On 13 December 2024, the EU is introducing a major update to its product safety laws. These new rules, called the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), will replace an older set of rules that have been in place since 2001. This marks the biggest change to product safety in over two decades and will directly affect anyone selling products in the EU.
The GPSR is replacing the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD). Unlike the GPSD, which required each EU country to create its own national laws, the GPSR will apply automatically across all EU countries without any extra steps. This creates a consistent, unified set of rules for the entire EU.
The way we shop and sell has changed massively since 2001. Online shopping has exploded, products are more advanced and tech-heavy, and businesses outside the EU can now easily sell to EU consumers. The GPSR is designed to address these changes, make products safer, and improve how authorities respond to unsafe products.
Who’s affected?
Anyone involved in selling products to EU consumers is affected, whether you’re a manufacturer, importer, distributor, or online seller. Even online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay have new responsibilities under the GPSR.
Under the GPSR, manufacturers must now assess and document potential risks of their products before selling them. If you’re selling online to EU customers, even from outside the EU, you’ll need to comply with these rules. Businesses must include clear contact information on products or packaging, showing who is responsible for them. All businesses in the supply chain—not just manufacturers—must have systems in place to ensure product safety. If you’re selling in the EU, you’ll also need to have someone based in the EU responsible for your products.
Online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon are now required to help with product recalls, suspend sellers who frequently list unsafe products, and work with EU authorities to address safety issues. If a product is recalled, businesses must clearly communicate the risks to customers without downplaying the issue.
What are the consequences?
Selling non-compliant products in the EU can lead to serious consequences, including fines, legal trouble, expensive recalls, and damage to your brand’s reputation. Even businesses based outside the EU are affected if they target EU customers. Ignoring these rules could hurt your business in the long run.
If you sell products in the EU, you need to understand how the GPSR applies to your business. This might mean updating your product safety processes, ensuring your labels and documentation meet the new requirements, and preparing systems for recalls and risk management. Online sellers and marketplaces should also ensure they’re ready to meet their new obligations.
The EU’s updated product safety rules are designed to keep up with modern shopping trends and technology. If you sell products in the EU, especially online, you need to be ready for the 13 December 2024 deadline.
Here’s how HQTS can help:
Whether you’re launching a new product, expanding into the EU market, or ensuring your current portfolio meets updated standards, we’re ready to support you every step of the way.
We provide comprehensive risk assessments and technical documentation support, expert guidance on labeling, safety standards, and market entry requirements, as well as proactive monitoring of market risks and regulatory updates to keep you ahead of changes. Additionally, our specialists offer training and consulting to help you build effective compliance strategies tailored to your needs.
Make compliance easy, protect your business, and confidently grow into new markets. Contact HQTS today to speak with our expert team and learn how we can help you succeed under the new GPSR.
