GPSR - General Product Safety Regulation

GPSR or General Product Safety Regulation is a European Union regulation designed to ensure all products sold in the EU are safe and meet certain standards.

If you’re a business manufacturing and/or exporting products into the EU (and Northern Ireland), you’ll need to be aware of the new rules which come into force on December 13, 2024, as it may affect your business.

The GPSR applies to manufacturers, importers, and distributors, requiring them to identify and mitigate risks associated with their products.

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) applies to physical consumer products that are sold or distributed in the EU.

The GPSR requires all manufacturers to provide a Responsible Person. The Responsible Person under the GPSR is the entity based in the EU that ensures compliance with safety regulations, acts as a contact point for authorities, and holds documentation verifying the product’s safety.

For distributors and exporters of consumer products it is essential to either have a Responsible Person themselves or provide the the Responsible Person from the manufacturer.

Failure to comply with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) can result in significant risks for businesses, including:

Legal Penalties: Non-compliance can lead to fines, product recalls, or even prosecution. This impacts the company’s reputation and operations.

Product Recalls: Unsafe products may be pulled from the market, causing financial losses and damage to brand credibility.

Civil Liability: Injuries or damages caused by unsafe products can result in lawsuits, requiring businesses to pay compensation to affected consumers.

Reputational Damage: Negative publicity from safety violations can erode customer trust and harm long-term business prospects.

Market Restrictions: Authorities may ban non-compliant products from being sold, severely limiting market access.