2025 GPSR Compliance: How the EU Is Reinventing Product Safety

From 13 December 2024, the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (“GPSR”) became fully applicable across the European Union. It replaces Directive 2001/95/EC, introducing directly applicable, uniform safety rules for all consumer products not governed by sector-specific legislation. Unlike its predecessor, the GPSR leaves no room for national interpretation, ensuring consistent consumer protection across the EU.

The Regulation extends product-safety obligations to online marketplaces, connected products, and cross-border e-commerce, while harmonising recall procedures and transparency requirements. For an overview, see the European Commission’s article on the new GPSR framework.

Why the change was necessary

The original 2001 directive predates the rise of digital commerce and smart devices. With connected, AI-enabled, and updateable products now ubiquitous, the European Commission recognised the need for a modern legal framework. The GPSR reflects that shift by expanding the concept of “safety” beyond physical hazards to include cybersecurity risks, mental-health impacts, and software modifications.

Key improvements under the new Regulation

• Mandatory safety compliance for all consumer products not covered by other EU laws.
• Explicit obligations for online marketplaces and fulfilment-service providers.
• Enhanced traceability, technical documentation, and labeling requirements.
• Modern recall procedures, including digital consumer notifications.
• Improved cooperation between market-surveillance authorities through the Safety Gate system.

See the official EUR-Lex summary for details on scope and obligations.

What market-surveillance data reveals

The European Commission’s Safety Gate Rapid Alert System (formerly RAPEX) has reported record numbers of unsafe products. In 2024, the system validated 4 137 alerts — nearly double 2022 levels — with cosmetics (36%) leading, followed by toys (15%), electrical products (10%), and motor vehicles (9%). The most common hazards were chemical risks (49%), injuries (14%), and electric shock (7%). These figures, published in the Safety Gate 2024 Report, show more active enforcement and stronger digital surveillance.

Core obligations for businesses in 2025

1. Appoint an EU-based economic operator

Manufacturers outside the EU must designate an Authorised Representative or Responsible Person based within the EU, whose contact details appear on the product or packaging. This requirement ensures an accountable point of contact for authorities and consumers alike.

2. Maintain comprehensive technical documentation

Each product must have a technical file including design details, risk assessments, applied standards, and compliance evidence. This documentation must be updated if software or hardware modifications affect safety. Learn more in our GPSR risk analysis guide.

3. Labeling and traceability

Products must display identifying information such as type, batch, and serial number, plus the manufacturer’s and importer’s names and addresses. Instructions and safety information must appear in the official language(s) of the Member State of sale. See our detailed post on labelling requirements for GPSR compliance.

4. Online-marketplace responsibilities

Marketplaces must verify trader information, provide contact points for national authorities, and remove unsafe product listings upon notice. They are required to register through the Safety Business Gateway, part of the integrated Safety Gate ecosystem.

5. Reporting and recall readiness

Economic operators must promptly report serious incidents, product defects, or recalls using the Safety Business Gateway. Consumer-friendly recall templates, available in all EU languages, ensure effective risk communication. For practical steps, read our guide on handling product recalls under the GPSR.

6. Market-surveillance cooperation

Businesses must respond swiftly to authority requests and provide traceability data on demand. Failure to cooperate can lead to product withdrawals, public notices, and penalties—explained further in our article on non-compliance consequences.

What this means for compliance strategy

For brands, importers, and online sellers entering or operating in the EU, GPSR compliance now requires continuous vigilance. Safety must be embedded from design through post-market monitoring. Digital traceability, multilingual documentation, and active participation in recall processes are no longer optional — they are central to maintaining access to the EU market. See our 2025 EU product launch checklist for step-by-step preparation.

How EaseCert supports compliance

EaseCert | GPSR Compliance assists manufacturers, importers, and retailers in aligning with the new GPSR framework. Our services include preparation of risk assessments and technical files, labeling materials, and EU Responsible Person representation. We also manage Safety Gate reporting, recalls, and corrective actions. Explore our full list of services and pricing options or reach out via the contact page.

Looking ahead: digital enforcement and global alignment

The combination of GPSR and the Safety Gate IT ecosystem marks a decisive shift toward real-time, data-driven enforcement. Market surveillance is becoming continuous, automated, and globally connected. Businesses that integrate compliance-by-design, transparent labeling, and rapid communication channels will be best positioned to thrive under this new framework. Learn more in our overview of GPSR penalties and recall management.

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References

1. Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on General Product Safety (EUR-Lex)
2. General Product Safety Regulation 2023 – Summary (EUR-Lex)
3. EU’s General Product Safety Regulation: A New Era of Consumer Protection (European Commission Trade)
4. Safety Gate: EU Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products (European Commission)
5. BAuA – National Safety Gate Contact Point (Germany)