ESPR Work Plan 2025–2030

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What is it?

On 16 April 2025, the European Commission adopted the first Work Plan under the Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) for 2025–2030, confirming 11 product categories as priorities for delegated acts and the introduction of digital product passports (DPP). For Bulgaria, this plan is key, as it will steer Bulgarian producers and the market toward more sustainable development and better integration into the European economy.

Priority Categories

Iron and steel – the first ESPR delegated act (2026), priority №1. Linked to the Industrial Accelerator Act for low-carbon steel in public procurement from 1 January 2029.
Aluminium – delegated act 2027. Requirements for recycled content and carbon footprint.
Textiles and clothing – delegated act 2027; note also the separate ban on destroying unsold textiles and footwear from 19 July 2026 for large enterprises.
Furniture, tyres, mattresses, chemicals – furniture delegated act 2028; the rest later in the Working Plan.
Electronics and household appliances – toward the end of the decade.
Construction products – under the separate CPR Revision, not ESPR. Delegated act for DPP service providers Q4 2026.
Batteries – not in the ESPR Working Plan; covered by a separate Battery Regulation (DPP mandatory 18 February 2027).
Paper and packaging – under the separate Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and possible future ESPR requirements toward the end of the decade.

Horizontal Measures

Repairability and durability scale – clear criteria are being introduced for how easily a product can be repaired and how long it can be used before replacement;
Requirements for recyclability and recycled material content – companies must guarantee recyclability and use minimum percentages of recycled raw materials;
Enhanced traceability and transparency through digital product passports – data on composition, origin and sustainability will be accessible in a unified digital format;
Gradual introduction of environmental indicators such as carbon footprint (PCF);
Stricter rules for sustainable materials and chemicals that restrict harmful substances.
Implementing act for DPP service providers – the Commission must adopt by 18 August 2026: data storage requirements, cybersecurity, access control, certification scheme.
JRC145830 (19 March 2026) – official methodology for DPP data, applicable across all delegated acts.
CEN-CENELEC standards EN 18216–18223 – published 27 May 2026; set the technical foundation for interoperability.

Significance for Business

Earlier regulatory compliance – reduces the risk of sanctions and ensures readiness for new requirements;
Opportunities for innovation and new business models – implementing DPP opens the way for developing more sustainable products and services that meet the needs of modern consumers;
Increased trust from clients and partners – data transparency strengthens relationships and market positions;
Positioning as a sustainability leader – early implementation distinguishes companies among competitors;
Better access to EU financing and support – green and innovative companies gain advantage in programs and investments.
Better risk management – the 7-year audit trail simplifies audits and tracing of supply-chain issues.
Preparation for adjacent regulations – CSRD, CSDDD, CBAM and CPR require similar data; DPP is the common technical foundation.
SEO and marketing advantage – products with a DPP get higher visibility in B2B portals and EU online marketplaces.

Why is it important?

The 2025–2030 Work Plan is the roadmap for implementing DPP and new ecodesign rules in the EU. It shows businesses when and what requirements are coming and allows companies to prepare early. This is not only a regulatory obligation, but also an opportunity for innovation, competitive advantage and higher consumer trust.

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Work Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

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The Work Plan is a roadmap by the European Commission that outlines which product categories and measures will be priorities. For EU member states, this means clear direction towards sustainable practices and modernization of the European market.

The plan was adopted in 2024 and will guide development until 2030. For EU manufacturers and importers, this provides enough time to adapt to new European requirements.

Priorities are batteries, electronics, textiles and construction products. Across the EU, these categories have significant economic importance, so businesses must closely monitor updates.

The plan introduces measures for circular economy, energy efficiency and traceability. They will apply to all EU enterprises, enabling more sustainable development.

For EU companies, this means the need for transparency, new investments and use of digital solutions like DPP. At the same time, it opens the way to greater trust and access to European markets.

DPP is a key part of the plan and will be required for numerous product categories. For EU businesses, this is an opportunity for manufacturers to offer greater traceability and trust in their products.

EU consumers will gain more transparency about the origin and sustainability of products. This will increase trust and encourage more responsible consumption across Europe.

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