On December 13, 2024, the new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) will come into force. This regulation replaces the previous General Product Safety Directive as well as the EU Directive on dangerous products resembling food. The introduction of the GPSR marks an important step toward improving consumer protection in the EU. It establishes clear requirements for manufacturers, importers, and retailers of non-food consumer products to ensure that all products sold in the EU are safe.
The GPSR builds on existing EU directives and regulations, including the Market Surveillance Regulation. It applies to most non-food products available in the EU and ensures that used, repaired, and reconditioned products, as well as spare parts, meet safety standards.
In this article, you'll learn what requirements the GPSR brings for retailers and manufacturers and how you can ensure that your products comply with the new regulations. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific questions, you should consult legal counsel.
Which Products Are Covered by the GPSR?
The GPSR covers a wide range of non-food consumer products sold in the EU, including repaired and used products as well as spare parts. Affected product categories include, among others:
- Electronic devices
- Toys
- Household appliances
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Cosmetic products
Exceptions: The GPSR does not apply to the following products, among others:
- Medical products for humans or animals
- Food and beverages
- Animal feed
- Live plants and animals
- Plant protection products
- Aircraft
- Antiques
These products are either subject to other specialized directives or are exempt because they are assigned to special purposes or areas. You can find the products that require action under this link.
Requirements for Selling Products on Amazon from December 13, 2024
If you sell non-food products in the EU through Amazon, you must ensure from December 13, 2024, that your products meet the GPSR requirements. Otherwise, you risk having your listings removed. Amazon has already announced that violations of the new guidelines will be strictly monitored. This also applies to situations where Amazon considers submitted information invalid or terminates contracts with service providers acting as responsible persons for manufacturers not based in the EU.
To ensure that your products can continue to be sold after the GPSR comes into force in December, you must follow these steps:
1. Product Safety Verification
First, you must verify that your products meet all applicable safety requirements. This includes creating and maintaining technical documentation, test reports, and declarations of conformity. If deficiencies are identified, it is important to address them in a timely manner to avoid delays or exclusion of your products from sale.
2. Product Identification
Every product sold in the EU must have a unique identification so that it can be traced. This can be a type, batch, or serial number. This information must be clearly visible and legible to the customer. For selling on Amazon, you may be able to use the FNSKU (Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit), but it is recommended to also use generally recognized identification numbers such as the EAN (European Article Number) or the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number).
3. Designate a Responsible Person in the EU
For products from manufacturers outside the EU, you or your supplier must designate a responsible person based in the EU. This person is responsible for product safety and must be available as a contact for authorities and consumers. If there is an importer, their contact details must also be provided.
4. Manufacturer and Importer Information
Your products must contain the contact details of the manufacturer, as well as the responsible person and the importer in one of the official languages of the EU. This information should be affixed to the product itself. If this is not possible, this information may also be provided on the packaging or in an accompanying document. If you use a QR code, the information must also be available in text form.
5. Warning and Safety Instructions
You must ensure that appropriate warning and safety instructions are displayed on the product detail page in the language of the respective EU country where you are selling the product. This can be in the form of images or product documentation containing all required information. These instructions are crucial for minimizing potential risks to consumers while ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
Requirements for Resellers on Amazon
Even if you are only reselling products manufactured by others, you must ensure that the products you offer meet the GPSR requirements. This includes the following steps:
- Verify product safety: Make sure your products meet the new legal requirements.
- Collect necessary information: Ensure that you have the required information about the manufacturer and the responsible person and can submit it to Amazon.
- Create product images and descriptions: Display all relevant information, including warning and safety instructions, on the product detail pages.
If you do not receive this information from your supplier, it is important to request it as soon as possible to avoid jeopardizing the sale of the products.
Product Information and Display on Amazon
From December 13, 2024, product detail pages must clearly show not only the technical information about the product itself, but also the details of the responsible person and the manufacturer. This information will be displayed in the "Safety and Product Resources" section and should be easily accessible to consumers.
If you as a seller have multiple users who submit different information about the responsible person for one ASIN, Amazon will display all submissions in a list on the product detail page. This ensures transparency and gives customers the opportunity to view complete information about product safety.
Summary
The introduction of the GPSR on December 13, 2024, represents a significant step toward increasing product safety in the EU. For retailers and manufacturers, this brings new requirements that require careful preparation and adjustment of existing processes. Whether you are a manufacturer, importer, or reseller, timely compliance with the regulations is crucial to continue successfully offering your products in the EU.
Use the remaining time until December to review your products and documentation and ensure that all necessary steps for GPSR compliance are taken. Remember that non-compliance with the new regulations can lead to the removal of your listings. Adhere to the new requirements to continue being successful in EU markets.
This blog post serves as general information and does not replace legal advice. For specific questions about the GPSR and its impact on your business, you should consult a legal advisor.