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Digital Product Passport vs CE Marking: What Steel Manufacturers Need to Know
By Technical Editorial Team
5 Min Read
18 Aug 2026
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
DPP connects product data across the value chain
CE Marking confirms applicable EU requirements
DPP and CE Marking serve different purposes
Steel manufacturers should prepare product data early
What Is a Digital Product Passport?
The Digital Product Passport (DPP) is a digital document that holds product information all through the product’s journey.Under the European Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), DPPs are meant to make product details more clear, trackable, and easier to access.
For iron and steel, the European Commission has identified this industry as a key product group.
The DPP for this group should include details like product identification, technical and material information, how much of the product is made from recycled materials, sustainability data, and information about compliance with regulations.
What Is CE Marking?
The CE Marking shows that a product follows the right EU laws.The manufacturer must decide which laws and standards apply, do the needed checks to prove the product meets those laws, prepare the technical documents, and put the CE mark on the product when it’s required.
For structural steel and aluminum construction products, EN 1090 is especially important for proving the product meets the rules set by the Construction Products Regulation.
The EN 1090 certification from First Welding Certification Pvt Ltd (PRVÁ ZVÁRAČSKÁ, a.s.) covers factory production control, welding processes, tracking of materials, and the steps needed to show the product is compliant.
Digital Product Passport vs CE Marking
| Comparison | Digital Product Passport | CE Marking |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Product information and transparency | Demonstrates applicable EU conformity |
| Focus | Product data, traceability and sustainability | Safety, performance and legal conformity |
| Format | Digital information linked to a product | Physical CE mark supported by documentation |
| Main framework | ESPR | Applicable EU legislation |
| Steel relevance | Product-specific DPP requirements are being developed | Applies where relevant EU legislation requires CE marking |
| Typical information | Material, circularity, sustainability and compliance data | Declaration/documentation and conformity information |
| Does it replace the other? | No | No |
In the EU system, DPPs can include compliance information such as declarations of conformity, technical documents, and conformity certificates when needed.This shows that the DPP and CE Marking are connected but have separate roles.
What Does DPP Mean for Steel Manufacturers?
DPP is likely to make structured product data and traceability very important for steel producers and exporters.
For steel producers making welded products, it’s important to make sure the welding process meets certain standards.
The EN ISO 3834 Certification covers quality rules for welding metal and can be used together with other relevant product and conformity standards.
Steel-specific future requirements are likely to include topics like:
• Product Identification
• Material Composition
• Technical Features
• Recycled Content
• Sustainability Information
• Circular Economy Information
• Compliance Documentation
• Product Traceability
Right now, the European Commission says that rules for iron and steel will come from a specific product-related delegated act.
The European Commission has given an estimated timeline, pointing to the fourth quarter of 2026.
Does DPP Replace CE Marking?
A Digital Product Passport is not meant to replace CE Marking.CE Marking ensures a product meets EU rules for safety and quality, while the DPP is meant to share important product details during its whole life cycle.
For makers, this means they should not choose between CE Marking and a Digital Product Passport.
Depending on the product and the laws that apply, a maker might need to follow CE rules and also create the information needed for a DPP.
What Should Steel Manufacturers Prepare?
Steel companies that sell their products to Europe should start by making their product information better and more trackable.
A useful checklist to prepare includes:
| Area | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Product identity | Product and manufacturer identification |
| Material data | Steel grade, composition and technical characteristics — see EN 10025-1 Certification |
| Traceability | Link materials and products to production and inspection records, including EN 10204 Type 3.2 certification where applicable |
| Quality records | Inspection and testing documentation |
| Sustainability | Relevant recycled-content and environmental data |
| Compliance | Applicable declarations and certificates |
| Digital records | Structured information that can be accessed electronically |
Related Sources
- How Indian Steel Manufacturers Can Export to Europe: Complete EU Compliance Guide (2026)
- CE Marking vs EN 1090: Key Differences Every Manufacturer and Exporter Should Know (2026 Guide)
- EN 10025-1: Technical Delivery Conditions for Hot Rolled Structural Steel Products – Complete Guide
- EN 10204 Type 3.2 Inspection Certificate: Complete Guide for Manufacturers and Buyers
Conclusion
This comparison between the Digital Product Passport and CE Marking is important because both are part of the EU market regulations but cover different areas.The Digital Product Passport focuses on ensuring products meet certain standards, while CE Marking aims to make digital products more transparent and trackable.To get ready for the new rules, steel product makers need to have accurate information about their materials, products, quality, and how sustainable they are.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Digital Product Passport differ from CE Marking?
Digital Product Passport offers structured digital product information, whereas CE Marking denotes conformity with relevant EU legislation. They are intended to serve different purposes, and one cannot be considered an automatic replacement for another.
Is Digital Product Passport meant to replace CE Marking?
No. The DPP does not replace CE Marking. Where CE Marking is required according to the relevant law, manufacturers should still follow the relevant conformity assessment procedures.
Do I have to put a DPP on my steel products?
As steel is one of the product groups prioritized in the ESPR, specific requirements to DPP for such products will be elaborated. At the moment, according to the European Commission, the relevant delegate act concerning iron and steel products is expected in Q4 2026.
Which data may be included into the steel DPP?
Depending on the specifics of the final requirement, the data may include product identification, technical and material characteristics, recycled material share, sustainability information and circularity data.
Should steel manufacturers prepare for DPPs?
Yes. Before the steel-specific requirements to DPPs are finalized, you can already improve your product data and materials traceability, product data management and quality documentation.