Understanding the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)
If you’re selling in Europe or Northern Ireland, it’s important to be aware of the upcoming EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). This regulation introduces significant changes, including the requirement for an EU-based Responsible Person and stricter product safety and traceability rules, all aimed at enhancing consumer protection.
In this article, we’ll explore the key changes in GPSR and their implications for your business.
Key Takeaways:
- GPSR: New EU safety rules for non-food products will be effective from December 13, 2024.
- Compliance: Ensure product safety across the supply chain by appointing an EU Responsible Person, adhering to proper labeling requirements, and conducting thorough risk assessments.
- Recalls: Promptly notify customers and provide solutions if products pose any risks.
- Online Listings: Include essential details such as the Responsible Person’s information and relevant safety data.
- Tips: Prepare early, choose reliable suppliers, and ensure compliance with labeling requirements.
What is GPSR?
The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is a cornerstone of the EU’s updated approach to product safety. Set to take effect on December 13, 2024, it will replace the existing General Product Safety Directive and the Food Imitating Product Directive, bringing much-needed modernization to the EU’s product safety framework. With a focus on today’s digital landscape, the GPSR aims to tackle new challenges that arise as markets and technologies evolve. This regulation mandates that all consumer products sold in the EU—whether online or in-store and across all sales channels—must meet strict safety standards.
Under the GPSR, businesses hold clear responsibilities to guarantee product safety, covering all non-food items available in EU markets. Acting as a comprehensive safety net, the GPSR fills many gaps left by other EU laws, ensuring that products posing potential risks are still subject to regulation. This means that EU and NI consumers are consistently protected from hazardous products, both now and as new technologies and trends emerge in the future.
Why you should pay attention to GPSR?
One of the biggest updates with the GPSR is the way it spreads responsibility across everyone in the supply chain. This means manufacturers, importers, distributors, and even online marketplaces like Amazon, Temu, and eBay all have a role in keeping products safe and compliant with EU standards. Manufacturers need to ensure products are up to code before they hit the shelves, importers must double-check that items coming into the EU meet the necessary requirements, and distributors are on the hook to uphold safety practices as products move through the market.
Online marketplaces, though, are especially impacted. They’re required to keep a close eye on product listings to make sure third-party sellers are following the rules, and they need to step in fast if any safety concerns come up—like removing unsafe products from listings and even alerting customers if there’s a problem.
And if you think non-compliance isn’t a big deal, think again. The consequences can be pretty harsh: fines that can dig into your profits and, for sellers on major platforms, a potential suspension or complete loss of selling privileges. Not only does the GPSR aim to keep EU consumers safe, but it also means businesses now face real risks if they’re not playing by the rules.
Scope of GPSR
Most non-food consumer products sold in the EU and Northern Ireland will need to comply with the GPSR, including second-hand, repaired, and refurbished items. But there are a few exceptions—things like medicines, food and beverages, and living plants and animals won’t be covered.
In short, if you’re selling non-food products in the EU or NI, this regulation is a big deal to keep on your radar!
Article 2(2) includes a list of exclusions, which encompasses:
- Medicinal products for human or veterinary use
- Food
- Feed
- Living plants and animals, genetically modified organisms
- Animal by-products and derived products
- Plant protection products
- Equipment used for transporting consumers, where the service provider directly operates the equipment as part of a transportation service, and consumers are not responsible for operating the equipment themselves
- Antiques
- Aircraft
5 Key Requirements of GPSR
1. EU Responsible Person. If your business is based outside the EU, you’ll need to designate an EU-based operator who is responsible for ensuring compliance with the GPSR. This person must be clearly identified on your product or its packaging. The Responsible Person could be:
- The manufacturer itself
- An importer
- An authorized representative
- Or a fulfillment provider, if no other party is based in the EU or Northern Ireland.
Photo Source: m2ecloud
2. Manufacturer Information. Your product must include the following details about the manufacturer:
- Manufacturer’s name
- Registered trademarks
- Contact information (including both postal and electronic addresses)
- Technical documentation related to the product
3. Labeling. Your product labels should include:
- Information about the manufacturer, the Responsible Person (if applicable), and the importer
- The product’s type, batch number, or serial number
- Safety information and warnings (if relevant), in the language(s) of the country where the product is sold
- The CE marking, if required by applicable regulations for your product
4. Risk Assessment and Product Recalls
Sellers need to carry out detailed risk assessments to spot any potential hazards and take action to reduce those risks—this means looking at things like design, manufacturing, and how the product is meant to be used.
If a recall is needed, consumers must be notified quickly and directly through all available communication channels.
For products that could seriously harm consumer health or safety, a traceability system might be required, and sellers will need to follow it.
The seller responsible for the recall must offer solutions, including:
- Repairing the product
- Replacing it with a safer alternative
- Offering compensation, at least equal to the product’s purchase price.
5. Online Listing Requirements
When listing products online, it’s crucial to include key details to ensure transparency and compliance. Each product listing should clearly display the following information:
- The Responsible Person’s details: Include the name and contact information of the EU-based individual or entity responsible for ensuring the product meets safety standards.
- The Manufacturer’s details: Identify who made the product so consumers can trace its origin.
- Contact details: Provide full contact information, including postal and electronic addresses, for the manufacturer or Responsible Person.
- Product image: Include a clear, accurate picture of the product to help consumers identify it.
- Identification details: Any other relevant identifying information, such as product type, serial number, or batch number, should be included.
- Warning and safety information: Any required safety warnings or cautionary messages must be clearly displayed in the language(s) of the country where the product is sold, ensuring consumers can fully understand any risks associated with the product.
Tips for coping with GPSR
Here are some little tips for sellers doing business in the EU and NI
Tip 1: Start Preparing Early
Getting ahead of the game is key. Begin preparing for compliance well before December 13, 2024, to avoid any last-minute issues. Stay informed on the latest updates, requirements, and changes related to GPSR. This way, you can proactively address any compliance needs, ensuring your products and processes align with the new standards before they take effect. Regularly check for new guidance or resources so you’re always up-to-date on what’s needed to remain compliant and keep your business running smoothly.
Tip 2: Choose Reliable Suppliers
Source high-quality products with trusted suppliers who meet EU safety standards. While some suppliers may provide products that don’t align with GPSR regulations, platforms like AliExpress, and HyperSKU can help you access a wide range of products.
HyperSKU offers not only this variety but also proactive support to help ensure peace of mind in today’s GPSR-regulated market. Our seamless integration with platforms like Shopify, Etsy, TikTok, WooCommerce, and more, combined with access to over 2,000 reliable manufacturers, empowers you to find products that align with essential safety standards. For specific compliance needs or questions, reach out to us—we’re here to support your business in navigating safe, compliant sourcing.
Tip 3: Choose a Reliable European Representative
Under GPSR, your European Responsible Person (EU RP) can be a manufacturer, importer, authorized representative, or fulfillment provider. Choosing the right EU RP is crucial, and that’s where HyperSKU steps in. We work with fully compliant, highly qualified EU RPs who help you save time and stay worry-free! Plus, their details will be seamlessly integrated into your package labels, making compliance effortless and your operations more efficient.
Tip 4: Pay Attention to Packaging Details
Proper packaging and labeling are critical under the new GPSR requirements, especially when it comes to displaying necessary warnings and safety information. HyperSKU offers standard labeling templates to help you meet these requirements seamlessly, including templates with WARNING labels and other essential information. By using our templates, you can ensure that your products are fully compliant and ready for the EU market, giving your customers confidence and enhancing your brand’s credibility.
As GPSR rolls in, it’s all about staying ahead. Lock in reliable suppliers, get your labeling sorted, and make sure you’ve got a Responsible Person lined up—keeping your EU game strong by December 13, 2024!
Looking for a streamlined approach to GPSR compliance? HyperSKU provides tailored GPSR compliance solutions to help European sellers navigate complex regulations. Simplify your compliance journey by signing up for free at HyperSKU. Our dedicated team will work with you to develop a customized solution that meets your specific business needs.