GPSR Warnings Template – EU Product Safety Labelling Guide
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:
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Critical Risk: Life-threatening (e.g. suffocation, electric shock)
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Major Risk: Serious injury (e.g. allergic reaction, sharp edges)
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Minor Risk: Cosmetic or limited use issues (e.g. staining, mild irritation)
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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.
GPSR-Compliant Warnings Template
Use the sample wording below to label your products if supported by the product’s risk assessment and design documentation:
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⚠ WARNING: Choking hazard – small parts. Keep away from children under 3 years old.
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⚠ WARNING: Plastic packaging may cause suffocation. Keep away from babies and young children.
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⚠ WARNING: Keep away from open flames and other heat sources.
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⚠ WARNING: Ensure adequate airflow and ventilation at all times to prevent airway obstruction.
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⚠ WARNING: Do not use if product is damaged or parts are loose.
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⚠ WARNING: Discontinue use if skin irritation occurs.
Label Requirements and Translation Rules
All GPSR-compliant warnings must be:
- Accurate, concise, and traceable to identified hazards
- Translated into the official language(s) of each EU country where the product is sold
- Visible on the product, packaging, or enclosed leaflet depending on space and category
- Supported by test reports, SDS, inspection protocols, or safety certifications
To understand the rules for multilingual labeling, traceability codes, and importer/Responsible Person details, visit Labelling Requirements for GPSR Compliance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GPSR warning?
A GPSR warning is a legally required label or instruction that alerts consumers to residual hazards that remain after all reasonable design and production controls have been applied. These warnings are required under Article 23 of Regulation (EU) 2023/988.
Does every product need a warning?
No. Only products with documented risks that cannot be fully mitigated through design require warnings. If no residual risk is present, a warning is not legally necessary and should not be added.
Can I use standard care labels instead?
Standard care labels (e.g. “Machine washable,” “Do not tumble dry”) do not replace legally required safety warnings. If a safety risk is present, it must be addressed with a dedicated warning that starts with “⚠ WARNING:” in accordance with the GPSR.
Where should the warnings be placed?
Warnings must be clearly visible to the consumer before use. They can be placed directly on the product, the packaging, or in an enclosed leaflet—depending on available space and the nature of the product.
Do I need to include warnings in multiple languages?
Yes. Article 22 of the GPSR requires that all safety information, including warnings, be in the official language(s) of the country where the product is sold. For example, a product sold in Belgium must have warnings in Dutch, French, and possibly German.
How do I know which warning applies to my product?
The correct warning is determined through your Section 5 – Risk Analysis. Each warning must directly correspond to an identified hazard and be supported by technical documentation such as test reports or safety data sheets.
Are pictograms or icons required?
In some product categories, yes. Where harmonised standards or sector-specific laws apply (e.g. toys, electrical goods), icons may be required. For general consumer products under GPSR, text-based warnings are usually sufficient but must be clear and compliant. See our guide on label symbols for more details.
Can I reuse warnings from other products or competitors?
No. Warnings must be based on your product’s specific materials, construction, and intended use. Copying generic warnings without a matching risk assessment can result in non-compliance during market surveillance.
What happens if I omit a required warning?
If a product is found to have a safety risk without an appropriate warning, market surveillance authorities can issue recalls, fines, or bans. Including clear, justified warnings is a key part of demonstrating due diligence under the GPSR.