EU GPSR to Take Effect on December 13, 2024

The European General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) will come into force on December 13, 2024, mandating compliance for most cross-border e-commerce sellers targeting European markets. This regulation applies to all non-food products sold in the EU and Northern Ireland, including both CE and non-CE categories. 

What Is the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)? 

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is a new EU initiative aimed at ensuring all products on the market meet stringent safety standards. It replaces the existing General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) and will officially become enforceable on December 13, 2024. 

The GPSR introduces modernized safety compliance frameworks, encompassing both online and offline sales, and establishes explicit responsibilities for stakeholders across the supply chain. This is a significant step toward enhancing product safety in the EU market. 

Which Products Are Affected by the GPSR? 

Products covered under the GPSR include: 

- Toys 

- Electrical and electronic products 

- Clothing 

- Furniture 

Examples of electronic products: standard plug-and-socket adapters, low-voltage wired headphones, batteries, and low-voltage TVs. 

If the following two conditions apply, your products must comply with the GPSR by December 13, 2024: 

1. Your products are sold in the EU or Northern Ireland. 

2. You sell non-food consumer goods. 

Exclusions: 

The GPSR does not apply to the following: 

- Medicinal products for human or veterinary use 

- Food and animal feed 

- Living plants and animals (including genetically modified organisms for enclosed use) 

- Animal by-products and derivatives 

- Plant protection products (e.g., pesticides) 

- Consumer transport equipment 

- Aircraft 

- Antiques 

Key Requirements of the GPSR 

To ensure compliance, sellers must meet the following regulatory obligations: 

1. Product Compliance 

- Conduct a self-assessment of all products sold in the EU and Northern Ireland markets to ensure compliance with labeling and traceability requirements. 

2. Appoint an EU Responsible Person 

Every product must designate a responsible party within the EU, which can be: 

- A manufacturer registered in the EU 

- An importer registered in the EU 

- An authorized representative registered in the EU (designated by the manufacturer/brand in writing) 

- A service provider based in the EU responsible for product distribution 

3. Attach Compliant Labels 

Ensure product labels include the following information: 

a. Contact details of the EU Responsible Person (address, email, website) 

b. Warnings and safety information in the language of the sales country/region 

c. Product identification (type, serial number, or any identifier) 

d. Manufacturer or agent details (address, email) 

e. Certifications and compliance marks (e.g., CE mark, UKCA mark, EPR symbols such as those for packaging, WEEE regulations, and batteries) 

Note: 

The label information can be printed on the product packaging, the external carton, or accompanying documentation. 

4. Upload Compliance Information 

Ensure the following details are updated on e-commerce platforms: 

- Name and contact details of the EU Responsible Person 

- Name and contact details of the manufacturer 

- Warnings and safety information in the language of the sales region 

Summary of GPSR Compliance 

Key Requirements: 

1. Appoint a Responsible Person in the EU 

2. Product certification (if applicable) 

3. Product labeling (mandatory for most products) 

4. Upload compliance details to the platform 

Labeling Information: 

- Product name 

- Responsible party information 

- Product type (batch/serial number) 

- Country of origin 

- Manufacturer details 

- Safety certification marks and warning labels (in the appropriate language) 

Recommendations for Chinese Cross-Border Sellers 

The updated GPSR regulation is expected to significantly impact cross-border e-commerce processes, especially for Amazon sellers. Previously, sellers only needed to upload EU Responsible Person details for CE-marked products. Starting from December 13, 2024, however, sellers will need to ensure all products (CE and non-CE) comply with the regulation, including accurate and timely updates of the EU Responsible Person and manufacturer information. 

Suggested Steps: 

1. Verify GPSR Applicability: Confirm whether your product falls under the GPSR (most non-food consumer goods, including CE and non-CE items, are affected). 

2. Update Product Information: Ensure all required information for the EU Responsible Person and manufacturer is uploaded correctly. 

FAQs 

Q1: When will the GPSR come into effect? 

The GPSR will officially replace the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) on December 13, 2024. 

Q2: Which countries are covered by the GPSR? 

The GPSR applies to all EU member states and Northern Ireland. 

Q3: Does the GPSR apply to the UK? 

No, the GPSR does not apply to England, Scotland, or Wales. However, it does apply to Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland Protocol. 

Q4: What products are included in the GPSR? 

The GPSR covers most non-food consumer goods but excludes items such as food, medicine, animal feed, living plants and animals, and antiques. 

Q5: Can safety warnings be presented in English only? 

No. Safety warnings must be provided in the language of the country/region where the product is sold. Other information may be presented in one of the official EU languages. 

Q6: How do I designate an EU Responsible Person? 

- If you have an EU subsidiary or importer, they can act as the Responsible Person. 

- Testing labs or certification bodies may offer Responsible Person services. 

- Consider using third-party service providers from Amazon's Service Provider Network (SPN). 

For resellers, contact your suppliers to obtain the details of an EU Responsible Person.