The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting a legal professional before implementing these rules or if you have any questions.

A Simple Guide to the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)

From 13 December 2024, a new regulation, the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), will replace the older Directive 2001/95/EC. It is designed to ensure that products sold in the European Union (EU) are safe for consumers. Here is what it means and how it can affect businesses.

What is the GPSR?

The GPSR is a regulation that ensures products sold to consumers in the EU are safe. It covers almost everything people buy, except a few special categories such as medicines or food.

The GPSR applies to:

• New products: Items made to be sold to consumers.
• Used products: If they are in good condition and are resold.

But it does not apply to:

• Things intended only for industrial use (such as factory machines).
• Damaged or broken items, as long as it is clear that they do not work.

When does it come into effect?

From 13 December 2024, all new products sold in the EU must comply with the GPSR rules. Products that were already on the market before this date may still be sold under the old rules.

Who must comply with the GPSR rules?

If you are involved in making, selling or sending products, you are responsible for their safety. Here is how it breaks down:

• Manufacturers: Ensure products are safe and contain the correct labels and warnings.
• Importers: Verify that products from outside the EU comply with EU safety rules.
• Distributors: Check that the products you sell meet the safety standards.
• Retailers: Ensure everything you sell is compliant and stop selling unsafe products.
• Fulfilment services: Even if you only store or ship products, you are part of the chain and must ensure compliance.

What is expected of retailers?

Retailers play a major role in ensuring product safety:

1. Check products: Make sure they meet all safety standards before you sell them.
2. Stop unsafe sales: Do not sell products that do not comply with the rules.
3. Inform authorities: Report unsafe products to the appropriate authorities and help resolve problems.

For online sales, additional rules apply:

• Show clear product images and descriptions.
• State the name, address and contact details of the manufacturer.
• Add safety warnings in languages that customers understand.

Which products are NOT covered by the GPSR?

Some things are not covered by the GPSR:

• Medicines and food.
• Living plants and animals.
• Antiques and collectibles (as long as they are not used in daily life).

For example: a vintage sewing machine is fine as a decorative item, but must comply with the safety rules if it is sold for use.

How does the GPSR differ from other laws?

The GPSR works alongside other EU safety laws. If another law already regulates a product, the GPSR fills any gaps to address risks not covered by those laws. It is particularly important for online sales, where detailed product information is now required.

How do you prepare for the GPSR?

Here is how businesses can prepare:

• Check products: See if your products meet the new standards.
• Train your team: Make sure everyone knows what the GPSR requires.
• Update labels and listings: Add missing information, especially for online sales.
• Work with your supply chain: Ensure everyone—from manufacturers to importers—follows the rules.

Why is the GPSR important?

The GPSR is designed to make shopping safer for everyone in the EU. It protects consumers from harmful products and ensures businesses can compete fairly. By being prepared now, businesses can avoid fines, protect their reputation and build trust with customers.

Ensuring product safety is not only good for your business—it is the law. If you are ready for the GPSR, you are ready for the future of consumer safety in the EU.