6 min read
General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)
New law on general product safety: what it means for shop owners
A new law, the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), has recently entered into force in the European Union (EU). The law, known as the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), aims to ensure that all products sold on the market are safe for consumers. It replaces the previous General Product Safety Directive and adapts the legislation to the current market situation, including the rapid growth of e-commerce and new technologies.
The new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) applies to all consumer products sold or made available for sale in the EU. It covers both physical products sold in shops and products sold online. Some examples of products covered by the GPSR are:
- Electronics: For example, mobile phones, household appliances, and other consumer electronics.
- Children's products and toys: Toys, strollers, high chairs and other products intended for children.
- Clothing and footwear: All types of clothing, footwear and accessories.
- Cosmetics and personal care products: Perfume, skincare products, make-up and other beauty products.
- Sports and leisure equipment: Bicycles, skateboards, camping equipment, and exercise equipment.
- Furniture and home furnishings: Tables, chairs, lamps, and other furniture or home accessories.
- Tools and garden equipment: Hand tools, lawnmowers, and other home and garden equipment.
The Regulation also covers products incorporating new technologies, such as smart products connected to the Internet of Things (IoT).
However, it excludes certain products that are already regulated by specific EU legislation, such as pharmaceuticals, food, vehicles, and medical devices. These follow different regulatory frameworks that have their own safety requirements.
For shop owners, this means new requirements and guidelines to follow to ensure that the products they sell are safe and comply with the law. Here we go through what the new law means and what you as an online seller need to do.
What does the new law mean?
The new GPSR law tightens product safety requirements across the EU. The law applies to all products placed on the market and is aimed at manufacturers, importers and distributors - which includes you as an online trader. The basic principle is that all products should be safe to use and not pose a risk to consumers.The new rules also increase the requirements for traceability and documentation of products. This means that manufacturers and sellers must be able to trace the product throughout the supply chain and, if necessary, quickly withdraw dangerous products from the market.
Actions that shop owners need to take
To comply with the new law, retailers selling goods to consumers need to take a number of steps:
1. carry out risk assessments
Make sure that the products sold are risk assessed and meet all safety requirements. If there is a risk associated with the product, this information should be clearly indicated to consumers.
2. improve traceability
There should be clear information on the manufacturer, importer and supplier of the product, so that the product can be traced throughout the supply chain. Make sure you have accurate and up-to-date contact details for the supplier.
3. safety information for consumers
Provide clear information on how to use the product safely. Warnings and safety instructions should be clear, visible and easy to understand.
4. Respond quickly to dangerous products
Have procedures in place to quickly recall products from the market if they are found to be dangerous. It is also important to report dangerous products to the authorities in time.
5. documentation and record keeping
Keep all relevant documentation showing that products meet safety requirements. This may include test results, certificates or other technical documentation.
How do I label my products
To comply with the new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), you need to label your products in a way that ensures they are traceable and meet safety requirements.
Here are some key points on how products should be labeled:
1. product identification
Each product should be clearly marked with a unique identifier, such as an article number, serial number or product model. This makes it possible to trace specific products in case of problems.
2. name and contact details of the manufacturer and importer
The label should contain information about the manufacturer, including name and address. If you are an importer selling products from outside the EU, your company's name and contact details should also appear on the product.
This information should be clear and easy for consumers to understand, so that they can contact the company if necessary.
3. Warnings and safety instructions
If the product has any specific risks, this should be clearly stated on the label. Provide information on how to use the product safely, as well as any age limits if the product is not suitable for children.
Warnings and safety information should be in the languages used in the countries where the product is sold.
4. CE marking (if applicable)
If your product is covered by specific directives that require CE marking (e.g. toys, electrical equipment, or personal protective equipment), the product should bear the CE symbol. The CE marking indicates that the product complies with all applicable safety and health regulations in the EU.
5. instructions for use and documentation
Provide instructions for use or a manual describing how to use the product correctly and safely. For complex products, the documentation should be more comprehensive and include maintenance and installation instructions.
6. packaging labeling
In addition to labeling on the product itself, the packaging should also contain relevant information, such as the product's identification, warning messages and the manufacturer's contact information. This is particularly important if the product has multiple parts or if there is a risk of suffocation (e.g. small parts that may pose a danger to children).
Timeline for when the measures should be implemented
To be ready for the full application of the new law, there are specific timelines to follow:- January 1, 2025:
Most provisions of the GPSR come into force. By this date, shop owners should have implemented the new procedures for risk assessment, traceability, and safety information.
- June 30, 2025:
Companies should have complete procedures in place for product recalls and reporting to authorities on dangerous products. Ensure that all processes are tested and documented.
- January 1, 2026:
Full compliance with all GPSR requirements. Non-compliant companies may face fines or other penalties.
The new regulation is an important step to protect consumers and improve the safety of products in the EU. By following the above measures, you as a shop owner can ensure that your products are safe and meet the new requirements.
If you have more questions or want to know more about the law, read more here
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