The signal
The European Union is phasing in requirements for product passports, starting with batteries and moving into other categories. Companies selling into Europe are building the systems now.
Where it could lead
Passports make repair, resale and recycling much easier and expose supply chains to scrutiny. Once one big market requires them, global manufacturers tend to adopt them everywhere.
Evidence that would strengthen the case
- EU requirements take effect on schedule across multiple product categories
- Other major markets adopt compatible rules
- Recyclers and resale platforms actually use the data
What could prevent it
- Deadlines are delayed or watered down
- Data is incomplete or unverified, so nobody trusts it
- Compliance costs push small manufacturers out of the market