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GPSR for Jewellery: An Exquisite Compliance Guide
Jewellery in the EU and UK must comply with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), which replaces the previous General Product Safety Directive (GPSD). GPSR for jewellery introduces stricter risk assessments, better traceability, and clearer responsibilities for manufacturers, importers, and distributors. Following these rules helps ensure your products are safe, reduces risks, and keeps your business compliant.
Why GPSR Matters for Jewellery
Under GPSR, businesses must take a proactive approach to product safety. Since jewellery is worn directly on the skin, using safe materials is essential to prevent allergies, irritation, or exposure to harmful substances like nickel, lead, or cadmium. Poor finishes can cause skin reactions, and small parts in children’s jewellery can be a choking hazard. Staying compliant not only keeps customers safe but also protects your business and builds trust in your brand.
Understanding Safety Risks in Jewellery
Material Risks – Some jewellery materials can pose serious health risks. Nickel is a common allergen, so its release is strictly limited to 0.5 μg/cm² per week under REACH rules. Lead and cadmium are highly toxic, with strict limits of 500 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Coatings, glass, and crystals also need to be durable to prevent skin irritation or choking hazards, ensuring jewellery is both safe and compliant.
Physical Hazards – Jewellery needs to be designed with safety in mind. For children’s jewellery, small parts that could detach and pose a choking risk must comply with Article 7 of GPSR. Sharp edges or fragile materials that could break and cause injury should also be avoided. Durability testing helps ensure jewellery is safe to wear and won’t easily break, reducing potential risks.
GPSR Compliance Requirements
Manufacturers must conduct a risk assessment before marketing their jewellery. Article 9 of GPSR (EU) 2023/988 mandates documenting product descriptions, safety assessments, and measures taken to mitigate risks.
“Before placing their products on the market, manufacturers shall carry out an internal risk analysis and draw up technical documentation containing at least a general description of the product and its essential characteristics relevant for assessing its safety.”
Conformity Assessment & Technical Documentation
Unlike some products, jewellery doesn’t need formal certification from a notified body. Instead, manufacturers are responsible for self-assessing their products and ensuring they meet safety standards. To prove compliance, they must keep a Technical Documentation File that includes:
- Risk Assessment Report detailing hazards and mitigations.
- Applicable Standards & Regulations (e.g., REACH, EN 1811 for nickel release).
- Test Reports & Certificates for material safety compliance.
- Design & Manufacturing Information (product descriptions, diagrams, and materials used).
- User Instructions & Safety Warnings for specific hazards.
- Traceability Details (batch numbers, manufacturer/importer information).
Labelling & Traceability
GPSR mandates clear product identification and traceability. Each jewellery item (or packaging) must display:
- Manufacturer/importer name, address, and electronic contact information.
- Product model or batch identification for traceability.
- Safety warnings if applicable (e.g., choking hazard warnings for children's jewellery).
- Multilingual compliance, ensuring labels are in the relevant market's language.
Safety Standards & Testing Requirements
While no single GPSR standard exists for jewellery, several key standards apply:
- EN 1811: Tests nickel release levels.
- EN 12472: Simulates long-term wear and corrosion for nickel compliance.
- EN 71-1: Required for jewellery classified as toys, testing for small parts and choking risks.
- Heavy Metal Testing: Compliance with lead and cadmium limits under REACH.
- Mechanical Testing: Strength tests for clasps, beads, and strings to prevent breakage hazards.
To ensure safety standards are met, it’s a good idea to have jewellery tested by accredited labs like SGS, Intertek, or Bureau Veritas. That is, during the prototype phase, for each batch, and through market sampling to catch any potential issues early.
Practical Guide to GPSR for Jewellery
A helpful guide that provides a comprehensive overview of GPSR compliance for Jewellery.
Enforcement & Penalties
Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs) in the EU, UK, and Northern Ireland are responsible for enforcing GPSR compliance. If a product doesn’t meet the requirements, businesses can face serious consequences, including:
Fines & Criminal Penalties – Up to £20,000 per offense or 12 months imprisonment in the UK.
Product Recalls & Sales Bans – Unsafe jewellery can be withdrawn from the market.
Reputation Damage – Retailers may refuse to stock non-compliant products, and consumer trust may be lost.
Legal Liability – Businesses can face lawsuits if an unsafe product harms consumers.
Under GPSR, online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay are also responsible for ensuring product safety. They must remove non-compliant listings to protect consumers and maintain regulatory standards.
How Euverify Can Help with GPSR for Jewellery
GPSR compliance for jewellery can be complex, but Euverify simplifies the process with:
Digital Compliance Management – Securely store technical files, declarations, and test reports.
Automated Document Generation – Instantly create Declarations of Conformity.
Authorised Representative Services – Act as your EU/UK Responsible Person for compliance.
Compliance Checklists & Guidance – Stay updated on regulations with step-by-step assistance.
Integration Tools – WooCommerce plugins link product listings to compliance data.
Ongoing Support – Incident reporting, market surveillance assistance, and recall management.
Technical Files Checklist & Risk Assessment Template
For Jewellery
- Ensure Compliance
- Reduce Risk
- Streamline Documentation
- Supports market access
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Using Euverify for GPSR for Jewellery
Sign Up & Add Products – The platform identifies applicable regulations and creates compliance profiles.
Risk Assessment & Requirements Check – Guided prompts ensure thorough risk evaluation.
Testing & Documentation Upload – Lab test reports and material certificates are securely stored.
Generate Compliance Documents – Instantly download UKCA and EC/EU Declaration of
Conformity certificates.
Labelling & Marking Compliance – Ensure product packaging meets all GPSR requirements.
Appointing an EU/UK Responsible Person – If selling outside the EU/UK, appoint an authorised representative.
Ongoing Compliance Monitoring – Receive alerts on regulatory changes and maintain . proper documentation.
Ensuring Safe Jewellery, Simplifying Compliance
Staying compliant with GPSR for Jewellery isn’t just about following the rules – it’s about keeping your customers safe and protecting your business. By assessing risks, testing materials, and keeping proper records, you can avoid fines, recalls, and other costly issues.
Euverify makes it easy to meet safety standards without the hassle, so you can focus on growing your jewellery business with confidence.
Appoint Your EU Representative & Ensure GPSR Compliance for Your Jewellery
- Stay compliant with EU regulations
- Hassle-free representation for jewellery business
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