GPSR Compliance Guide
The General Product Safety Regulation (EU 2023/988) is the most significant update to EU product safety law in over 20 years. This guide covers everything you need to know—from new traceability requirements to economic operator obligations.
Action Required
GPSR applies from December 13, 2024. Products placed on the EU market after this date must comply with all new requirements, including traceability information and updated documentation. Start preparing now to avoid disruption to your EU sales.
What is GPSR?
The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is EU Regulation 2023/988, adopted in May 2023 to modernize EU product safety rules for the digital age. It replaces the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) 2001/95/EC, which had been in place for over two decades.
GPSR applies to all consumer products not covered by sector-specific EU legislation. This means if your product doesn't fall under regulations like the Toy Safety Directive, Low Voltage Directive, or Medical Devices Regulation, it likely falls under GPSR. Common examples include furniture, clothing, home textiles, jewelry, stationery, and general household goods.
The regulation introduces comprehensive requirements for product traceability, establishes new obligations for online marketplaces and fulfilment service providers, and strengthens market surveillance across the EU. It reflects the reality of modern e-commerce where consumers increasingly buy directly from non-EU sellers through online platforms.
Key Changes from GPSD
Enhanced Traceability Requirements
All products must include manufacturer details, product identifiers, and batch numbers either on the product, packaging, or accompanying documents.
Online Marketplace Obligations
Marketplaces must verify seller identity, ensure traceability info in listings, and promptly remove unsafe products upon notification.
Fulfilment Service Provider Duties
FSPs handling products for EU consumers now have specific compliance obligations including due diligence on products they store and ship.
EU Responsible Person Requirement
Non-EU manufacturers selling directly to EU consumers must appoint an EU-based responsible person for regulatory compliance.
Improved Recall Procedures
Stricter requirements for recalls including direct consumer notification and enhanced cooperation with market surveillance authorities.
Extended Documentation Period
Technical documentation and traceability records must be maintained for 10 years from when the product was placed on the market.
Obligations by Economic Operator
Manufacturers
- Design and manufacture safe products meeting GPSR requirements
- Prepare and maintain technical documentation
- Conduct internal risk assessment
- Ensure traceability information on product/packaging
- Provide instructions and safety information
- Perform sample testing when necessary
- Investigate complaints and maintain a register
- Take immediate corrective action for non-compliant products
- Inform authorities and distributors of safety risks
Importers
- Only import products from compliant manufacturers
- Verify manufacturer has performed conformity assessment
- Ensure proper marking and required documentation
- Add importer name and contact details to product
- Verify instructions are in required languages
- Store and transport products properly
- Maintain documentation for 10 years
- Cooperate with market surveillance authorities
- Inform manufacturer and authorities of safety issues
Distributors
- Verify products have required traceability information
- Ensure products haven't been tampered with
- Not supply products known to be non-compliant
- Store and transport products to maintain safety
- Cooperate with market surveillance authorities
- Inform manufacturer/importer of safety issues
- Take corrective measures for non-compliant products
Online Marketplaces
- Verify trader identity before allowing listings
- Obtain trader contact information and display it
- Ensure listings include required traceability info
- Random checks on products for compliance
- Implement notice-and-takedown procedures
- Remove unsafe products within 2 working days
- Inform affected consumers of recalled products
- Cooperate with market surveillance authorities
Traceability Requirements
One of the most significant changes under GPSR is the mandatory traceability information that must appear on products or their packaging. This enables rapid identification of unsafe products and efficient recalls when necessary.
Full legal name of the manufacturer
Postal address and email or website
Product type, batch, serial, or model number
Name and contact of importer (if applicable)
Name and contact (for non-EU manufacturers)
Safety warnings in consumer language
QR code or data carrier linking to digital product passport
Note: Traceability information can appear on the product itself, its packaging, or an accompanying document. For small products where space is limited, QR codes linking to digital product information are permitted and encouraged.
EU Responsible Person
Under GPSR, if you are a non-EU manufacturer selling directly to EU consumers (including through online marketplaces), you must appoint an EU-based Responsible Person. This requirement reflects the growth of direct-to-consumer cross-border e-commerce.
Who Can Be a Responsible Person?
- A natural person resident in the EU
- A legal entity established in the EU
- Can be the importer if one exists
- Can be a specialized compliance service provider
Responsible Person Duties
- Verify product meets GPSR requirements
- Keep technical documentation available
- Provide information to authorities on request
- Cooperate on corrective actions
- Inform manufacturer of any non-compliance
GPSR Timeline
GPSR Published
Regulation (EU) 2023/988 published in Official Journal
Entry into Force
GPSR entered into force 20 days after publication
Full Application
GPSR becomes fully applicable, replacing GPSD
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
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