Global standardisation of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) – JTC 5 launches with barcode and RFID technology
The international standardisation of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) is gathering pace: following its successful launch in Europe, the newly established ISO/IEC Joint Technical Committee 5 (JTC 5) has begun work on global standards. The aim is to ensure that DPP solutions are compatible worldwide – from Europe to China, South Korea and the USA, right through to Australia and Japan. This is intended to simplify global trade and provide businesses with a reliable basis for digital product information.
Barcode and RFID technology as the key
At the inaugural meeting of JTC 5, Dr Harald Oehlmann (Liaison Officer for SC31) outlined the importance of optical data carriers (e.g. QR codes) and high-performance RFID technologies (UHF/RFID with a 10-metre range, 13 MHz RFID in collaboration with SC17) for physically linking products to their digital passports. These technologies enable universal identification and are essential for the implementation of the DPP – particularly in sectors where traceability and data security are crucial.
Focus on interoperability
The JTC 5 does not develop industry-specific standards, but instead relies on the reuse of existing specifications to ensure interoperability between different DPP systems. Work is currently underway on fundamental concepts, such as:
- ISO 25534-1 (Digital Product Passport – Part 1: Basic principles)
- Structured data paths (e.g. GS1 Digital Link, AutoID URL)
- Unique numbering systems (ISO/IEC 15459) as a reference for the identification of batteries, pharmaceuticals and medical devices within the DPP.
Outlook: Global cooperation
With over 30 liaison partners and a growing number of contributors (including from Germany, China, the USA and Japan), JTC 5 will develop the DPP standards in close coordination with regional systems (e.g. CEN/CENELEC in Europe). The next meetings will take place in spring 2027 (venue to be confirmed), in autumn 2027 in Jinan (China) and in spring 2028 in Brazil.
EDCI – Your partner for DPP implementation
EDCI has played a key role in standardising the ‘DPP identifier’ and is here to support you as an experienced partner in the immediate implementation of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) in accordance with EN 18219 (Unique Identifiers).
Manufacturers and labellers can send their existing product codes to info@e-d-c.info. We will then draw up a bespoke proposal on how you can update your codes to be DPP-compliant – whilst fully retaining your product data.