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GPSR: New EU Trade Regulations

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) took effect on 13 December 2024. This comprehensive legal framework, introduced by the European Union (EU), ensures the safety of all consumer products sold within its member states, and Northern Ireland . Replacing the previous General Product Safety Directive, the GPSR incorporates updated measures to address the challenges brought about by digitalisation. If you sell consumer products in Europe, whether online or offline, a thorough understanding of the EU GPSR is essential to maintain market access.

The new regulations encompass a wide range of products, new, used, repaired, or reconditioned items being sold via all sales channels. UK businesses, especially those based in England, Scotland, and Wales, that sell non-food products into the EU or Northern Ireland, must adhere to EU GPSR requirements. Whilst these regulations do not directly alter Great Britain’s product safety standards, they introduce key differences between GB and NI in terms of product safety requirements and different procedures for product recalls.

Small Business Owner

The main update for UK-based sellers is the requirement to appoint a Responsible Person or representative within the EU or Northern Ireland. This representative will thus act as a compliance contact, ensuring that goods meet EU standards, and are fit for sale in EU markets. It is important to note that a ‘product’ is classified as any item intended for or likely to be used by consumers. This appears to be the biggest challenge for UK businesses, particularly small enterprises, as appointing a representative could be costly. For businesses operating solely within Great Britain, the GPSR does not apply. However, businesses exporting to the EU or Northern Ireland must adhere to GPSR standards to allow them to continue selling their products in these markets.

Consequences of not complying with EU GPSR

Failure to comply with EU GPSR requirements may result in:

  • Fines or penalties
  • Damage to your brand’s reputation
  • Removal of product from the EU marketplace

6 Key Points to EU GPSR Compliance

  • Appointing  a Responsible Person: Make sure you action this as soon as possible, and ensure your contact is EU-based.
  • Reviewing Product Identification: Clearly labelled with contact information. 
  • Providing Safety Information and Documentation: Include safety warnings and instructions in the target market's local language.
  • Managing Compliance Documentation: Correctly file risk assessments, as well as testing information, and details of the supply chain, retaining this information for 10 years after goods have been placed on the market.  
  • Building Robust Supply Chains: Auditing supply chains regularly to build strong traceability processes.
  • Training your team: Educating  your team on the GPSR standards, as well as building  strong collaborations with online marketplaces.

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) encourages you to seek legal or expert advice and guidance if you are unsure of the new EU GPSR. LCCI does not accept responsibility for how the above information is actioned.

Sources: European Commission, Office for Product Safety & Standards, Folksy Blog, Shoosmiths

This article was written by Freya Bishop, International Business Assistant, LCCI.