The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), or Regulation (EU) 2023/988, is the essential legal framework ensuring consumer safety for non-food products sold in the European Union. Replacing the older General Product Safety Directive, the GPSR modernizes safety rules to address the complexities of global supply chains and the rise of digital marketplaces. Its goal is simple: ensure all products sold to EU consumers are safe for their intended use. For businesses, GPSR compliance is now a mandatory requirement for maintaining market access.
The GPSR acts as a "safety net," covering products not subject to specific sectoral laws (such as toys or electronics). For businesses, it is synonymous with market access. The regulation shifts the burden toward greater accountability, requiring a designated "Responsible Person" (RP) within the EU to act as the primary contact for market surveillance authorities. Failure to comply can result in heavy fines, mandatory product recalls, and permanent bans from the EU market.
The regulation applies to nearly every entity in the supply chain:
Manufacturers (regardless of location).
Importers bringing goods into the EU.
Distributors and wholesalers.
Online Marketplaces facilitating these sales.
Fulfillment Service Providers handling storage and shipping.
To remain compliant, businesses must adhere to these pillars:
Safety Assessment: Document that products meet safety standards.
Responsible Person: Non-EU manufacturers must appoint an EU-based representative.
Traceability: Products must display the manufacturer's name, registered trade name, and contact address.
Recall Management: Implement systems to inform authorities and consumers immediately if a safety risk arises.
Digital Compliance: Online listings must include manufacturer details, safety info, and necessary warnings.
Audit Inventory: Identify which products fall under the GPSR scope.
Appoint an RP: If you are based outside the EU, contract a qualified EU-based representative.
Update Labeling: Ensure physical packaging displays required traceability details.
Optimize Listings: Update your website and marketplace listings (e.g., Amazon) with safety information.
Establish Reporting: Create a protocol for incident reporting and potential recalls.
Neglecting Online Listings: Failing to include safety info on product pages.
Lack of an EU-based RP: A critical requirement for non-EU sellers.
Weak Traceability: Using incomplete or placeholder contact information.
Ignoring Non-Tech Items: Assuming GPSR only applies to complex or electronic goods.
Yes, it is a legally binding EU regulation.
Yes, it replaces the 2001 General Product Safety Directive.
No, it applies only to non-food consumer products.
You face fines, product recalls, and loss of access to the EU market.
On the product, the packaging, and the online listing.
Navigating EU regulations is complex. At Complico Consulting GmbH, we specialize in guiding businesses through the maze of EU compliance, from appointing your Authorized Responsible Person to conducting safety audits. Don't risk your EU market access—contact us today at
