Key takeaways
- ●Most cost sits in data collection and integration, not hosting.
- ●Budget for the product's lifetime, not just launch.
- ●Insist on export and continuity terms.
Cost categories
| Category | Includes |
|---|---|
| Regulatory interpretation | Scoping, legal review |
| Upstream data | Supplier onboarding, data remediation, evidence |
| Integration | ERP, PLM, PIM connectors |
| Identity & carriers | GS1 membership, serialisation, labels, tags |
| Platform | Hosting, security, access management, volume charges |
| Lifetime operation | Updates, backups, assurance, migration |
SME perspective
CIRPASS's SME cost-benefit study highlights regulatory interpretation and upstream data collection as the dominant burdens for smaller businesses. Starting with a light, model-level passport on an existing toolset keeps early costs low.
Sources
Last reviewed 2 November 2026. Guidance only — not legal advice.