GPSR Labelling Guide: What Your EU Product Label Must Include

GPSR Labelling Guide: What Your EU Product Label Must Include

The General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 introduces a unified approach to consumer product safety across the EU. This guide explains what must appear on product labels, how to structure them for compliance, and how to maintain clarity across all EU markets. A free downloadable template is included for reference.

Download the EaseCert Product Label Template (PDF) or visit our What We Offer page for more GPSR compliance services.

1) Scope and purpose of GPSR labelling

GPSR labelling strengthens consumer confidence by ensuring product traceability, transparency, and clarity. Every product sold to consumers in the EU must include information that allows users, authorities, and distributors to identify the responsible company and understand the product’s safe use. Learn more about GPSR compliance packages and risk analysis requirements.

2) Mandatory label content

  • Manufacturer identification: full legal name, registered trade name or trademark, and postal address.
  • EU economic operator details: if the manufacturer is based outside the EU, include the EU Authorised Representative or Responsible Person’s name and address. Importers must also be identified when relevant. See also how to appoint an EU Responsible Person.
  • Product identification: model, batch, lot, or serial number to support traceability. For complex products, refer to our GPSR technical documentation guide.
  • Safety information: clear warnings and safe-use instructions, written in the official language(s) of every country where the product is sold. See our GPSR risk analysis guide and warning examples for guidance.
  • Contact information: a working email, telephone number, or web form for consumer communication or complaints. Visit our Contact page for support on GPSR label creation.

Where a product’s size or nature limits space, the remaining details may appear on the packaging or in the accompanying leaflet, but must remain easily accessible and consistent with the product label. See also our guide on GPSR labelling requirements.

3) Suggested label layout

Use a logical structure that keeps regulatory content clear and visually consistent. A suggested layout includes:

  1. Header (front panel): company logo (optional), product name.
  2. Identification block (back or side panel): model or batch number, manufacturer address, and authorised representative details.
  3. Safety and warnings section: concise multilingual safety phrases, hazard symbols, and essential usage instructions. For examples, see GPSR warning examples or consult our EU age grading guide.
  4. Contact section: consumer service email, phone, or support webpage for issues or warranty queries. Learn about EU Safety Gate registration and complaint handling.
  5. Symbols section: required conformity marks (CE, WEEE, recycling codes) grouped neatly together. See related guides on WEEE registration and LUCID packaging compliance.

EaseCert Product Label Template preview

4) Best practice checklist

  • Language accuracy: use official EU languages for each market; avoid automatic translations.
  • Legibility and permanence: choose durable materials and high-contrast printing to ensure readability over time. See our chemical testing guide for safe printing materials.
  • Placement: warnings must be visible before use; don’t hide them under packaging folds. Review our EU compliance guide for design best practices.
  • Digital access: QR codes may supplement the label by linking to extended documentation or instructions (ensure stable links). Related resource: technical file and product compliance guide.
  • Version control: update label masters whenever regulations, addresses, or product specifications change. See EU launch checklist.
  • Design clarity: a clean layout communicates professionalism and builds trust. Learn about GPSR costs and Amazon EU sales compliance.

5) EC REP and EU label symbols

The EC REP symbol identifies the European Authorised Representative for non-EU manufacturers. Although using the symbol is optional, listing the representative’s details is mandatory. The representative acts as the contact point for EU authorities. See why you need a Responsible Person for EU sales.

For guidance on essential EU label symbols (CE, WEEE, recycling icons, batch codes, and resin codes), see our label symbols guide and related resources on toy safety regulation.

6) Recycling and packaging markings

Recycling symbols communicate environmental responsibility and help consumers dispose of packaging correctly. Refer to our recycling symbol guide for an overview of the OPRL system, plastic resin codes, and their relation to EU packaging legislation.

7) Consequences of non-compliance

Neglecting GPSR labelling requirements can lead to enforcement actions, fines, or market withdrawal. Once distributed, labels generally cannot be corrected or replaced, so compliance must be confirmed before release. Refer to EaseCert’s labelling requirements overview and non-compliance consequences guide for full details. Also see GPSR penalties and recall management and how to handle product recalls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to include my company’s full address on the label?

Yes. The GPSR requires a postal address where the company responsible for the product can be contacted. A website or email alone is not sufficient. The address must belong to the manufacturer, importer, or authorised representative based in the EU. See EU Responsible Person roles.

What languages must appear on the label?

All safety warnings, instructions, and information for consumers must be written in the official language(s) of every EU Member State where the product is sold. Company names, trademarks, and batch codes do not need translation. Visit our FAQ page for multilingual compliance tips.

Can I use a QR code instead of printed safety instructions?

QR codes can supplement printed information but cannot replace mandatory content. Key warnings and identification details must appear directly on the product or packaging. The QR code can link to extended information, manuals, or Declarations of Conformity. See Declaration of Conformity guide.

Is the EC REP symbol mandatory?

The graphic itself is optional, but listing the Authorised Representative’s details is mandatory for all non-EU manufacturers. The EC REP serves as the legal contact within the EU. Learn more about appointing an EU representative.

How often should I update my labels?

Review and update labels whenever product specifications, company addresses, or EU regulatory requirements change. Regular reviews ensure continued compliance and avoid costly product recalls. For guidance, see updated recall requirements under GPSR.

Can the importer’s address replace the manufacturer’s address?

No. The manufacturer’s address must always appear. The importer or authorised representative address is added in addition, never as a replacement, to preserve full traceability.


8) Further reading

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