Aluminum under ESPR and the Digital Product Passport

Aluminum is in the first Working Plan, with preparatory study and stakeholder consultation underway. Expected data challenges are smelting energy mix (green versus gray aluminum) and smelter-to-product traceability.

Status: Signaled: preparatory study and consultation underway Signaled

Key date: 2029 to 2030 (estimated) Signaled

Scope: Aluminum products; intermediate goods and semi-finished products expected to be in scope

Governing instrument: ESPR delegated act (in preparation)

Last verified: 10 August 2026

Key dates for this sector

2026 to 2027
Signaled
First category delegated acts expected, led by iron and steel, the only category to reach public consultation (20 May to 12 August 2026, now closed); the act is not adopted, and the Commission indicates adoption in Q4 2026. Textiles, tires, and aluminum follow, and dates beyond the consultation window are indicative.
COM(2025) 187

Expected DPP data requirements (not yet confirmed in an act):

Watch items

What to do now

Start preparing energy-source and recycled-content data at smelter or mill level, since regulated downstream customers will request it before their own deadlines.

Sources: COM(2025) 187: Working Plan · Verified 10 August 2026

Part of ESPR Atlas, the free ESPR and Digital Product Passport intelligence hub. Compare all nine categories on the Sectors in Scope page.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does ESPR apply to aluminum?
Signaled: preparatory study and consultation underway. Key date: 2029 to 2030 (estimated). This timeline is signaled, not an adopted act; plan against date ranges rather than fixed deadlines.
What Digital Product Passport data will aluminum require?
Expected DPP data requirements (not yet confirmed in an act): Traceability through the supply chain; Energy source mix used in smelting; Recycled content percentage; Carbon footprint per tonne; Country of origin.
What should aluminum companies watch?
No delegated act has been proposed, and the timeline is indicative. Monitor the Commission consultation process and Working Plan progress reviews.
What should aluminum companies do now?
Start preparing energy-source and recycled-content data at smelter or mill level, since regulated downstream customers will request it before their own deadlines.