Over the next few years, products sold in EU countries will be required to have Digital Product Passports (DPPs), and with eBay’s acquisition of Italian company Certilogo in 2023, it’s not only prepared, eBay smells opportunity.
According to the EU, “The DPP will include essential details such as a unique product identifier, compliance documentation, and information on substances of concern. It will also provide user manuals, safety instructions, and guidance on product disposal. By offering a detailed digital record of a product’s lifecycle, the DPP will enhance supply chain management, ensure regulatory compliance, and help companies identify and mitigate risks related to authenticity and environmental impact.”
eBay was out with a new report last week in partnership with Bain & Co. that said DPPs could double the lifetime value of fashion products. The report said consumers could see up to 65% greater resale value due to improved buyer confidence in a product’s authenticity and condition.
In announcing its new report, eBay used an example of how DPPs could help resellers: “A $500 designer jacket without a DPP might resell for $150, if the buyer questions its authenticity. With a DPP confirming its origin and care, that same jacket could resell for $300. This shift doesn’t just benefit sellers—it supports a more circular economy by keeping quality fashion items in use longer.”
eBay Global Fashion Vice President Alexis Hoopes said eBay was exploring how better product data could enable smarter buying, responsible selling, and a more trusted platform. “Unlocking value for consumers is a critical part of the connected product evolution.”
The new report, available on consulting firm Bain’s website, said brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tod’s, and Mugler have already created DPPs.
Some key factoids from the report include the following:
- The global secondhand apparel market—just one piece of the resale market—was valued at $230 billion in 2024, according to the ThredUp Resale Report 2024. And resale is growing three times faster than the overall global apparel market
- Brands like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tod’s, and Mugler have already created DPPs. They’ve registered millions of products on blockchain to provide digital certificates of ownership and authenticity, a step that simplifies resale and reassures buyers.
- Brands such as Armani, Stone Island, and Diesel enable consumers to scan secure tags in their garments to authenticate items, access product information, and participate in brand experiences and marketing programs.
But does it spell bad news for brands if people increase their purchase of used goods?
“A stronger secondhand market will have a halo effect that enhances the perceived value of primary goods, particularly for brands that demonstrate how well their products retain value over time,” according t the report.
So is this one more way that we who sell historical things, philatelic covers, stamps and the like will be skewered by Ebay and the EU?
first 2 words are very accurate……”eBay smells”