GPSR Requirements

EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR): Practical Guide & Requirements

Regulation (EU) 2023/988 is the EU’s horizontal safety law for consumer products. It was adopted on 10 May 2023 and has applied since 13 December 2024. It replaces Directive 2001/95/EC (GPSD). As a regulation, it sets uniform rules across all Member States.

The GPSR updates safety rules to reflect how people actually shop and use products. It addresses online and cross-border sales, connected and software-driven devices, uneven market surveillance, and recalls that fail to reach consumers. It anchors cooperation through the EU alert system Safety Gate, and it aligns platform duties with the Digital Services Act.

Its scope is broad and practical. The GPSR covers almost all consumer products made available in the EU, including distance sales and many second-hand business listings (antiques and certain regulated categories are excluded). Sector laws still take the lead for their specific risks, for example toys, electrical, machinery, and cosmetics. Where a sector law leaves risks unaddressed, the GPSR fills the gap. The definition of placing on the market follows the Commission’s Blue Guide.

Roles span the supply chain. Duties apply to the manufacturer, importer, distributor, authorised representative, fulfilment service provider, and online marketplace. Oversight links to the Market Surveillance Regulation (EU) 2019/1020.

Core requirements include a documented risk assessment, a technical file kept for ten years, clear durable labelling in the language or languages of sale, and identifiers that link products to production and distribution records. Distance-selling pages must show key particulars before purchase, as set out in Articles 19 and 22 of the official text. Serious accidents require rapid reporting through business channels connected to Safety Gate. Practical overviews are available in the risk analysis process and the technical file documentation guide.

The GPSR works with standards. When a harmonised EN standard is cited in the Official Journal, applying that standard supports the safety assessment for the risks it covers. You can search current references on the Commission portal for harmonised standards.

Transition rules depend on timing. Units first placed on the market on or after 13 December 2024 fall under the GPSR. Earlier units remain under the former framework, with ongoing safety duties. In parallel, the modernised product liability regime (Directive (EU) 2024/2853) updates compensation rules when defects cause damage. The GPSR is about prevention. The directive addresses liability.

1) What GPSR covers

The GPSR applies to most consumer products sold in the EU, online and offline. It also covers many second-hand, repaired, or reconditioned goods sold by businesses. Sector-specific regimes still lead for their risks, for example toys, electrical, machinery, and cosmetics. The GPSR fills general safety gaps and adds horizontal duties such as incident reporting and distance-selling information.

Actors and accountability

The GPSR defines roles for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and platforms. If the manufacturer is outside the EU, products are placed on the market through an EU-based operator such as an importer, subsidiary, or an authorised representative. Contact details for the responsible operator must appear on the product, packaging, or accompanying documents.

Who is a "manufacturer" under the GPSR?

Under the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988, the term manufacturer is not limited to the factory. A manufacturer is the operator who places a product on the EU market under their name or mark, or who designs or makes the product. This applies even when production is outsourced. If your brand appears on the product, the law treats you as the manufacturer. You are responsible for safety, supported by the required technical documentation and risk assessment. You may also appoint an EU Responsible Person as your EU contact.

Key considerations for manufacturers and importers

  • Risk assessment and technical file: The GPSR expects a documented risk analysis and a retained technical file for typically ten years. Cover hazards, evaluation methods, mitigations, test evidence, materials, and traceability.
  • Traceability and identification: Products must carry lot or serial identifiers and manufacturer or importer identity details so batches can be traced.
  • Labelling and languages: Provide clear, durable information in the language or languages of sale. Typical content includes model identifiers, responsible operator details, and safety information. See the labelling requirements and warning examples.
  • Online presentation: Distance-selling listings must show key safety and contact details, in line with Article 19 and the Digital Services Act.
  • Market monitoring and incidents: The GPSR expects post-market surveillance, internal incident tracking, and prompt notifications of serious risks via the Safety Business Gateway.
  • Recalls and remedies: When action is needed, the GPSR frames consumer notices and effective remedies such as repair, replacement, or refund. See the recall requirements overview and the recall playbook.
  • Alignment with sector law and standards: Sector measures continue to apply, for example the Toy Safety Directive, the Low Voltage Directive, the EMC Directive, and (where relevant) the Radio Equipment Directive. Chemical controls intersect with REACH, RoHS, and POPs. For conformity pathways, manufacturers often use harmonised standards identified via the EU standards search.

Online platforms

Marketplaces operate under the GPSR and the Digital Services Act. The rules cover how platforms present product information, handle notices, and support recalls via Safety Gate. If you sell direct to consumers in the EU through your own online store, you must register in the Safety Gate Online Marketplace module under Article 22(1). This creates a direct line to authorities. It is mandatory for operators covered by Article 22 and recommended for online sellers in general.

2) Key dates and transition

Two legal tracks matter: the GPSR for preventive safety duties, and the modernised Product Liability Directive for compensation after damage.

  • GPSR timeline: Published on 23 May 2023. In force since 13 June 2023. Main provisions apply from 13 December 2024. Products first placed on the EU market on or after that date fall under the GPSR (see the official text).
  • “Placed on the market” cut-off: Placement means first supply in the EU for distribution, consumption, or use. Units placed before 13 December 2024 remain under the former framework. Later units fall under the GPSR. Background is in the Commission’s Blue Guide.
  • Legacy stock and sell-through: Pre-13 December 2024 stock may continue to be made available if it complied when placed and remains safe. Keep batches separate and documented.
  • Ongoing obligations: For products placed before December 2024, post-market duties continue where safety issues arise, including notifications via the Safety Gate portal. See also the Market Surveillance Regulation, the technical file guide, and the recall playbook.
  • Distance selling and marketplaces: From application, online offers must show Article 19 particulars, and marketplaces must cooperate under Article 22. See Articles 19 and 22, the Commission’s obligations for businesses, and the EU Safety Gate registration overview.

Modernised Product Liability Directive, timeline and interaction

The Directive (EU) 2024/2853 updates the 1985 product liability framework. The GPSR focuses on prevention. The PLD addresses liability and compensation. A concise overview is available in Product Liability Directive (2024/2853).

  • Transposition and application: Member States will transpose the directive. Application is expected from 2026 as national laws take effect.
  • Temporal scope of claims: New rules apply to products placed after national transposition. Earlier incidents may follow the old regime.
  • Substantive updates: Broader notions of product and defect (including software and cyber), a wider set of potentially liable parties, improved access to evidence, and updated limitation periods.

3) Economic operators and responsibilities

Duties are allocated to the manufacturer, importer, distributor, authorised representative, fulfilment service provider, and online marketplace operator. One company can hold more than one role. The framework is set out in the official text.

Roles and core responsibilities

  • Manufacturer: The brand owner whose name or mark appears on the product, not necessarily the factory. GPSR duties include a documented risk analysis, relevant testing and mitigations, and retention of the technical documentation for ten years (Article 9).

    Manufacturers must ensure traceability, for example type or model plus batch or serial, provide durable legible labelling with warnings, and maintain post-market surveillance and corrective actions. Recalls are described in the recall playbook.

  • Importer: The EU entity that first places goods from outside the EU on the market. Typical duties include verifying identity and marking data, language availability for instructions and safety information, and access to the technical file and the risk analysis. The importer’s name and address must appear with the product. Keep file access for ten years and monitor safety.

  • Distributor: Wholesalers, retailers, and online sellers that are not the producer or importer. Responsibilities include checking labels and languages, preserving product condition, and cooperating on withdrawals and recalls.

  • Authorised Representative (AR): An EU-based mandate holder for the manufacturer. The AR keeps or can access the technical file, provides information to authorities, and supports corrective actions. AR contact details appear on the product or packaging. See EU Authorised Representative and EU Responsible Person.

  • Fulfilment service provider (FSP): Provides at least two of warehousing, packaging, addressing, or dispatch. Where no EU manufacturer, importer, or AR is identified, an FSP can be deemed the responsible operator under the GPSR and the Market Surveillance Regulation.

  • Online marketplace operator: Article 22 requires a regulator contact point, cooperation with authorities, and prompt removal of dangerous listings. Interfaces must support Article 19 particulars. See EU Safety Gate registration and the Commission’s obligations for businesses.

Summary

  • Manufacturers document design-stage safety, maintain files, label, and enable traceability.
  • Importers verify compliance of non-EU goods and add EU identity details.
  • Distributors perform checks, preserve condition, and assist with withdrawals and recalls.
  • Authorised representatives act as EU liaisons with access to documentation.
  • Fulfilment providers may be deemed responsible if no other EU actor is identified.
  • Marketplaces present Article 19 information and cooperate with authorities.

For document structures and enforcement context, see the technical file guide and the enforcement overview.

Who counts as a “manufacturer” under the GPSR?

According to Article 3 of the official text, a manufacturer is the producer or the brand owner that places the product on the market under its name or trademark. This applies even when production is outsourced. The manufacturer holds ultimate responsibility for product safety.

Manufacturer obligations under the GPSR

  • A documented risk analysis aligned with foreseeable use and user groups.
  • A retained technical file with tests, specifications, and risk documentation.
  • Product identification and safety information in the required languages, with model and batch or serial details and responsible-operator contacts.
  • Reassessment where substantial modification occurs, including material software or firmware changes.

4) Distance selling and online marketplaces

The GPSR addresses online sales directly. Article 19 sets the product information the buyer must see before purchase. Article 22 explains how marketplaces must cooperate with authorities. See the regulation and the Commission overview in Safety Gate (obligations for businesses).

Article 19, information shown before purchase

Online offers must clearly show core safety and traceability details in the buyer’s language. The listing shows:

  • EU-responsible economic operator (the manufacturer if EU-based, or the importer or authorised representative), including a postal address and an electronic contact. For non-EU brand owners, show the EU Responsible Person or importer details.
  • Electronic contact that matches the on-product particulars.
  • Product identifier such as model or type and, where relevant, a batch, lot, or serial number, plus a product image.
  • Warnings and safety instructions consistent with the risk assessment. See warning examples.
  • Languages that match the Member State of sale.

Article 22, marketplace responsibilities

Marketplace operators are part of product-safety enforcement. They need a safety contact point for authorities and for consumers, processes to act on dangerous offers, and interfaces that support Article 19 particulars. Registration on the Safety Gate portal is required, and platforms must act on authority orders without undue delay (within two working days). Registration is available in the Safety Gate online marketplace module.

  • Single point of contact for authorities and consumers.
  • Safety processes to comply with the GPSR.
  • Notice and action to remove dangerous offers quickly.

Platform examples

  • Amazon (EU): Listings often include importer or Responsible Person details and evidence sets. Our Amazon guide provides more information.
  • eBay: Sellers often present safety information within descriptions where dedicated fields are limited.
  • Etsy: Handmade and vintage sellers act as manufacturers. Present safety, REACH information, and age warnings where relevant.
  • Shopify and own webshops: Include operator identity, model or batch details, and warnings in the applicable language.

Distance selling requires transparency for buyers and cooperation between sellers, platforms, and authorities under Articles 19 and 22.

5) Risk assessment and technical documentation

The GPSR requires a documented safety review and a technical file that demonstrate conformity. This applies to simple and complex products alike. See Articles 9, 10, and 11 in the official text.

Risk assessment

Under Article 9, manufacturers carry out an internal risk analysis and keep it in the technical documentation. A step-by-step method is outlined in the risk analysis process.

1) Hazard identification

  • Physical and mechanical (sharp edges, instability, structural failure).
  • Thermal and electrical (hot surfaces, shock, overheating, battery events).
  • Chemical (toxicants, allergens, SVHCs; testing overview in REACH, RoHS, and POPs testing).
  • Radiation, noise, vibration, hygiene as applicable.
  • User and use (children, older adults, persons with disabilities, foreseeable misuse).
  • New-technology factors (software, connectivity, cybersecurity, algorithmic behaviour).

2) Risk evaluation

Rate probability and severity with clear criteria so outcomes are reproducible. A simple matrix works.

3) Foreseeable use and misuse

Cover normal use and reasonably foreseeable misuse, including by unintended users.

4) Mitigation measures

  • Design (guards, rounded edges, interlocks, current or torque limits, material choice).
  • Production (QC steps, protective components, validated assembly).
  • Information for use (warnings and instructions aligned with residual risks, with examples in warning examples).

5) Documentation

Record hazards, initial risk, mitigations, verification evidence, and residual risk. For connected products, cover cybersecurity and interconnectivity. A sample structure is in the Risk Analysis Template (PDF).

6) Standards and data

Reference applicable EN or ISO standards and sector law families (LVD, EMC, RED, toy safety). Signals from Safety Gate help spot patterns.

7) Outcome and residual risk

After controls, classify residual risks and link them to design and user information. Maintain the assessment over the product life when factors change.

Technical documentation

Article 9 requires technical documentation. It must be kept available to authorities for ten years. See the technical file documentation guide and the EU GPSR compliance guide.

Typical contents

  • Product description (models or variants, intended users, use and foreseeable misuse, photos or diagrams).
  • Design and manufacturing information (specs, drawings, bill of materials, critical components).
  • Risk assessment (method, hazards, mitigations, residual risks; method in the risk analysis process).
  • Applicable standards and legal mapping (EN or ISO references and sector rules).
  • Test reports and certificates (chemical, mechanical, electrical, flammability, hygiene, EMC or RED or LVD). Include the EU Declaration of Conformity where applicable.
  • Labelling and IFU (markings, symbols, warnings, full multilingual instructions; background in the labelling requirements guide).
  • Traceability and quality assurance (batch or lot coding, manufacturing records, inspections, release criteria).
  • Post-market materials (complaint and incident logs, corrective actions, recall records, authority correspondence).

Retention, access, and readiness

  • Retention for ten years after last placing on the market.
  • Availability on request, with fast digital retrieval.
  • Confidentiality that protects trade secrets while keeping a complete dossier for authorities.

Good documentation practice

  • Keep a master index that links hazards, tests, labels, and IFU.
  • Use version control and change logs.
  • Collect supplier attestations and safety data sheets, including chemical information summarised in the chemical testing overview.
  • Where CE laws apply, align the GPSR dossier, CE-marking evidence, and the current EU Declaration of Conformity.

Testing strategy and maintenance

  • Map laws and standards across chemical, mechanical and physical, electrical and thermal, hygiene, and EMC or RED or LVD families.
  • Use accredited labs (ISO/IEC 17025) and reproducible methods.
  • Set re-test triggers (design or material change, supplier switch, field signals, standards updates).
  • Keep labels and IFU aligned with current risks.

Templates that support labelling and documentation are available, including a Product Label Template (PDF).

6) Labelling, languages, and user instructions

Labels and Instructions for Use carry your safety message to consumers. They must align with your risk assessment and your technical file. They must be clear, accurate, visible, legible, and (where applicable) indelible for the product’s life, in the language or languages of the country of sale. For online listings, the rules under Distance Selling & Online Marketplaces apply.

Minimum on-pack particulars

  • Manufacturer and importer identification
  • Product identification and traceability
    • Model or type and a batch, lot, or serial number that links to QA records. If space is limited, place model and batch on the product and the rest on packaging or in a leaflet.
  • Safety information, warnings, and symbols
  • Languages

Placement and durability

  • On-product placement is preferred. If not practicable, use packaging or a leaflet and record the rationale in the technical file.
  • Visibility and legibility depend on contrast and size. Validate readability and durability against abrasion, moisture, UV, and cleaning.
  • No new GPSR mark. Continue sector marks, for example CE, consistent with your EU Declaration of Conformity and testing.

Warnings, age grading, and symbols

  • Warning specificity should mirror the risk findings. Prioritise severe or likely hazards on-product and expand in the IFU (see warning examples).
  • Age grading can be stated as an age, for example 3+, or by the 0–3 barred symbol with text, including for non-toys likely to attract children. See age grading.
  • Other symbols include CE where applicable, WEEE, and recycling or material marks. See recycling symbols.

Instructions for Use (IFU)

Provide at least a leaflet or quick-start safety sheet aligned with your labels and the risk assessment.

  • Assembly or installation with safety checkpoints and any professional-only steps.
  • Operation with limits (load, environment, accessories) and mode changes.
  • Maintenance and cleaning with schedules and safe methods.
  • Storage and transport including lithium-battery precautions where relevant.
  • Disposal with end-of-life guidance (battery recycling, WEEE references).
  • Fault response for overheating, damage, or unusual smells.
  • Contacts that match on-pack identity and the online rules under Article 19.
  • Language and format in all required languages, on paper or another durable physical format unless sector law allows digital-only. Digital manuals may supplement.

Template: Product Label Template (PDF)

Distance selling, quick recap

  • Show the same operator identity, model or batch, and warnings on the offer page before purchase, consistent with Distance Selling & Online Marketplaces.
  • Include a photo of safety markings where possible and keep translations aligned with the printed IFU and labels.

QR codes, e-labels, and digital supplements

QR codes or URLs may supplement, not replace, mandatory physical particulars. Keep links stable and content in sync with the printed IFU and the technical file.

Quality and consistency checks

  • Cross-check labels, IFU, the EU DoC, and relevant test reports.
  • Validate translations and remove conflicting specs.
  • Re-review after any change to the risk assessment or applicable standards and testing.

Result: precise, durable, multilingual labelling and IFUs meet legal duties and build trust.

7) Traceability, batch or lot coding, and recordkeeping

Traceability supports targeted withdrawals and recalls. The GPSR expects rapid identification of affected units, locations, and holders. The role of traceability within the evidence set appears in the technical file guide.

Key elements

Batch or lot coding

Products or batches must be uniquely identifiable. Internal codes should reflect real manufacturing and logistics.

Typical practices

  • Use a meaningful code for example YYWW-XXX and record the convention in the technical file.
  • Choose serialisation or batch labels according to safety variability.
  • Place identifiers on the product and outer pack and reference them on delivery documents.
  • Combine machine-readable and human-readable marks. Common formats include GS1 barcodes and 2D codes (GS1 standards).
  • Validate durability through logistics and product life.

Records commonly maintained

  • Model dossier: description and specs, risk assessment, standards mapping, drawings, relevant test reports, the EU Declaration of Conformity where applicable, labels or IFU, and a working label template.
  • Lot dossier: bill of materials and version, supplier declarations or SDS, dates, lines, plants, deviations, QC outputs, and routine lot tests.
  • Distribution trace: lot-to-shipment mapping with quantities, dates, invoices, and destinations. For direct-to-consumer models, serial-to-order mapping where feasible.
  • Field and safety data: complaints or returns with lot or serial, symptom and outcome, CAPA, and authority or marketplace correspondence. See the recall playbook and the new recall requirements.

Retention and accessibility

  • Ten-year minimum after last placing is common. Consider longer where prudent.
  • Rapid availability is expected, often in electronic form via national channels or the Safety Business Gateway connected to EU Safety Gate.
  • Access control and backup protect confidential information while allowing the authorised representative or responsible person to furnish the file.
  • Language and format should be shareable, indexed, and searchable, with summaries or translations where requested.

Looking ahead

The Commission may add traceability measures for higher-risk categories through delegated acts. Watch the GPSR text on EUR-Lex and the Blue Guide.

8) Testing, standards, and declarations

Testing demonstrates product safety and legal conformity. Under the GPSR it is risk based and tied to the risk assessment. It complements sector legislation. There is no single approval route. Record evidence in the technical file.

Key points

  • No pre-market approval, full accountability: Authorities can request evidence. See the technical file and compliance guide.
  • Harmonised standards and presumption of safety: For covered risks, applying harmonised EN standards supports compliance. The Commission maintains a searchable list.
  • Where no EN exists, use other recognised references and justify your approach in the technical file.

Planning a fit-for-purpose test program

  1. Map legislation and standards:
  2. Test by risk type:
    • Mechanical or physical (stability, impact, sharp edges, entrapment, small parts).
    • Chemical (heavy metals, phthalates, PAHs, SCCPs, formaldehyde, migration, SVHC screening), see the guide.
    • Electrical and EMC (shock, insulation, temperature rise, abnormal fault, emissions, immunity).
    • Thermal, flammability, optical or laser radiation, noise or vibration as relevant.
    • Cybersecurity and software for connected products (often benchmark to ETSI EN 303 645).
  3. Use accredited labs and reproducible methods:
    • ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation is common. Test samples must match the bill of materials and final spec.
    • Protocols, raw data where available, versioned reports, and corrective actions form part of the record.
  4. Leverage supplier evidence and verify scope:
    • Check reports, SDS, and certificates for standard versions and lab competence, then include them in the technical file.
  5. Define re-test triggers and keep materials current:
    • Design or material changes, supplier switches, field signals, and standards updates prompt verification. Labels and IFU must reflect the current risk profile (see labelling requirements and warning examples).

Common references and declarations

  • Chemicals: testing strategies in the REACH, RoHS, and POPs guide, with source texts at REACH, RoHS, and POPs.
  • EU Declaration of Conformity where CE legislation applies. Format and content are explained in the EU DoC guide.
  • Harmonised standards list on the Commission portal. Where no EN exists, record your basis inside the technical file.
  • A cross-reference matrix in the technical file that links hazards to standards or tests and to labels or IFU.

Make evidence actionable

Use test outcomes to shape design and user information. Keep evidence for ten years in the technical file, aligned with the risk assessment.

9) Post-market surveillance, incidents, and recalls

Post-market surveillance links real-world performance with the risk assessment, the technical documentation, and your labelling and IFU.

GPSR expectations

  • A proportionate PMS plan that describes how you gather, assess, and act on safety information.
  • Continuous safety-data collection that feeds the risk assessment and the technical file.

Minimum system in practice

  • Monitor complaints, returns, warranty, and public sources such as Safety Gate, with signals from distributors and marketplaces (see distance selling and marketplaces).
  • Triage and escalation with severity and frequency thresholds for containment and corrective action.
  • Incident and CAPA logs tied to lot or serial identifiers in the traceability records.
  • File maintenance so the risk assessment and the technical file stay current.
  • Consumer contact channels (email, phone, webforms, marketplace inboxes) that are monitored and responsive.

Serious accidents and reporting

Article 20 requires notifications of accidents with serious health effects without undue delay. Submit through the Safety Business Gateway, which feeds Safety Gate. Marketplace duties on incident awareness sit alongside Article 22 in the online sales overview.

Corrective actions and recalls

  1. Containment using batch and lot records.
  2. Public notices with product IDs, images, hazards, actions, and contacts. Formats in the recall playbook.
  3. Remedies that provide repair, replacement, or refund at no cost.
  4. Authority notification via the Safety Business Gateway.
  5. Communication through direct messages, website notices, social channels, in-store materials, and marketplace tools.
  6. Execution and verification to track uptake and confirm risk removal.
  7. Root cause and updates to close actions and update the risk assessment, the technical file, and the labels or IFU.

Authority powers and coordination

Under the Market Surveillance Regulation (EU) 2019/1020, authorities conduct sweeps and share information via ICSMS. In the United Kingdom, recall information is published by OPSS at Product safety alerts, reports and recalls.

Good practices

  • Regular safety reviews and clear role ownership.
  • Unified data that links complaints to batches, to CAPA, and to public notices.
  • Maintained templates for authority correspondence and recall communications, plus a live recall page where appropriate.
  • Marketplace workflows aligned with Articles 19 and 22 (see distance selling).

A strong PMS program catches issues early and demonstrates control.

10) Non-compliance, product liability, and penalties

Non-compliance with the GPSR and related laws can result in swift enforcement and significant liability (administrative and civil, and in severe cases criminal).

Forms of non-compliance

Possible consequences

Fast remediation typically runs through the Safety Business Gateway. Country-level penalties vary and can be significant. For examples and practical steps, see What happens if you do not comply with the GPSR.

11) Category notes: cosmetics, electrical, toys, and more

The GPSR is a horizontal safety net. Sector legislation applies first within its scope, and the GPSR fills gaps and adds general duties such as incident handling and distance-selling information.

  • Cosmetics are governed by Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, which defines CPSR, PIF, Responsible Person, labelling, and the CPNP portal. The GPSR adds general duties and online information rules. Cosmetics have a targeted exception on the electronic address requirement noted in the labelling requirements guide.

    Before placing products on the EU market, make sure you have:
  • Electrical and radio equipment follow the LVD, EMC, and RED, with CE marking and an EU Declaration of Conformity (see the guide). The GPSR still applies to residual risks, to accident reporting, and to online particulars, with attention to software and cyber risks.
  • Toys are covered by 2009/48/EC and standards such as EN 71 and EN 62115. The GPSR complements toy rules with online presentation duties and PMS (see PMS). Roles across frameworks are summarised under economic operators.
  • Machinery, PPE, medical devices are led by the Machinery Regulation, PPE Regulation, and Medical Device Regulation. The GPSR mainly affects online particulars. Medical devices also have dedicated vigilance systems.
  • Food and food-contact: food sits outside the GPSR. Food-contact materials follow Regulation (EC) 1935/2004. The GPSR can still address general physical risks such as sharp edges.
  • Textiles and apparel rely on standards such as EN 14682 for cords and drawstrings within the GPSR framework.
  • Furniture has no general CE mark. EN furniture standards apply under the GPSR, which also captures tip-over risks.
  • Sports equipment may fall under the PPE Regulation when protective, otherwise EN or ISO standards operate under the GPSR umbrella.
  • Vehicles largely follow type-approval regimes rather than the GPSR.
  • Second-hand goods sold by businesses must remain safe. Antiques can be exempt as described under scope.

Apply sector rules first, then let the GPSR fill remaining gaps. Helpful primers include the CE-marking guide, label symbols and warnings, age grading, and recycling symbols.

12) Adjacent Obligations: LUCID & WEEE

Market access also requires environmental and EPR compliance alongside the GPSR. Two common pillars are packaging EPR (for example Germany’s LUCID) and WEEE for electronics.

Other adjacent duties

Plan EPR early

  • Marketplaces may block sales without LUCID or WEEE numbers.
  • Late registration can trigger back fees and enforcement.
  • Schemes and representatives take time to set up, so start early.

Integrate EPR into your compliance system: connect with traceability, store proofs in the technical file, and reflect disposal guidance in labels and IFU (icons in Recycling Symbols). For details, see the LUCID Packaging Registration Guide and the WEEE Registration & Compliance Guide. Holistic compliance means safety (GPSR and CE and testing) plus end-of-life duties (EPR).

13) Marketplace Readiness

Marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Etsy) and commerce tools (for example Shopify) increasingly enforce compliance under the GPSR, the Market Surveillance Regulation, the Digital Services Act, and the EU Product Safety Pledge.

Expect requests for GPSR evidence

Prepare a platform-ready dossier (a concise subset of your technical file) for fast submission.

Maintain a platform-ready dossier

  • Organise PDFs (reports, DoC, SDS) per product.
  • Create a one-page compliance summary (laws, standards, reports, AR contact).
  • Use marketplace forms where required. English is often accepted.

Common marketplace scenarios

Recalls and coordination

For serious risks, notify via the EU Safety Gate and Safety Business Gateway. Marketplaces must act within two working days when ordered. See How to Handle a Product Recall under the EU GPSR.

Checklist to be marketplace-ready

  • Pre-validate listings: include Article 19 info and clear label photos (see Labelling Requirements for GPSR Compliance).
  • Respond fast with complete documents.
  • Be truthful: use accredited labs and never falsify reports.
  • Monitor account health and resolve compliance flags quickly.

14) How EaseCert Helps

EaseCert provides a documentation-first path to GPSR compliance and EU representation (AR or RP). We organise your risk assessment, assemble a robust technical file, align labels and IFU, and prepare evidence suitable for platform checks (our Amazon guide provides more information). For pricing context, see our cost overview.

Services

See scope in What we offer. Core workstreams: Risk assessment and technical documentation, labelling, and marketplace compliance.

Deliverables

  • GPSR Risk Assessment that links hazards and mitigations to labels and IFU (see details).
  • Structured Technical File including product description, risk assessment, tests or SDS, DoC, standards list, label and IFU artwork, traceability, and PMS or recall templates (see guide).
  • Labelling pack with content, warnings and symbols, age grading, language plan, and a template, including AR or RP particulars.
  • EU AR or RP appointment with an official Germany address for product labels (see Authorised Representative).
  • Traceability guidance: batch or lot scheme, logs, durable placement tips, and ten-year retention (see Traceability).

You will have complete documentation, print-ready labels and manuals, an EU representative on-label, and a dossier for authorities and marketplaces. See PMS and Recalls for post-launch support.

15) Further Reading & Official Resources

If you want the details or the legal texts, use these resources:

EaseCert Insights & Guides

Official EU Resources

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