Is your business ready for the new GPSR? It has replaced the General Product Safety Directive and Imitation Food Products Directive since December 13, 2024. This means that all consumer products sold in the EU, whether online or offline, must meet stricter safety standards.
Without a doubt, ensuring GPSR compliance has become an urgent task for cross-border e-commerce sellers just like you who intend to expand into the EU market, as only by fully grasping and strictly adhering to GPSR can you effectively avoid legal risks, safeguard consumer interests, and stand out in the highly competitive market. In this article, we will guide you through this new regulation, enabling you to maintain GPSR compliance. So, let’s start!
What Is General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)?
GPSR, the latest regulation issued by the European Commission, is the General Product Safety Regulation. It aims to enhance consumer goods’ safety and traceability while handling the digital challenges in the EU market. Compared with the past, GPSR has put forward more specific and strict requirements for product safety, covering all consumer goods. This marks a new stage in EU product safety regulation.
GPSR requires businesses to comply with unified safety standards and provide transparent and detailed product information when selling in the EU market to protect consumer rights. Meanwhile, you are obliged to establish a comprehensive product safety management system to ensure that products meet GPSR compliance throughout their entire lifecycle and are traceable. Thus, when problems occur, you can quickly take timely measures to address them.
Which Sellers and Products Are Subject to GPSR Compliance?
To secure a foothold in the highly competitive cross-border e-commerce market, you should take action as soon as possible, deeply understand and comply with GPSR regulations. Given the broad scope of GPSR, covering multiple regions and product types, staying informed is crucial.
Applicable Countries and Regions
Generally speaking, the GPSR applies to all businesses, whether based within the EU or exporting to the EU, that operate in the 27 EU member states and Northern Ireland. It is important to note that this regulation does not extend to Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales), as the UK is no longer subject to EU law following its Brexit from the EU.
Included Products
All non-food products sold on the EU market must comply with GPSR if no other specific safety regulations apply. This includes new products, second-hand products, refurbished products, etc. sold online or offline. However, there are some specific types of products that are excluded. These GPSR-exempted products are as follows:
- Human or veterinary medicinal products
- Food and beverages
- Animal feed
- Living plants and animals
- Animal by-products and derivatives
- Plant protection products (e.g., pesticides)
- Equipment used by consumers during travel or transport, but only when operated directly by the service provider
- Aircraft
- Antiques
Steps Sellers Should Take to Achieve GPSR Compliance
Now that you know the basic requirements and scope of GPSR, how can you deal with GPSR compliance and ensure that your products can enter the EU market smoothly? Here are the four main steps that sellers should follow to make it.
Step 1. Appoint an EU Responsible Person
According to GPSR requirements, sellers must submit information about an EU Responsible Person and link all the products to this person. This person will act as your representative to help fulfill compliance obligations. The following entities that are established in the EU can serve as an EU Responsible Person:
- Manufacturer
- Importer
- Authorized representative designated in writing by the manufacturer or brand
- Delivery service provider who is responsible for delivering goods.
Struggling with the appointment of an EU Responsible Person? Why not consider professional compliance service providers like VATAi? It can become your trusted partner in navigating the EU market without any hassle. With the help of its reliable authorized representative services, VATAi can provide professional and efficient solutions to ensure that your products meet GPSR compliance.
Step 2. Provide Manufacturer Information
In addition, sellers are also required to make sure that the manufacturer’s name, address, email address, and other information are clearly marked on the products, packaging, or online product pages. Such information helps consumers contact the manufacturer when there are problems with the product and makes it easier for regulatory authorities to trace back.
Step 3. Information Printing and Labeling
Product labels are a way for consumers to understand the product. They are typically printed on the product itself, product packaging, product parcels, or accompanying documents. You need to ensure that your product labels clearly and accurately include the following information:
- Contact details of the EU Responsible Person, including a full postal address and a valid email or URL.
- Warnings and safety information are written in the native language of the sales country or region.
- Product identification details such as product name, brand, type, batch or serial number, etc.
- Postal address, email, or URL of the manufacturer and importer (if applicable).
- Necessary certification marks (CE/UKCA mark, etc.), EPR marks (German Packaging Act, WEEE, Battery Directive, etc.), and energy efficiency labels for lighting products.
Step 4. Upload Label Photos
After putting labels on your products, you need to take a clear photo of it and upload it to the selling platform’s backend. This allows regulatory authorities and the platform to easily verify product information, ensuring your products comply with GPSR.
Risks of GPSR Non-Compliance
Not complying with GPSR regulations may result in a series of serious consequences for your business, including:
- Product Removal. Most e-commerce platforms will take down non-compliant products in accordance with EU government requirements. Sellers who seriously violate regulations may face frozen funds or other harsher penalties.
- Customs Seizure. Your products may be returned or detained at customs if they lack the necessary compliance documentation, such as a Declaration of Conformity (DOC).
- Audit Fines. Regulatory authorities will conduct random inspections of non-compliant products, and the associated testing costs and fines will be borne by the seller.
- Product Recall. If your product has serious violations or may pose a potential threat to consumer safety, you will need to initiate a product recall following the EU’s product recall process.
FAQs About GPSR
Q1. What information should be included in the labeling of my products to meet GPSR compliance?
The GPSR regulations require that the labels contain the following:
- The name, address, and email address of the EU Responsible Person and the manufacturer.
- Product safety and warning information.
- Product type, batch, serial number, or other information that facilitates product identification.
Q2. For the following common product types, what kind of product safety and warning information should I put on the labels?
- Household Electronic Products: Flammability and explosion warnings.
- Clothing: Cleaning and care warnings. For certain clothing that may pose a suffocation risk, related warnings should also be provided.
- Furniture: Flammability warning.
- Toys: Age suitability warning; small parts warning, marbles warning, small balls warning, plastic bag suffocation warning, etc.
- Automotive Parts: Flammability, high temperature, and explosion warnings; correct installation and usage instructions should be included.
- Kitchenware: Usage and cleaning instructions; voltage and socket standards; warnings for potential burn, fire, or cutting hazards.
- Beauty Products: Allergy test warnings, avoid eye contact information.
- Sports and Fitness Equipment: Cautionary notes to avoid injuries, instructions and warnings for use under professional guidance; warnings for potential strains, falls, or overuse injuries.
Final Words
This article walks you through a detailed guide to GPSR compliance, where you will find answers to the GPSR meaning, application scope, compliance steps, and risks of non-compliance. To ensure a smooth GPSR compliance process, you can rely on professional service providers like VATAi. VATAi offers quick response, expert services, and clear compliance processes to help cross-border e-commerce sellers deal with GPSR matters. This reduces the compliance burden and ensures a smooth expansion of your business into the EU market.
