FAQ

EaseCert helps brands and sellers launch and scale safely in the EU under the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). We handle the core requirements (risk assessment, compliant labelling, technical documentation, and traceability), then act as your EU Authorised Representative/Responsible Person (EU operations in Germany) for authorities and marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy.

Our documentation-first workflow groups similar SKUs to reduce cost and typically delivers in 3–5 business days after intake. Pricing is one-time (no subscriptions). After go-live, we support post-market surveillance, incident response, and recalls, keeping your file audit-ready for at least 10 years.

This page explains what GPSR covers, what you receive, how we work, and where category-specific rules (e.g., toys or cosmetics) may add extra steps.

1. Understanding GPSR Compliance

What is the GPSR and which products and sellers does it cover?

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) applies to all consumer products made available to EU consumers (including online sales). It sets baseline safety obligations for economic operators, requires documented risk assessments, technical documentation, product traceability, and, where applicable for non-EU manufacturers, appointment of an Authorised Representative / Responsible Person. Download our GPSR checklist for a step-by-step guide to safety, labelling, and documentation.

For the legal text and official guidance, see Regulation (EU) 2023/988 and the Commission’s overview of EU product safety.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with GPSR?

Failure to comply can lead to product bans, recalls, marketplace restrictions, fines, and legal actions. Authorities may request documentation at any time. Also note the EU’s updated product liability rules.

Does GPSR apply to all product categories?

GPSR covers all consumer products unless specific sectoral legislation applies (medical devices or PPE). If multiple laws apply, you must meet each relevant set of requirements. Official references for common sectoral laws:

2. EaseCert’s GPSR Compliance Services

How can EaseCert help with GPSR compliance?

EaseCert provides:

Why do I need an EU Authorised Representative?

Non-EU manufacturers must appoint an Authorised Representative to hold documentation, liaise with authorities, and support corrective actions. For context, see the Commission’s Blue Guide (roles of economic operators).

What is the difference between an Authorised Representative and a Responsible Person?

While an Authorised Representative (AR) and a Responsible Person (RP) both support compliance, the AR is the manufacturer’s legal agent under applicable EU product law(s), whereas the RP (as referenced in GPSR context) focuses on ensuring product safety obligations and consumer information are fulfilled before products reach the EU market.

Can an Authorised Representative act as a Responsible Person?

Yes. When you order our certification service, EaseCert’s appointed EU Authorised Representative can also serve as your Responsible Person to streamline coordination and accountability.

Can EaseCert act as my EU Authorised Representative / Responsible Person?

Yes, EaseCert serves as your EU Authorised Representative and Responsible Person. We are headquartered in New York City, with EU operations in Germany.

What if I decide to change to another Authorised Representative in the future?

You can change AR at any time. Update labels and documentation with the new AR’s details and, where relevant, notify authorities or platforms (your online marketplace registration may need updating). Keep technical documentation accessible for at least 10 years after last placing on the market. See also the Commission’s obligations overview.

3. Technical Documentation & Risk Assessment

Do I need a risk assessment for every product?

Yes, GPSR requires a documented risk assessment for each product (including variations where risks differ). Use our GPSR Risk Analysis Template.

What does a risk assessment include?

A GPSR-compliant risk assessment typically covers:

  • Economic Operator Info: Identify all involved parties (manufacturer, importer, AR/RP).
  • Product Description: Function, materials, safety features, variants, and age grading.
  • Legal/Standards Mapping: GPSR, applicable sectoral law(s), and chemical/electrical rules like REACH/RoHS/POPs plus harmonised standards (see Commission list of harmonised standards).
  • Design Evaluation: Hazard analysis (mechanical, chemical, electrical, thermal, flammability, radiation, hygiene), foreseeable misuse, and mitigations.
  • Risk Findings: Classification (critical/major/minor), residual risk, production/QA controls.
  • Labelling & Instructions for Use (IFU): Age grading, warnings, instructions, and symbols (e.g., disposal/recycling via recycling symbols).

Note: Instructions and safety information should be provided in languages required by the target Member State(s). See Your Europe (CE marking & language rules).

What is technical documentation, and why is it needed?

Technical documentation demonstrates conformity and includes:

Authorities may ask for the file at any time (often via ICSMS/Safety Gate). See Safety Gate obligations.

4. GPSR & Online Marketplaces

How does GPSR affect sellers on marketplaces such as Amazon, Etsy, or eBay?

Marketplaces expect sellers to demonstrate GPSR compliance with:

  • An EU Authorised Representative / Responsible Person
  • Proper labelling aligned with the risk assessment
  • Accessible safety documentation on request

Non-compliance can result in listing removal, account holds, or regulatory action.

Can EaseCert help me meet Amazon’s GPSR requirements?

Yes. We assist with Amazon’s requirements, including document packaging, label alignment, and AR/RP coverage. See also the Commission’s official obligations page.

5. Certification & Pricing

Are your services subscriptions or one-time charges?

All of our services are one-time charges. No annual renewals or subscriptions. We remain your EU Authorised Representative / Responsible Person for the life of the certified product. The Online Marketplace Registration Service is also a one-time setup fee.

How long does it take to receive certification?

Standard certifications (e.g., GPSR certification, risk assessment, documentation) are typically provided within 3–5 business days after receiving all necessary details.

What documents do I need to submit for compliance evaluation?

Required documents include:

How much does EaseCert’s compliance service cost?

Pricing depends on product type, compliance complexity, and scope. For an exact quote, contact us or book a free consulting call.

Is there a discount for multiple products?

Yes, bulk pricing is available. Savings increase with larger batches, shared materials/components, and aligned compliance scopes.

Are there additional fees for responding to EU authorities?

Routine authority inquiries related to your certified products are handled at no extra cost. If an inquiry requires extensive technical work, additional lab testing, or external legal opinions, we’ll advise and obtain your approval before any chargeable actions.

6. Additional Compliance Services

Can EaseCert assist with CE marking and other certifications?

Yes. Beyond GPSR, we guide clients through CE marking and related conformity routes. You can also consult the Commission’s harmonised standards page to identify conformity bodies for sectoral legislation.

Does EaseCert offer testing services?

We work with accredited labs to provide required testing services. For REACH obligations and SVHC updates, consult ECHA’s REACH pages.

7. Post-Market Surveillance & Ongoing Compliance

What ongoing duties do I have under the GPSR?

Once products are on the EU market, you must proactively monitor safety information, maintain access to your technical documentation, and respond to authority requests without delay. This includes tracking incidents, complaints, Safety Gate alerts, and any material or process changes that may alter the product risk profile. Align these checks with your documented risk assessment and keep labels/instructions in sync with residual risks.

How EaseCert supports ongoing compliance

We keep your file audit-ready, align labelling as risks evolve, and support responses to market-surveillance queries (via Safety Gate/ICSMS). See our overview of EU market surveillance & Safety Gate. When needed, we refresh your risk assessment, update the technical file, and re-issue instructions and warnings. For potential penalties and enforcement, review our guide to GPSR penalties.

Proactive monitoring cadence

Recommended cadence: monthly review of complaints/returns; quarterly file checks; ad-hoc updates after design, supplier, or labelling changes; and pre-peak season readiness checks for marketplace sellers. Use our GPSR checklist to schedule and document these reviews. Consider adding a standing point of contact via your EU Authorised Representative/Responsible Person for faster escalations.

8. Incident Management, Corrective Actions & Recalls

When does an incident trigger action?

Triage any safety incident, near-miss, marketplace complaint, or authority inquiry suggesting non-conformity. We classify by severity/likelihood using your risk model and propose containment (stop-ship, rework, relabel, or withdrawal) while you maintain full traceability via your technical file and batch logs.

Recalls & Safety Gate notifications

When required, we draft consumer notices, field actions, and authority communications consistent with EU practice. See our guide to handling a GPSR recall and the primer on Safety Gate. We also prepare marketplace responses to prevent broad listing suspensions.

Corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)

We run root-cause analysis (design, material, manufacturing, instructions) and document CAPA in your file. We update labels using our warning examples, adjust the risk assessment, and re-issue evidence to platforms/authorities. If chemical concerns arise, we coordinate targeted testing (see REACH/RoHS/POPs testing).

9. Labelling, Languages & User Instructions

Mandatory elements on labels & packaging

Labels must include manufacturer/importer details and, where applicable, your EU AR/RP (see Authorised Representative and the EC REP symbol), product identification, traceability code, and safety information aligned to the risk assessment. See our labelling requirements checklist.

Language coverage & consumer information

Provide Instructions for Use (IFU) and mandatory safety info in the official language(s) of each Member State where the product is sold. We supply editable label templates and align age grading per age-grading guidance. For symbols and disposal info, see recycling symbols.

Symbols, warnings & digital aids

We map warnings and symbols to residual risks and ensure placement/contrast/readability. QR codes and URLs can supplement (not replace) mandatory on-pack elements. Reference our warning examples for phrasing aligned to risk findings.

10. Traceability, Batch/Lot Coding & Recordkeeping

Batch/lot coding approaches

We define coding that ties production runs to suppliers, materials, and QA records—documented in your technical file. Options range from simple YYWW-XXXX formats to GS1/2D barcodes, with placement guidance for packaging and product.

Retention & audit trails

Maintain 10-year availability after last placement on the market. We index your file for fast retrieval: risk analysis, test reports/SDS, BoM, DoC, labels/instructions, CAPA history, see our documentation guide.

Customs & marketplace checks

We assemble rapid-response packs so customs/platforms can verify AR/RP details, labelling, and safety evidence. This shortens border checks and resolves marketplace compliance tickets faster, particularly on Amazon EU.

11. Supply-Chain Controls & Testing Strategy

Supplier declarations & materials evidence

We collect supplier declarations, Declarations of Conformity, SDS, and material specs, then reconcile them with your file index. We also standardise supplier change-notice procedures.

When to test & what to test for

We scope testing by risk, materials, and applicable law: chemical (see REACH/RoHS/POPs), mechanical/physical (relevant EN methods), and electrical where sectoral law applies. Reports are folded into your technical file.

Change control & re-qualification

Supplier, material, or factory changes may alter risk. We update the risk analysis, adjust labels/instructions, and recommend targeted re-tests when warranted.

12. Marketplace Listing Support (Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Shopify)

Amazon: documents & attributes

We prepare a GPSR pack (risk assessment, label images, EU AR/RP information, relevant test/SDS extracts) to address Amazon’s requests, category gating, and account health tickets. We also align bullets and images with your labels, user instructions, and warnings.

Etsy/eBay: policy alignment

We map listings to platform safety policies, attach structured evidence from your technical file, and prepare appeals for policy enforcement actions.

Shopify & own-site: Safety Gate registration

For multi-seller platforms that meet the GPSR definition of an “online marketplace,” we support Safety Gate registration and publish an EU-facing regulatory contact (AR/RP) on your site. For single-brand stores, we focus on product-level GPSR proof for customs and platforms.

13. Documentation Lifecycle & Change Management

Versioning & file governance

We implement version control across risk assessment, labels, BoM, and declarations using a master index (see documentation guide). Each update logs reason, approver, and effective date.

Triggers for re-issue

Re-issue when risks change (design/materials), incidents occur, new standards are applied, or when you expand to new Member States with additional language/format needs. We also re-issue after CAPA or recall actions.

Role of the EU AR/RP

As your AR/RP, EaseCert maintains the latest file, answers authority requests, and ensures consistency between labelling, IFU, and the risk assessment.

14. Data Security & Confidentiality

How we handle your data

We store files with restricted access and immutable change logs. Your documentation is retained for the statutory period to support your AR/RP coverage. On request, we provide NDA execution and access scoping for suppliers and labs.

What we need from you

Provide accurate BoMs, artwork, supplier declarations, and any prior test/SDS evidence via our secure intake. Review and approve draft labels/IFU before release to production or listings.

15. Project Timeline, SLA & Deliverables

Typical 3–5 business-day flow

Deliverables

GPSR certificate, risk assessment, compliant labels, technical file index, EU AR/RP information (Germany address), and marketplace submission pack. Verify with our GPSR checklist.

Your role

Supply inputs (photos, BoM, artwork, prior tests/SDS, DoC if any) promptly; give feedback on drafts; and approve final labels and user instructions before print or listing.

16. Scope Notes, Limitations & Category Guidance

When GPSR is not enough

GPSR is the default safety law for non-food consumer products. Some categories require sectoral regimes (e.g., toys, electrical products, or cosmetics). We identify overlaps and, where applicable, route you through CE-marking conformity and related documentation.

Laboratory testing & third parties

Where testing is necessary, we coordinate accredited labs; lab fees are separate from our certification fee. See our overview of testing for EU compliance and integrate results into your file.

What our service does not include

We do not issue legal opinions, conduct on-site factory audits, or act as a Notified Body. If a Notified Body is mandatory, we prepare your dossier and hand-off pack for submission.

17. How We Work: Engagement Model & Timeline

Our delivery model is documentation-first to minimise friction and accelerate EU launch with predictable costs.

  1. Intake & Triage — Share your dossier (see the technical file guide); we map laws/standards and testing needs.
  2. Scope & Grouping — We group similar SKUs by material/function to reduce duplication and price.
  3. Risk & Documentation — We run the risk assessment, align labels/IFU to findings, and assemble the file.
  4. Certification & EU RP Onboarding — You receive the GPSR certificate, AR/RP appointment, and submission pack.
  5. Marketplace Go-Live — We tailor evidence for Amazon/eBay/Etsy and support listing reviews.

Typical turnaround: 3–5 business days after receiving all materials. If new testing is needed, timing follows lab lead times.

18. Deliverables You Receive

  • GPSR Risk Assessment (intended/foreseeable use, hazards, mitigations, residual risk).
  • Structured Technical File (risk analysis, SDS/test reports, BoM, labelling, declarations, traceability index).
  • Labelling Pack (templates with economic operator details, warnings, symbols, age grading; EC REP usage where applicable).
  • EU AR/RP appointment documentation and contact details for labels and marketplace fields.
  • GPSR Certificate confirming file completeness and RP coverage.
  • Marketplace Kit for Amazon, eBay, Etsy (document set, label imagery, attribute guidance).
  • Traceability Basics (batch/lot coding guide and record-keeping matrix).

19. Variants, Changes & Re-certification

We streamline families of products that share identical materials and safety characteristics. If you change materials, construction, suppliers, or intended use, we reassess risk and update your file accordingly.

  • Minor changes (cosmetic or packaging-only) → documented addenda.
  • Major changes (materials, functional design) → targeted risk review, label/IFU updates, and selective re-testing.
  • Clear version control so authorities and marketplaces can trace revisions over time.

20. Post-Market Support & Surveillance

  • Single point of contact as your EU Responsible Person for authority queries and Safety Gate/ICSMS interactions.
  • Guidance on incident logging, corrective actions, and recall communications aligned with official recall guidance.
  • Support for documentation retention for at least 10 years after last placement on the market.

21. Optional Add-Ons

  • Laboratory testing coordination with accredited labs where gaps exist (see chemical testing).
  • Member-state language packs for warnings/IFU translations aligned to target markets.
  • Packaging & artwork checks against GPSR labelling rules and marketplace image policies.
  • Team training on GPSR essentials, risk assessment inputs, and listing compliance workflows.

22. Data Protection, Confidentiality & Access

  • NDA on request and restricted-access handling of your technical documentation.
  • Controlled sharing of files only with you, designated partners, or authorities where required.
  • Lifecycle retention aligned to GPSR expectations (10+ years after last placement on the market) and your AR/RP coverage needs.

23. Sectors We Commonly Support

We focus on non-food consumer products, including apparel & accessories, home & décor, office & stationery, sports & outdoor, pet supplies, DIY & hardware (hand tools and accessories), automotive accessories, toys & hobby, and general consumer hardgoods.

Here are the product categories offered under EaseCert’s GPSR certification:

  • Automotive Accessories
  • Clothing, Footwear, and Accessories
  • DIY, Tools, Hardware, and Gardening
  • Electrical and Electronic Products
  • Home and Office Supplies
  • Household Goods, Kitchenware, and Furniture
  • Jewelry and Accessories
  • Personal Care and Beauty Products
  • Pet Products
  • Sports and Outdoor Equipment
  • Toys and Children’s Products

For products that also fall under sectoral rules (e.g., electrical or toys), we integrate GPSR with the relevant CE-marking route.

24. Member-State Languages & Localisation

We align warnings, user instructions, and safety information to target-market language rules and symbol conventions. Typical launch sets include EN/DE/FR/IT/ES; add others based on distribution. For general language obligations in the EU, see Your Europe, and align content to your labelling plan.

25. Quality & Audit Readiness

  • Consistency by design: label content derives from the risk assessment.
  • Clear file indexing: authorities and marketplaces can locate evidence quickly via the file index.
  • Change logs: transparent version history across SKUs and variants; supports enforcement responses and internal audits.

26. Economic Operators

Who counts as the “manufacturer” under the GPSR (EU) 2023/988?

Under the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988, “manufacturer” is a legal role and is not limited to companies that physically make goods. In practice, you are the manufacturer if:

  • You place a product on the EU market under your name or trademark (including private-label/brand owners), or you design/manufacture the product yourself. See our overview of economic operators & responsibilities.
  • You ensure the product is safe and compliant: complete a documented risk assessment, maintain a complete technical file, and provide all required labelling/markings and user instructions.
  • Outsourcing production does not transfer responsibility: if your brand is on the product, you are legally the manufacturer for GPSR purposes, even if a third party makes it.

In short: if you are the brand placing the product on the EU market, you are the manufacturer and remain responsible for product safety and compliance. An EU Authorised Representative/Responsible Person serves as your EU point of contact for authorities, but does not replace your legal obligations.

27. Disclaimer for Cosmetic Products

If your products fall under the scope of cosmetics (such as body oils, skincare, or makeup), please note that EU compliance under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 requires more than GPSR certification. In addition to appointing an EU Responsible Person (which EaseCert can provide), you must also ensure:

  • A Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) is prepared for each product by a qualified toxicologist.
  • Each product is registered in the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) (official portal).
  • A complete Product Information File (PIF) is maintained for each product.

EaseCert provides:

  • Appointment as your EU Responsible Person (EURP) — see our pages on the EU Authorised Representative and Responsible Person.
  • Review of product labeling for EU compliance (formatting, mandatory particulars, warnings) — refer to our labelling requirements guide (note: cosmetics have category-specific rules under Reg. 1223/2009).
  • Maintenance of PIFs once fully prepared and provided by you/your consultants.
  • Ongoing representation and regulatory contact support with EU authorities as your appointed RP.

EaseCert does not provide:

  • Creation of Cosmetic Product Safety Reports (CPSRs).
  • Registration of products in the CPNP system.
  • Compilation of the technical contents for Product Information Files (PIFs).

You will need to arrange these documents separately through licensed cosmetic toxicologists or specialized cosmetic compliance consultants. Once the necessary documents are in place, EaseCert can fully support your Responsible Person service and help ensure your market entry remains compliant with both the GPSR and the Cosmetics Regulation.

28. Latest GPSR Updates from the European Commission

Key Points from the GPSR Q&A Document:

  • Scope: Applies to products (physical & digital) not covered by specific EU safety regulations; some provisions apply across products.
  • Second-Hand Products: Used/repaired products must comply unless clearly marked for repair or as antiques.
  • Free Items: Free products intended for consumer use still fall under GPSR.
  • Business Size: Obligations apply to businesses of all sizes (limited exemptions for some micro/small platforms).
  • Risk Assessment: Manufacturers/importers must conduct risk analysis before EU placement.
  • Technical Documentation: Required for all products; depth varies case-by-case.
  • Authorised Representative / RP: Ensures compliance with technical documentation and labelling obligations.
  • Electronic Address: Provide a direct communication method (email/contact form).
  • Digital Labelling: QR codes alone do not fulfil GPSR labelling obligations.

See the Commission’s page on obligations for businesses. For a practical implementation view, revisit our GPSR requirements overview.

29. Getting Started

Contact us, email info@easecert.com with your product dossier, or book a free consulting call. We’ll confirm scope, timelines, and a fixed, one-time price, then start your certification workflow. Explore GPSR certification, appoint an EU Authorised Representative/Responsible Person, and review indicative costs by category in advance.

30. Learn More About GPSR

For official guidance and resources, see the EU Product Safety and GPSR Overview, the General Product Safety Regulation (2023) – EU Summary, the EU Safety Gate – RAPEX Alerts for Dangerous Products, and the Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (Full Text).

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