GPSR Warning Examples: How to Comply with EU Labelling Rules
Under the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988, all consumer products placed on the EU market must be safe. When a risk cannot be entirely eliminated through design or manufacturing controls, the law requires that the remaining hazard be addressed through clear and appropriate warnings on the product, packaging, or accompanying instructions. This guide explains how such warnings originate from your product risk assessment and gives concrete, real-world examples of compliant warnings in line with EU law.
How GPSR Warnings Are Created
Every compliant product must have a structured risk assessment documented in Section 5 of its technical file. The risk assessment categorizes hazards by severity and determines what mitigation measures are required. For each unresolved or partially mitigated risk, a warning must be added. These warnings begin with ⚠ WARNING: and are tied to documented evidence such as test reports or SDS sheets. Risk levels are typically broken into:
- Critical Risk: Life-threatening (e.g. suffocation, electric shock)
- Major Risk: Serious injury (e.g. allergic reaction, sharp edges)
- Minor Risk: Cosmetic or limited use issues (e.g. staining, mild irritation)
- Manufacturing Risks: Linked to process issues (e.g. loose components, curing defects)
To learn more about the legal context, see the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988. The European Commission’s summary on general product safety also provides key principles and links to harmonised standards.
Warnings: Language, Symbols, and Requirements
Necessary warnings must be provided to inform consumers of potential risks and safe usage practices. Per Article 22 of the GPSR, all warning and safety information must be presented in a language easily understood by consumers in the member state where the product is marketed. This typically means providing information in the official language(s) of each country where the product is sold. English alone is not sufficient unless the product is only sold in Ireland or Malta.
In addition to written warnings, certain categories of products must display safety symbols and graphical warning signs. You can refer to our guide on understanding EU GPSR label symbols for details on their legal use and meanings. Additional guidance is available from the European Commission’s portal on EU labels and symbols.
What’s Included in Every Certification
Our GPSR compliance service ensures that your product labeling aligns fully with the findings of the risk assessment and regulatory expectations under Articles 9, 22, and 23 of the GPSR. We provide:
- Assessment of all applicable product hazards and classification by risk level
- Development of Section 5 – Risk Analysis tables with mitigation actions and exact label wording
- Guidance on required labeling elements, including:
- CE marking and other mandatory safety labels (if applicable)
- Manufacturer/importer/EU Responsible Person contact details
- Safety warnings, hazard symbols, and usage instructions
- Age restrictions, material composition, and environmental compliance symbols (e.g., recycling markings)
- Support in implementing a traceability system to track product batches and manage post-market actions
For more information on our compliance scope, see What We Offer.
Common GPSR-Compliant Warning Examples
⚠ WARNING: Plastic bag can cause suffocation. Keep away from children.
⚠ WARNING: Choking hazard – small parts. Keep away from children under 3 years.
⚠ WARNING: Use with care. Inspect before use to ensure fasteners remain secure.
⚠ WARNING: Follow care instructions to reduce chemical exposure from residues.
⚠ WARNING: Handle with care. Sharp edges may occur at corners.
⚠ WARNING: Allergy risk – contains nickel.
⚠ WARNING: Keep away from open flames and heat sources.
⚠ WARNING: Discontinue use if skin irritation occurs.
Labelling Requirements for GPSR Compliance
Label warnings must be:
- In the official language(s) of each EU country where the product is sold
- Clear, consumer-friendly, and accurate
- Printed on the product, packaging, or included leaflet depending on space
- Supported by test reports, SDS, or risk documentation
For a complete breakdown of labelling and language rules under GPSR, visit our article on labelling requirements for GPSR compliance. You’ll find practical guidance for multilingual labels, traceability markings, and placement of importer and RP details.
Official EU references include:
- EU Product Labelling Requirements
- EU Safety Gate Alerts
- Harmonised Standards – General Product Safety
Translated Warning Examples (Multilingual)
English (EN):
⚠ WARNING: Plastic bag can cause suffocation. Keep away from children.
French (FR):
⚠ AVERTISSEMENT : Le sac en plastique peut provoquer un risque de suffocation. Tenir éloigné des enfants.
German (DE):
⚠ WARNUNG: Plastiktüte kann Erstickungsgefahr verursachen. Von Kindern fernhalten.
Spanish (ES):
⚠ ADVERTENCIA: La bolsa de plástico puede causar asfixia. Mantener fuera del alcance de los niños.
Italian (IT):
⚠ AVVERTENZA: Il sacchetto di plastica può causare soffocamento. Tenere lontano dai bambini.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are warnings mandatory under GPSR?
Yes. If a product has any residual risk that cannot be fully eliminated through design or production, a warning must be included under Article 23 of Regulation (EU) 2023/988. This is a legal requirement for all general consumer products sold on the EU market.
How are warnings determined?
Warnings must be linked to specific hazards identified in the product’s technical file and documented in Section 5 of the risk assessment. These are not generic disclaimers but formal regulatory elements supported by compliance evidence such as lab reports or SDS documentation.
Do warnings need to be translated?
Yes. Per Article 22 of the GPSR, all warnings must be in the official language(s) of the country where the product is marketed. Products sold in France must include French warnings; in Germany, German; and so on.
Can I reuse the same warning for different products?
Only if the products share the same risks and have identical material characteristics. Each product group should be assessed individually to avoid compliance violations during market surveillance or customs inspections.
Where can I find the official GPSR text and guidance?
Refer to the official text of Regulation (EU) 2023/988 and the Commission’s harmonised product safety guidance.