EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)

The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), effective December 13, 2024, introduces updated requirements to ensure non-food consumer products sold in the EU are safe. As a merchant using Zonos, it’s critical to understand your responsibilities under GPSR to remain compliant and avoid penalties.

Your responsibilities as a merchant

• Appointing an EU representative

• Adhering to labeling requirements

• Responding to unsafe product notifications

EU authorized representative 

If your business is based outside the EU, appointing an EU Authorized Representative is essential. The representative plays a central role in ensuring compliance, particularly with record-keeping and regulatory processes.

What to expect from your EU representative:

• Record-keeping compliance: The representative will take on the responsibility of maintaining traceability records for your products, including:
  • Supplier and buyer details.
  • Safety assessments and declarations of conformity.
  • Documentation for up to 10 years, as required by the GPSR.
• Regulatory support: They act as the point of contact for EU authorities and:
  • Address inquiries and requests from market surveillance bodies.
  • Assist with safety alerts and recalls.
  • Ensure timely responses to notifications, including unsafe product alerts.
• Labeling verification: They confirm their name and contact details appear on product labels, packaging, or accompanying documentation, as required.
• Risk assessment guidance: While risk analysis remains the manufacturer’s responsibility, the representative can offer advice on meeting EU standards.

Choosing an EU representative:

• Logistics providers: Many freight and logistics companies include EU representation in their services.

• Compliance agencies: Specialized agencies with expertise in EU safety regulations.

• Independent consultants: Tailored services for specific product types or compliance needs.

Labeling requirements 

Ensure that products sold in the EU include:

• Manufacturer information: Full name and physical address of the manufacturer.

• Importer details: For non-EU products, include both the importer’s and the EU representative’s name and contact details.

• Product identification: A unique identifier such as a model number, batch number, or serial number.

• Country of origin: Clearly indicate where the product was manufactured (e.g., “Made in China”).

• Conformity markings: Affix required markings, such as the CE mark, visibly and legibly.

Responding to unsafe product notifications 

Online marketplaces and merchants must act promptly upon receiving unsafe product notifications:

• Who issues notifications? Notifications are typically issued by EU market surveillance authorities or through the Safety Gate Rapid Alert System.

• Your responsibility: Collaborate with your EU representative to address the issue, such as removing the product from sale, within two working days.

• Further guidance: Refer to Safety Gate Rapid Alert System for more details.

Penalties for non-compliance

Merchants failing to comply with GPSR may face:

• Fines: Determined by Member States and often based on annual turnover.

• Recalls or bans: Unsafe products may be removed from the market.

• Reputational damage: Non-compliance can erode customer trust.

Recap 

1. Review labels and documentation: Ensure products meet EU labeling standards and include all required conformity markings.

2. Appoint an EU representative: Designate a trusted representative to manage compliance and record-keeping.

3. Conduct risk assessments: Verify that your products are safe for consumers.

4. Prepare for recalls: Work with your EU representative to develop a clear process for managing product recalls.

5. Educate your team: Ensure your staff understands GPSR requirements and their role in maintaining compliance.

By understanding and implementing these requirements, you can confidently sell products in the EU while ensuring compliance with the GPSR.

Additional resources

• EUR-Lex GPSR: Regulation details.

• Safety Gate Rapid Alert System: Tool for tracking unsafe products.