eBay forecasts that the upcoming EU requirement for Digital Product Passports will enhance authentication and trust, driving higher resale prices and boosting its platform advantage in the circular economy.
What Is It?
The EU is implementing Digital Product Passports (DPPs) under its Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. These passports provide unique product identifiers, compliance documentation, information on substances of concern, user manuals, safety instructions, and end-of-life disposal guidance. eBay aims to leverage these passports—enhanced by its 2023 acquisition of Certilogo—to authenticate items and build resale-market trust.
Key People & Companies
- eBay
- Certilogo (acquired by eBay in 2023)
- EU Commission (implementing DPP mandate)
- Bain & Company (partnered with eBay on report)
Quoted Statements
“Unlocking value for consumers is a critical part of the connected product evolution.”
— Alexis Hoopes, Global Fashion VP, eBay
“A $500 designer jacket without a DPP might resell for $150… With a DPP confirming its origin and care, that same jacket could resell for $300.”
— eBay–Bain & Co. report
Impact & Implications
Mandatory DPPs will increase buyer confidence in the authenticity and condition of secondhand goods, thereby potentially doubling lifetime resale value in fashion categories. This enhances eBay’s appeal to circular‑economy buyers and could prompt brands to adopt DPPs to support both primary and resale markets.
Geographic Focus
Primarily EU member states, with broader implications for global resale markets targeting European buyers.
Supporting Data & Figures
- Second‑hand apparel market valued at $230 billion in 2024—growing three times faster than the broader apparel sector
- Resale value of a designer jacket could double from $150 to $300 with DPP authentication
Timeline or Key Dates
- 2023 – eBay acquires Certilogo to enhance authentication capabilities
- April 18, 2024 – EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) enters into force
- 2025–2030 – Phased implementation of DPP mandates across product categories
Sources Cited
EcommerceBytes: eBay Smells Opportunity in EU’s Digital Product Passport Mandate
Arbor.eco: Digital Product Passport Overview
Equadis: Understanding the Digital Product Passport
Climatiq: DPP Regulatory Guide
What’s Next
eBay will integrate Certilogo-powered authentication with DPP data to help buyers verify used goods. Brands will need to prepare product data systems early. eBay expects to launch initiatives and partnerships aimed at embedding DPP trust features into its resale platforms through 2025.
Expert Analysis
“eBay’s early investment in authentication positions it to gain first-mover advantage in a regulatory shift that elevates transparency,” says a resale-market analyst.
