General Product Safety Regulation GPSR

Recently, the European Union’s General Product Safety RegULation (gpsr)has officially come into effect. This regulation applies to the majority of consumer products circulating in the EU market, including new, second-hand, repaiRED, and refurBIShed products. Manufacturers and importers are required to ensure that their products comply with the GPSR requirements to guarantee compliance within the EU market.

What is GPSR?

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)is a regulation established by the European Union to ensure the safety of products sold on the market. On May 23, 2023, the European Commission issued the GPSR, which will be fully implemented starting December 13, 2024, replacing the previous General Product Safety Directive (GPSD).

The introduction of the GPSR marks a further strengthening of product safety supervision within the EU, imposing higher compliance requirements on all products entering the EU market. Moreover, the GPSR not only raises the safety standards of the products themselves but also includes environmental requirements, such as transparency of product information, risk assessment, and product recall mechanisms.

Which Products Does It Apply To?

The GPSR applies to most consumer products circulating within the EU market, such as electronics, clothing, children’s products, and includes new, second-hand, repaired, and refurbished items.

However, the following products are excluded:

①　Human or veterinary medicinal products

②　Food

③　Feed

④　Plants and animals, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) used in a closed system, genetically modified MICroorganisms, and products directly related to their future breeding

⑤　Animal by-products and derivatives

⑥　Plant protection products

⑦　Transportation equipment used by consumers in the context of transport services (operated by transport service providers rather than consumers)

⑧　Antiques

Main Provisions

The GPSR requires that products sold on the market are safe, covering several key aspects:

①　Risk Assessment:Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of the product to identify potential safety hazards.

②　Compliance with Safety Standards:Ensure the product meets relevant safety standards and regulatory requirements.

③　Appropriate Testing and Verification:Perform necessary product tests to confirm compliance with safety requirements, which may include laboratory testing and certification.

④　Product Labels and Instructions:Ensure products carry clear labels, provide necessary usage instructions, and include safety warnings.

⑤　Removal of Non-compliant Products:Take necessary measures such as recalls if non-compliant or unsafe products are found.

Requirements for E-commerce Platforms

Currently, major cross-border e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, TEMU, AliExpress, and Alibaba International have introduced GPSR compliance announcements and guidelines. Sellers are required to fulfill relevant compliance obligations by promptly uploading GPSR compliance information. This ensures products meet safety and traceability labeling requirements, reducing the risk of product delisting, sales suspension, or blocking. Related companies should take timely action.

1. Amazon

Starting December 13, 2024, most non-food products sold in the EU and Northern Ireland (including both CE-marked and non-CE-marked products) must comply with GPSR. Sellers must:

①　Ensure all products sold in the EU and Northern Ireland comply with existing labeling and traceability requirements.

②　Designate an EU Responsible Person for these products.

③　Attach labels on products with contact information for the Responsible Person, manufacturer, and importer (if applicable).

④　Include type, batch, or serial number information on product labels.

⑤　Provide safety information and warnings on product labels in the language of the country/region where the product is sold (if applicable).

⑥　Display Responsible Person information, manufacturer name, and detailed contact information on the online product listing.

⑦　Show product images and any other information necessary to identify the product online.

⑧　Present warnings and safety information in the language of the selling country/region on the online listing.

2. TEMU

Starting December 13, 2024, all products shipped to the EU must declare the EU Responsible Person and have the corresponding EU label attached.

3. Alibaba International

Sellers on Alibaba International must promptly complete the entry of EU Responsible Person information and associate it with their products to ensure smooth sales in the EU market. Products without an associated EU Responsible Person will be blocked from the EU market and have EU orders intercepted starting December 13, 2024, in accordance with the regulation.

4. eBay

From December 13, 2024, all products sold to the EU and Northern Ireland must strictly comply with GPSR requirements. Sellers must provide the product manufacturer’s name and contact information, EU Responsible Person details, product model/pictures/ce marking, and include safety and compliance-related information such as warnings, safety instructions, symbols, and product manuals. The product manual must be in the local language.