How to Be GPSR Compliant – A Practical Guide
Step-by-Step Guidance for Sellers, Importers, and Manufacturers Selling to the European Union
If you sell physical consumer products in the EU—whether through your own website, retail stores, or marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay—you must comply with the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR).
Failure to comply can result in product bans, fines, or customs seizures. This guide outlines the practical steps to meet your legal obligations and shows how EaseCert | GPSR Compliance can help.
What Is GPSR Compliance?
The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) replaces the older General Product Safety Directive and introduces stricter rules for non-food consumer goods in the EU. It applies to all products, including toys, home goods, jewelry, crafts, fabrics, beauty items, and electronics—whether they are handmade or mass-produced.
Key GPSR Requirements:
- Product safety must be proven before sale
- Mandatory technical documentation
- Clear labeling with contact information and warnings
- EU-based Responsible Person (for non-EU manufacturers)
- Duty to report unsafe products to EU authorities
- Batch/lot traceability for most products
Who Needs to Be GPSR Compliant?
You are legally responsible for GPSR compliance if you are:
- A manufacturer based in the EU
- A non-EU manufacturer selling to EU customers
- An importer, distributor, or marketplace seller
- A brand owner or private label seller
If you're not based in the EU, you must appoint an EU Responsible Person to handle compliance on your behalf. EaseCert offers this service.
Steps to Become GPSR Compliant
Step 1 – Product Risk Assessment
You must evaluate whether your product poses any physical, chemical, electrical, flammability, choking, or other safety risks. A documented risk analysis is required for your technical file.
Step 2 – Technical File Preparation
You must prepare a set of documents showing how the product meets general safety requirements. This file typically includes:
- Product description
- Bill of materials
- Risk assessment
- Compliance test reports
- Safety warnings
- Declarations of Conformity
- Labeling mockups
Step 3 – Labeling & Warnings
Product labels must include:
- Manufacturer name and postal address
- EU Responsible Person (if outside EU)
- Product identification (SKU/model)
- Safety warnings (e.g. “Keep away from children under 3 years old”)
- CE mark (if applicable)
Step 4 – Appoint an EU Responsible Person (If Needed)
If you’re based outside the EU, your Responsible Person must be listed on the product label and hold your technical documentation. EaseCert provides this service legally from Germany.
Step 5 – Safety Gate Registration (If Applicable)
Some sellers—especially marketplace sellers—may be required to register with the EU’s Safety Gate RAPEX system for traceability. EaseCert offers registration support if needed.
Common Products That Require GPSR Compliance
- Toys and DIY kits
- Handmade and printed books
- Jewelry, accessories, and fabrics
- Kitchenware and household goods
- Pet products
- Personal care and beauty products
- Arts and crafts
- Furniture and home decor
- Supplements and wellness items
How EaseCert Helps You Comply
EaseCert specializes in affordable GPSR compliance services for sellers, importers, and small brands:
- GPSR Risk Assessments
- Technical Documentation Preparation
- Label Review and Template Guidance
- EU Responsible Person (Germany)
- GPSR Certification & Confirmation Letter
- Safety Gate Registration Support
Whether you're launching a new product or retrofitting an existing catalog, we’ll guide you step-by-step.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is GPSR compliance mandatory for Etsy and Amazon sellers?
Yes. As of 2024, both marketplaces require sellers to demonstrate GPSR compliance for physical consumer goods.
How much does it cost to be GPSR compliant?
EaseCert offers flat-rate pricing starting from €149 depending on the product type and number of items. Request a quote tailored to your situation.
Is GPSR the same as CE marking?
No. GPSR applies to general consumer product safety. CE marking applies only to specific product groups (e.g. toys, electronics). You may need both.
Can I use self-declarations instead of testing?
For low-risk products, self-declarations and risk assessments may be acceptable. However, proper documentation is still required and must be held by the manufacturer or Responsible Person.
Get Started
Need help? Get compliant with EaseCert.
We’ve helped hundreds of companies meet their GPSR obligations across Europe. Whether you're a large importer or a small handmade seller, we make compliance simple.