General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)
What is the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)?
The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), formally known as Regulation (EU) 2023/988, is the EU’s primary legal framework ensuring that consumer products placed on the European market are safe. It replaced the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) and came into full effect on 13 December 2024.
The GPSR applies to a wide range of consumer products — including those sold online — and introduces clear obligations for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and online marketplace operators.
Why It Matters
IIf your company sells consumer products to customers within the European Union, you are likely required to comply with the GPSR.
The regulation ensures that all products available to EU consumers meet a baseline safety standard, and that there are identifiable, responsible parties in the supply chain who can be held accountable. Non-compliance can result in products being removed from online marketplaces, blocked at customs, or subject to fines and recalls.
For ecommerce sellers, manufacturers, and brand owners, understanding and meeting GPSR requirements is essential for lawful market access.
Key Requirements
Who Does the GPSR Apply To?
The GPSR applies when:
- A consumer product is placed or made available on the EU market,
- The business involved is a manufacturer, importer, distributor, fulfilment service provider, or online marketplace operator.
This requirement applies under the following framework:
- Regulation (EU) 2023/988 – General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)
Products already covered by specific EU legislation with equivalent safety objectives may fall outside the GPSR’s scope, but most general consumer products are covered.
While obligations vary depending on your role in the supply chain, responsibilities commonly include:
- Ensuring only safe products are placed on the EU market
- Appointing an EU Authorised Representative if the manufacturer is established outside the EU
- Displaying required identification details on the product or its packaging
- Maintaining technical documentation and risk assessments
- Reporting serious risks or product-related incidents to the relevant authorities
- Cooperating with market surveillance authorities
- Taking corrective actions, including withdrawals or recalls, where a safety issue is identified
GPSR and the EU Authorised Representative
Under the GPSR, non-EU manufacturers are required to appoint an EU Authorised Representative before placing products on the EU market. This representative must be identified on the product or packaging and acts as the primary contact point for regulatory authorities.
This is a separate requirement from other EU regulations such as the EU MDR. Businesses selling products that fall under multiple frameworks may need to address each regulation individually.
Need GPSR compliance support?
Euverify provides EU Authorised Representative services for manufacturers and ecommerce sellers placing products on the EU market. Our team supports documentation review, regulatory communication, and ongoing compliance management.
Further Reading
