GPSR
Compliance
For Book
Publishers
GPSR for Book Publishers:
A Hands-On Compliance Guide
If you’re a book publisher looking to sell in the EU, you might be surprised to learn that books fall under product safety regulations. The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) applies to all consumer products—including printed books, e-books, and interactive formats. That means you need to ensure your books meet safety standards to stay compliant and avoid any legal hiccups.
But don’t worry it’s not as complicated as it sounds. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what you need to do to comply with GPSR as a book publisher, from risk assessments to labelling requirements. Let’s dive in.
Understanding Your Responsibilities
At first glance, books might not seem like a safety concern. But under GPSR, any product sold to consumers must be safe—including books, especially those with added elements like toys, pop-ups, or digital content.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Ensure Product Safety: Your books and any additional components must be free from hazards. This is especially important for children’s books, which could contain small parts, sharp edges, or toxic materials.
- Keep Proper Records: Maintain technical documentation, risk assessments, and safety certifications to prove compliance. These records should be updated regularly and available for review if needed.
- Label Correctly: Books must have proper safety labels, including compliance markings (like CE or UKCA for toys) and manufacturer details.
- Appoint an Authorised Representative (if needed): If you’re based outside the EU or UK but sell books in these markets, you may need an Authorised Representative to handle regulatory matters.
Conducting a Risk Analysis for Your Books
Risk analysis is a key part of GPSR compliance. It helps identify potential safety hazards and ensures that your books don’t pose any risks to consumers.
Common Risks for Book Publishers
- Printed Books: Hardcover books with sharp edges, toxic ink, or flammable materials can be safety concerns.
- E-books: Digital risks include harmful embedded links or compatibility issues with certain devices.
- Children’s Books: Small detachable parts, pop-ups, or novelty elements could pose choking hazards.
How to Conduct a Risk Assessment
- Identify Hazards: Review the physical and digital properties of your books.
- Evaluate Risks: Determine the likelihood and severity of potential hazards.
- Implement Safety Measures: Adjust materials, bindings, or digital content as needed.
For example, if you’re publishing a pop-up book, ensure small parts are securely attached and use age-appropriate warning labels if needed.
Preparing Technical Documentation
Technical documentation proves that your books meet GPSR safety requirements. It should be readily available for regulatory authorities if requested.
Key Components
- Product Description: Materials, dimensions, and intended use
- Risk Assessments: Documentation of potential hazards and safety measures.
- Supporting Documents: Test reports, safety certifications, and compliance markings.
For instance, a children’s book with interactive features might require documentation proving compliance with EN 71 Toy Safety Regulations.
Practical Guide to GPSR Compliance for Book Publishers
A helpful guide that provides a comprehensive overview of GPSR compliance for books.
How to Label Books for GPSR Compliance
Labelling isn’t just about branding—it’s essential for compliance, helping regulators and consumers identify products, trace their origins, and ensure safety. Under GPSR, books sold in the EU must include key traceability details directly on the product.
What Information Should Be Included?
To comply with GPSR, books should display:
- ISBN, batch numbers, or serial codes for identification
- Manufacturer and importer details (name and address)
- Safety warnings, if applicable (e.g., choking hazards for books with small parts)
- CE marking, if the book includes regulated interactive elements
Since books usually lack external packaging, this information should appear on the imprint (copyright) page. The imprint must clearly state:
- The publisher’s name and address
- Contact details for regulatory inquiries
- Any mandatory compliance identifiers or safety warnings
Here is an example of how to properly label a book under GPSR
Additionally, if a book includes electronic components or interactive elements that fall under toy safety regulations, the imprint page should mention the CE marking and any age recommendations.
Appointing an Authorised Representative (AR)
If you’re a publisher outside the EU or UK, you may need an Authorised Representative (AR) to ensure compliance. Your AR serves as your local contact for regulatory matters and ensures that your books meet safety standards.
What Information Needs to Be Displayed?
- Publisher’s Name & Address: This should be clearly visible on the book or packaging.
- AR’s Name & Address: If you’re outside the EU/UK, list your AR’s details for compliance.
For example, if a US-based publisher sells books in Germany, they must appoint an EU-based AR to handle compliance matters.
Staying Updated on Compliance Changes
Regulations evolve, and it’s important to stay ahead of any updates that could impact your publishing business. If your books contain small parts, electronic elements, or require software compatibility, be sure to update your safety warnings accordingly.
For instance, an e-book should specify compatible devices and operating systems to prevent issues for users.
Technical Files Checklist & Risk Assessment Template
For Book Publishers
- Ensure Compliance
- Reduce Risk
- Streamline Documentation
- Supports market access
Get it now for just £40!
Simplifying GPSR Compliance for Book Publishers
Managing GPSR compliance can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. A streamlined approach can save time, reduce risks, and keep your books on the market without disruptions.
That’s where Euverify comes in. We offer:
- Risk Assessment Templates to help identify potential hazards in your books.
- Technical Documentation Resources to ensure all compliance records are complete.
- Authorised Representation Services for publishers outside the EU and UK.
- A Centralised Dashboard for storing and managing all compliance documents in one place.
With Euverify, you can focus on what you do best—publishing great books—while we handle the compliance side of things. Don’t let GPSR slow down your business. Stay compliant, stay competitive, and keep your books in the hands of readers across the EU.
Appoint Your EU Representative & Ensure GPSR Compliance for Your Books
- Stay compliant with EU regulations
- Hassle-free representation for book publishers
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