Understanding the New EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)

Feeling overwhelmed by the new EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)? You're not alone. With the regulation coming into effect on December 13, 2024, small businesses selling products in the EU and Northern Ireland (NI) need to ensure compliance with updated safety requirements. Below, we break down what GPSR means for your business and how to prepare.

What is the GPSR?

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) replaces the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) and the Food Imitating Products Directive. It aims to enhance consumer protection from unsafe non-food products sold both offline and online in the EU and NI.

Key resources:

• Official EU GPSR Regulation
• EU Commission Guidance on Product Safety
  

Who Does GPSR Apply To?

The regulation affects all economic operators placing products on the EU market. This includes:

• Manufacturers (those who design or produce products under their brand)
• Importers (those bringing products from outside the EU/NI)
• Distributors (those making products available on the market)
• Fulfillment Service Providers (warehousing, packaging, dispatching without owning the products)
• Online Marketplaces (platforms facilitating consumer sales)

What Products Are Covered?

GPSR applies to all consumer goods placed on the EU and NI markets, including CE-marked goods, secondhand products, repaired, reconditioned, or recycled goods.

Exempt Products (Article 2)

• Medicinal products for human or veterinary use
• Food and feed
• Living plants, animals, and certain genetically modified organisms
• Plant protection products
• Passenger transport equipment (e.g., trains, buses)
• Aircraft and antiques

Key GPSR Compliance Requirements

Under Article 6, businesses must assess product safety considering:

• Product design (materials, packaging, instructions)
• Usage risks (who will use it? Could it harm children?)
• Product labeling (clear identification, batch numbers, traceability)
• Potential cybersecurity risks (for smart products)
• Evolving product functionalities (for AI-driven products)

What is a Responsible Economic Operator? (Article 16)

Products can only be placed on the market if a Responsible Economic Operator (REO) is established in the EU to handle compliance tasks. This can be:

• Manufacturer (if based in the EU/NI)
• Importer (if no EU manufacturer exists)
• Authorized Representative
• Fulfillment Service Provider

Requirement: The REO’s contact details must be included on the product, packaging, parcel, or accompanying document.

Online Marketplaces & Small Sellers

GPSR introduces stricter requirements for online marketplaces like:

• Amazon
• eBay
• Etsy
• AliExpress
• Zalando
• TikTok Shop
• Wish
• Shein
• Temu
• Romwe
• Shopify

These platforms must now have processes in place to comply with GPSR, cooperate with market surveillance authorities, and ensure product traceability.

What About Existing Stock?

According to Article 51, GPSR applies only to products placed on the market from December 13, 2024, onwards. Existing products that comply with previous regulations remain valid.

How to Prepare for GPSR Compliance?

1. Review product safety standards – Ensure compliance with EU safety requirements.
2. Assess supply chain partners – Identify your Responsible Economic Operator.
3. Update product labeling – Add batch numbers, manufacturer/importer details.
4. Enhance technical documentation – Keep test reports, risk assessments, and conformity declarations updated.
5. Communicate with online marketplaces – Ensure your selling platform is GPSR-ready.

Learn More About GPSR:

• EU Product Safety and GPSR Overview
• General Product Safety Regulation (2023) – EU Summary
• EU Safety Gate – RAPEX Alerts for Dangerous Products