Overview
The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) came into effect on 13 December 2024. It introduces updated rules for non-food consumer products sold to customers in the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes all EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Northern Ireland.
This regulation replaces the previous General Product Safety Directive and is aimed at making sure products sold to consumers in these regions are safe.
This article provides an overview based on our current understanding of the regulation. It is not legal advice. We strongly recommend speaking to a compliance specialist or legal advisor if you need clarity about how these rules apply to your business.
Does GPSR apply to me?
You may be affected by the GPSR if:
- You sell any physical consumer goods to customers in the EU, EEA or Northern Ireland, and
- You are considered a “trader” under EU law. This typically includes individuals or businesses selling in a professional or commercial capacity.
The GPSR only applies to products that were placed on the market on or after 13 December 2024. If your listings were already available to EU buyers before that date, and they met existing safety requirements at the time, they are likely exempt.
However, if you have since enabled shipping to EU countries for older products, those listings may now fall under the GPSR.
What the GPSR is aiming to do
The goal of the GPSR is to make sure that all consumer products available in the EU and surrounding markets are safe. It introduces new rules around:
- Making the manufacturer or responsible business traceable
- Sharing key safety information with buyers
- Assigning a responsible contact within the EU or EEA for safety-related issues
What this means for sellers using Papello
Papello handles production and shipping from our UK-based facility. However, if you are selling directly to customers in the EU, it’s your responsibility to ensure your product listings meet GPSR requirements.
Here are the main things to consider:
1. Responsible Person
The GPSR requires products to have someone based in the EU, EEA or Northern Ireland who is responsible for safety and compliance. This person or business is referred to as the “Responsible Person”.
If you are based outside the EU, you may need to appoint an authorised representative or service provider to act as your Responsible Person. This could be:
- The manufacturer (if EU-based)
- An importer
- A fulfilment provider based in the EU
- An authorised representative you appoint to act on your behalf
At this time, Papello does not act as the Responsible Person for your products. You may wish to explore service providers such as:
- Cert-Rep
- International Associates
These are just examples and we encourage you to do your own research to find a provider that suits your needs.
2. What information should be included on your listings?
To help meet GPSR requirements, make sure your listings (on your own website or marketplaces like Etsy, Shopify or WooCommerce) include:
- Manufacturer name and contact details (email and physical address)
- Responsible Person contact details (if different from the manufacturer)
- A clear description or identifier for the product (e.g. SKU or product code)
- Any warnings, safety guidance, or age restrictions
- Instructions for safe use or disposal if required
See our GPSR Templates
What happens if a product is not GPSR compliant?
Products that do not meet GPSR rules may be labelled as unsafe or “dangerous” by EU authorities. This could result in:
- Fines
- Product bans or removal from the marketplace
- Account restrictions or suspensions on selling platforms
If you are using third-party marketplaces such as Etsy, they may remove listings or take enforcement action if they are informed by EU authorities that your product does not comply.
What should I do next?
If you are currently selling to the EU or plan to do so soon, we recommend taking the following steps:
- Review your listings to ensure they include the correct manufacturer and safety information
- GPSR Templates. Include a packing slip when creating an order. Use the GPSR templates in your packaging slips. For eligible products, copy the required information from the template sections ‘Safety attestation’ through to ‘GPSR manufacturer’ to create your packing slips for EU orders.
- If you are based outside the EU, consider whether you need to appoint an EU-based Responsible Person
- Speak to a legal or compliance advisor if you are unsure what applies to your specific situation
If you only sell within the UK or non-EU markets, this regulation may not apply to you at the moment. However, it’s worth reviewing your listings in case your business expands into the EU in the future.
Summary
| Requirement | Applies to EU Sales | Applies to UK Only |
|---|---|---|
| Responsible Person (EU-based) | Yes | No |
| Manufacturer Contact Info | Yes | No |
| Product Safety Warnings | Yes | No |
| Product Identification | Yes | No |
We’re keeping a close eye on how the regulation is being enforced and will continue to update this article if new information becomes available.