects are out of scope: Architecture and use cases, Secure elements and any other
cryptographic security features.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
ISO/IEC 15961-1:2021, Information technology — Data protocol for radio frequency identification (RFID)
for item management — Part 1: Application interface
ISO/IEC 15961-2:2019, Information technology — Data protocol for radio frequency identification (RFID)
for item management — Part 2: Registration of RFID data constructs
ISO/IEC 15961-3:2019, Information technology — Data protocol for radio frequency identification (RFID)
for item management — Part 3: RFID data constructs
ISO/IEC 18046-1:2011, Information technology — Radio frequency identification device performance test
methods — Part 1: Test methods for system performance
ISO/IEC 18046-2:2020, Information technology — Radio frequency identification device performance test
methods — Part 2: Test methods for interrogator performance
ISO/IEC 18046-3:2020, Information technology — Radio frequency identification device performance test
methods — Part 3: Test methods for tag performance
ISO/IEC 19762:2025, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC)
techniques — Vocabulary
ISO/IEC 29158:2020, Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques
— Direct Part Mark (DPM) Quality Guideline
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC 19762:2025 and the
terms and definitions defined in clause 3 apply.
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
additional software
additional application, program, or tool that a user will install or access separately from the default
setup of most smartphones or similar devices to interact with the digital product passport
EXAMPLE        Proprietary applications, plugins or extensions, dedicated apps, specialized middleware, or
customized software readers.
Note 1 to entry: Standard functionalities, such as web browsers, camera-based QR readers, and universal
communication protocols (e.g. DNS, HTTP, HTTPS), are not considered as additional software.
3.2
barcode
printed data carrier indicating either a reference to a linear or a 2D matrix
Note 1 to entry: It excludes RFID data carriers.
3.3
batch
subset of a model that is grouped by the economic operator based on the identical properties
3.4
consumer
individual member of the general public purchasing or using goods, property or services for private
purposes
[SOURCE: [2]]
3.5
data carrier
device or medium used to store data as a relay mechanism in an automatic identification and data
capture system
3.6
digital product passport
DPP
digital record of product characteristics throughout its life cycle
Note 1 to entry: Example characteristics include environmental sustainability, environmental impact, and
recyclability.
3.7
economic operator
manufacturer, authorized representative, importer, distributor, dealer or fulfilment service provider
3.8
item
single unit of a model
3.9
life cycle
consecutive and interlinked stages of a product system, from raw material acquisition or generation
from natural resources to final disposal
[SOURCE: [3]]
3.10
model
version of a product of which all units share the same technical characteristics and the same model
identifier
3.11
NFC
near field communication
subset of HF passive radio-frequency identification with low range
3.12
persistence
existence, and ability to be used in services outside the direct control of the issuing assigner, without a
stated time limit
[SOURCE: [4]]
3.13
product
physical goods placed on the market or put into service
3.14
radio-frequency identification
RFID
identification technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags
attached to objects
3.15
RAIN
radio identification
UHF passive radio-frequency identification (3.14)
3.16
two-dimensional symbol
code representing data in machine-readable form by a collection of polygonal or circular cells in a regular
pattern which are read optically by scanning
3.17
unique identifier
identifier which is guaranteed to be unique among all identifiers used for those objects and for a specific
purpose
Note 1 to entry: A unique identifier refers to unique product identifier, unique economic operator identifier and
unique facility identifier.
[SOURCE: ISO 29404:2015 (Modified: Note 1 added)]
4 Concepts
4.1 DPP objective
The general objective of the DPP is to ensure that all value chain stakeholders have access to essential,
traceable, and reliable product information. This is done through a link to the web or a lookup
mechanism associated with the product. The identifier is represented in a data carrier that can be read
automatically. In cases where the lookup mechanism through an identifier is temporarily not available,
and there is sufficient space (barcode) or memory (RFID tag), additional information may be made
available in the data carrier.
4.2 Basic specifications
This document specifies the basic rules applicable to the data carriers. Additional legislations determine
precisely the level of identification (model, batch, item) and the data carriers that apply to a given
product group.
4.3 General considerations
4.3.1 New and non-new products
The DPP will apply to different product groups available on the market. The circular economy will
facilitate products to be sold, used, re-sold and re-used multiple times. In some cases, the identifier and
associated data carrier will remain unchanged through the lifecycle of the product. In other cases, if a
new digital product passport is needed, then a new identifier and the associated data carrier will be
required. The fact that a data carrier has to remain usable after several used-reused-repair cycles has
an impact on the durability of the support of the data carrier associated to the product.
4.3.2 DPP and other applications
Unique identification and associated data carrier technologies are widely used in some sectors for trade
and logistic applications, consumer communication via the web and support for other regulatory
requirements. Depending on the requirements set for a given product group, it may be that the existing
data carriers related to the product meet the DPP requirements, at least partially. The data carrier
specification for DPP should thus take into consideration the state of identification and data carriers'
usage in the product group and this usage includes production specifications established by existing
industry standards (eg: barcode module size, print quality and location, RFID tag frequency or memory
constraints). This is to say that DPP implementation will not necessarily imply the use of a new data
carrier.
4.3.3 Data carrier users and reading devices
It is expected that the DPP concept will be used by a large number of parties, where consumers are a
key target. Consumers will have the ability to discover relevant information about a product, which
might influence the purchasing decision. After purchase, the DPP will enable finding useful information
such as user manuals, safety instructions or guidelines for recycling.
The DPP will also be used by manufacturers, distributors, resellers, recyclers, etc., for example to verify
the availability and accuracy of information related to products, and to enable the reuse, repair, and
recycling of products. In addition, governmental agencies, such as customs, will use the DPP to access
relevant information about products.
The devices used to read the data carrier and access DPP information are smart devices and other AIDC
devices (e.g: industrial barcode scanners and RFID readers in the supply chain).
5 Requirements
5.1 General
This chapter describes the requirements that data carriers should meet, as stipulated in the ESPR
regulation.
A product item shall have at least one data carrier either on the product itself, on the packaging or on
documentation according to this document.
5.2 Data encoding
5.2.1 Data content
The data carrier shall encode the unique identifier that allows to access the DPP. The data carrier shall
comply with the rules of the unique ID to enable a smooth interoperability between systems, including
the syntax when used.
5.2.2 Data syntax
The data syntax refers to the way data is represented and structured within a data carrier. Each data
carrier type has a specific set of rules for encoding data, which ensures that readers and software can
interpret the data correctly. These rules include the sequence of data elements, the character sets
allowed, and the inclusion of start/stop characters or check digits for validation.
Data syntaxes as specified in Module 1 are in [5] or [6] or [7] or [8] or [9]
For examples of data syntax, see Annex C.
5.2.3 Character set
The unique product identifier should be presentable in a URI, using the character set specified by IETF
RFC 3986 (Uniform Resource Identifier (URI): Generic Syntax).
Other data can be encoded using characters specified in [10] (Information technology — 8-bit single-
byte coded graphic character sets — Part 1: Latin alphabet No. 1) or [11] (Information technology —
7-bit coded character set for information interchange.
5.3 Data carrier reading
5.3.1 Reading process for barcodes
The process of reading the DPP data carrier is usually performed by a human operator, handling one
product at a time. The reading distance of the DPP data carrier will typically be between 2 and 30
centimetres. For barcodes, this distance can vary depending on several factors, such as barcode quality,
lighting conditions, barcode size.
5.3.2 Reading process for NFC
NFC technologies operate in a one-to-one communication mode between a reader and a tag. The DPP
data carrier reading process is thus similar to the process used when the DPP data carrier is a bar code.
5.3.3 Reading process for UHF RFID
UHF RFID (RAIN RFID) technology is designed to read multiple tags simultaneously over a distance of
several meters. Different techniques can be used to read only a specific tag, such as filtering by
communications protocol, adjusting the power output of the reader and the placement of the antenna,
filtering by software or letting the user choose (in a list).
5.3.4 Decoding software
For end consumer usage, the unique product identifier shall be useable to access DPP public information
without the need to register, download DPP-specific software, or add user credentials. For smart devices,
this implies that the decoding software should ideally be natively available in the operating system.
Significant research is underway to enable singulation of UHF tags by consumer smart devices. It is
expected this standard will be updated as international standards are established for this use of UHF
RFID.
5.4 Marking or embedding methods on product, packaging, labelling or associated
document on product
5.4.1 General
There shall be at least one data carrier containing the product identifier of the DPP provided either on
the product (preferred), embedded in the product (preferred), on the packaging or in the
documentation.
5.4.2 Marking on product item
This method refers to the process of permanently marking or engraving information directly onto a part
or product. There are several techniques that could be used to permanently identify a product
throughout its lifetime.
The advantage of product marking is that the identifier stays in principle with the product throughout
its complete lifetime.
5.4.3 Marking on packaging
The representation of the identifier with a data carrier is often part of the packaging of the product. This
approach is used commonly for consumer goods.
Here are some of the techniques used for packaging marking:
— Laser Marking utilises lasers to engrave information onto a part's surface. It offers high precision,
readability, and durability.
— Thermal Transfer which is a printing method where a thermal print head applies heat to a ribbon,
transferring ink onto the substrate, usually label or film. It is commonly used for high-quality and
durable printing, such as barcodes, images and texts on labels.
— Inkjet Printing can be used for product marking, especially on surfaces where other techniques
may not be suitable.
If the product is re-sold, possibly refurbished, and re-used, there is a high probability that the original
packaging is damaged or no longer available. The data carrier encoding the link between the physical
product and its identifier is then lost.
5.4.4 Labelling
Another method is to attach a label with the data carrier on the product or on the product packaging.
Label media should be selected to endure for the full life of the product and the environment of the
product.
5.4.5 Document
The DPP product identifier may be included in a document accompanying the product. The document
may be physical or digital.
If the documentation is the only source of the DPP product identifier the data carrier shall be included
in the documentation accompanying the product.
— Examples of physical documentation: User manual, warranty documents customer printed receipt,
conformity documents…
— Examples of digital documentation: E-commerce web page, Digital customer receipt, Digital
Customer account, e-mail… We speak in this case of a digital copy of the data carrier.
5.4.6 Embedded
A data carrier used for digital product passport can be embedded into the product itself. Example: textile
products or tyres".
The main interest to permanently attach data carrier to the product is to ensure DPP will provide at any
time of its life cycle relevant information related to the product (consumer, authorities, recyclers.) to
increase circular economy.
5.5 Dimensional characteristics for barcodes
5.5.1 Error correction
Error correction code (ECC) is a crucial feature that helps 2D symbols, such as QR Codes and Data Matrix
codes, remain readable even if they are partially damaged, obscured, or dirty. ECC involves adding extra
data to the barcode a higher error correction level will in theory make the code more robust, but it will
also make the code larger. The error correction level will not necessarily make a barcode easier to read,
if the barcode print quality is poor.
5.5.2 Data carrier size
Several factors influence the size of the data carrier:
— the type of symbology;
— the X dimension that applies for the application;
— The selected error correction rate for data carrier technologies that support error correction;
— the amount of data encoded;;
— the encoding methods of characters and character sets
— the size of the product to which the dpp data carrier applies;
— the print method and the media.
Different industries and applications may have specific standards or recommendations for the X-
dimension to ensure compatibility with their scanning and printing equipment. The X-dimension shall
be chosen carefully to ensure that the barcode can be scanned accurately by the intended scanning
environments (e.g., Point-of-Sale and consumer mobile devices). The combination of the above factors
will determine the size of the data carrier. Opting for a smaller X-dimension to reduce the overall size
based on the required encoded data may lead to a higher-density barcode, which can be challenging for
lower-resolution scanners to read. The X-dimension also impacts printing. Printers need to have the
appropriate resolution to produce clear and distinct bars or modules at the chosen X-dimension.
5.6 Data carrier quality/performance
5.6.1 General
The DPP data carrier shall reach a minimum level of quality/performance to ensure seamless usage in
different environments. This section specifies the different standards that define good implementation
of different data carrier technology.
Data carriers (UHF, NFC, …) should be write protected.
5.6.2 Two-dimensional symbols
The applicable standard for 2D barcode symbols is [12], Bar code symbol print quality test specification
— Two-dimensional symbols. This standard defines the methodology for grading the quality of printed
2D barcodes. The grade includes a grade level, measuring aperture and the wavelength of light used for
the measurement.
The minimum quality grade is typically 1,5 / 80%/ 660, where:
— 1,5 is the overall symbol quality grade;
— 80% is the measuring aperture related to the measured X dimension;
— illumination 660 is the peak response wavelength in nanometres.
ISO/IEC 29158:2020, Direct Part Mark (DPM) Quality Guideline shall be used to assess the symbol
quality of direct marked parts, where the mark is applied directly to the surface of the item and the
reading device is a two-dimensional imager.
Consult industry application standards, where available, for minimum print quality specifications per
the intended scanning environment for the product.
5.6.3 Barcode verification
The principle is that it is important to verify the barcodes quality, using conformant verifiers.
References to:
— [13], Bar code verifier conformance specification — Part 2: Two-dimensional symbols
5.6.4 HF, UHF RFID and NFC
In case the quality/performance is to be assessed, the quality/performance of RFID (UHF or NFC) shall
use the following standards:
— ISO/IEC 18046-1:2011: Information technology — Radio frequency identification device
performance test methods — Part 1: Test methods for system performance
— ISO/IEC 18046-2:2020: Information technology — Radio frequency identification device
performance test methods — Part 2: Test methods for interrogator performance
— ISO/IEC 18046-3:2020: Information technology — Radio frequency identification device
performance test methods — Part 3: Test methods for tag performance
5.7 Data carrier design
5.7.1 Data carrier placement
To facilitate the choice of more sustainable products, DPP data carriers should be displayed in a clearly
visible and identifiable way such as the only visible data carrier. In the case it is not possible to have a
visible data carrier, a specific marking can inform the consumer of the presence of a data carrier. They
should be identifiable as the labels, containers or tags belonging to the product in question, without
customers, including potential customers, having to read the brand name and model number on the
labels.
5.7.2 Human readable interpretation
Human readable interpretation (HRI) is the information encoded in the DPP data carrier presented
close to it in a clearly legible font, such as OCR-B specified in [14]. Different industries may have specific
recommendations for HRI. Additional legislations may specify rules applicable to different product
groups.
5.7.3 Signage
A 2D data carrier that links to a DPP may have a graphical marking to distinguish it from other data
carriers.
When an optional graphical marking is used, it should comply with [15][16], symbol 6452 or 6452-1.
5.7.4 Accessibility
The design of the data carrier shall take into consideration the possible disabilities of consumers willing
to access the DPP information.
5.8 Other considerations
5.8.1 References to recognised standards
Data carrier and quality standards used for digital product passport (DPP) applications shall be
recognized by ISO and IEC. Where necessary, other specifications may be considered in the following
order of preference: existing European standards, national standards, and specifications developed by
industry fora. The use of additional software to enhance accessibility may also be considered.
5.8.2 Proven technologies
The data carriers selected for DPP applications shall have proven implementations on the market, both
for the production of the data carrier and for the capture and processing of the encoded data.
6 Data carrier technologies
6.1 General
This chapter introduces 2D barcodes and radio-frequency technologies. It provides an overview of their
technical characteristics and shows how they meet the requirements specified in chapter 5. New data
carriers emerging in the future could be included in a new version of this document and be subject to
the same assessment against the identified requirements.
The detailed list of requirements expressed in the ESPR is available in Annex A and Annex B.
They are summarized as follows:
1. data capacity for URI and additional data;
2. ability to use ISO/IEC 15459 conformant identifier;
3. granularity: ability to id
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