GPSR Responsible Person: What EU Importers Must Know
Under the new General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988, a GPSR Responsible Person is required for almost all consumer products placed on the EU market, especially if the manufacturer is located outside the EU. This individual or entity must be established within the EU and serves as the official point of contact for:
- Market surveillance authorities
- Consumer inquiries
- Safety and compliance documentation
This requirement is mandatory since December 13, 2024, and applies across all consumer product categories not already covered by specific CE or sectoral legislation.
Why Do You Need a GPSR Responsible Person?
If you’re a non-EU manufacturer or brand selling into the European market—whether through Amazon FBA, e-commerce platforms, or EU-based distributors—you must appoint a GPSR Responsible Person. Without one, your products can be:
- Blocked at the border
- Removed from online platforms
- Subject to penalties or recall
The Responsible Person ensures that your product remains traceable, compliant, and ready for inspection or recall coordination, if necessary.
Who Can Act as the GPSR Responsible Person?
There are four types of entities that may legally serve as your GPSR Responsible Person, depending on your business setup:
- EU Manufacturer: If the manufacturer is based in the EU, they automatically serve as the Responsible Person.
- EU Importer: If the manufacturer is outside the EU, the importer of the product becomes the Responsible Person by default.
- EU Authorized Representative (AR): The non-EU manufacturer can formally appoint a third-party AR—like EaseCert—to act as the Responsible Person.
- EU Fulfillment Service Provider: In cases where products are stored and shipped from EU-based warehouses (e.g. Amazon), the fulfillment provider may become the Responsible Person if no other party is designated.
Appointing an Authorized Representative is often the cleanest and most flexible solution, especially for brands selling directly to consumers online.
What Does a GPSR Responsible Person Do?
The responsibilities of a GPSR Responsible Person are clearly defined under Articles 16 and 17 of the GPSR. These include:
- Compliance Oversight: Verifying that products meet EU safety requirements and that appropriate standards have been applied.
- Documentation Management: Holding the Declaration of Conformity (if applicable), technical documentation, and product risk assessments for at least 10 years after placing the product on the market.
- Labeling Review: Ensuring that all mandatory traceability details (manufacturer’s name, address, batch/lot number) are included on the product, packaging, or accompanying documentation.
- Regulatory Communication: Responding to requests from EU market surveillance authorities within 10 days.
- Risk Notification: Alerting authorities of any product risks and working with the seller or manufacturer on recalls or warnings.
- Corrective Actions: Supporting withdrawal of unsafe products and taking other actions as needed to protect consumer safety.
At EaseCert, we offer GPSR Responsible Person services that go beyond just a mailing address, we actively support your compliance process and act on your behalf in all communications with EU authorities.
How to Appoint a GPSR Responsible Person
To comply with GPSR, you must:
- Select an EU-based entity or service provider: Choose a partner with proven experience in regulatory compliance.
- Update product labeling: The name and address of your GPSR Responsible Person must be listed on the product, its packaging, or in accompanying documentation.
- Ensure documentation is complete: Risk assessments, labeling guidance, and safety documents must be prepared and maintained.
-
Prepare for marketplace checks: Online platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay now ask for EU Responsible Person details before allowing listings to go live.
Why Work with EaseCert?
EaseCert offers fully managed GPSR Responsible Person services from our EU location in Germany. Our service includes:
- Documentation review and storage
- Product risk assessments
- Labeling and traceability verification
- Fast response to EU authorities
- Digital access to all files via shared technical file
EaseCert offers a simple, all-inclusive solution - with no subscriptions, no hidden fees, or additional charges. We are headquartered in New York City, with our EU Authorised Representative service based in Germany to ensure full compliance with GPSR regulations.
What’s Included?
- Official EU Authorised Representative Representation – Ensures full GPSR compliance.
- Streamlined Registration Process – We handle the entire process, from documentation review to linking your product in the EU Safety Gate Portal.
- Registered EU Address – Mandatory for legal and regulatory compliance.
- Market Surveillance & Customs Support – Assistance with safety inquiries and documentation.
-
GPSR Compliance Guidance – Expert support to meet EU safety requirements.