Standards
Data carriers
The ESPR is technology-neutral on carriers. Sector regulations may restrict the choice. Durability over the product's lifetime is usually the decisive criterion.
Carrier comparison
| Carrier | Typical use | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code | Default. Packaging, labels, screens. | Good if printed durably (laser-etched or durable label). | € |
| Data Matrix | Small items, components, medicines. | Like QR; better for small surfaces. | € |
| NFC | High-value, in-life updating (premium goods). | Survives wear/dirt but chip failure terminates access. | €€ |
| RFID (UHF) | Logistics, textiles at scale, reusable packaging. | Excellent at scale; sensitive to metal and liquid. | €€ – €€€ |
Durability requirements
The DPP must remain resolvable over the product's expected lifetime. Sector acts may require the carrier to survive washing (textiles), UV exposure (construction), or thermal shock (batteries). Test against the carrier-durability standards cited in your delegated act, or in their absence, ISO/IEC 15459 and related supply-chain identifier standards.
Pitfalls
- Printing QR on glossy substrate with no matte finish — scanning fails in ambient light.
- Using a shortened URL hosted by a marketing tool — it will expire before your product does.
- NFC chips without a fallback QR — accessibility and smartphone compatibility suffer.