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.
Practical Guide to GPSR Compliance for Book Publishers
A Hands-On Compliance Guide
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:
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
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
For instance, a children’s book with interactive features might require documentation proving compliance with EN 71 Toy Safety Regulations.
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:
Since books usually lack external packaging, this information should appear on the imprint (copyright) page. The imprint must clearly state:
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.
Technical Files Checklist & Risk Assessment Template
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Appointing an Authorised Representative (AR)
- 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.
