Croatian MEP Sunčana Glavak (PPE) has submitted a written parliamentary question to the European Commission, pressing for details on the financial impact of the upcoming digital product passport on small and medium-sized enterprises. The question, filed on 17 June 2026, seeks concrete compliance cost estimates, publicly available digital infrastructure, and financial support mechanisms for SMEs, particularly in less-developed member states.
Glavak's question highlights concerns from SMEs that the digital product passport—designed to enhance transparency, sustainability, and single market functioning—could impose significant adaptation costs, administrative burdens, and reliance on private IT platforms. She asks the Commission for sector-specific compliance cost estimates and average financial burden figures for SMEs. Additionally, she inquires whether the Commission plans to establish common European or publicly available digital solutions for data storage, exchange, and verification to reduce dependence on private providers. Finally, she requests information on financial support sources for SMEs, especially in less-developed member states, to invest in IT systems, digital tools, and employee training.
The Commission is expected to respond within approximately six weeks, with the answer signaling its policy direction on SME support and digital infrastructure for the product passport. The question underscores a tension between regulatory ambition and business competitiveness, particularly for smaller firms that may lack resources to comply with new digital requirements.