EU General Product Safety Regulation

Understanding the GPSR

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), that came into force on December 13, 2024, represents a significant overhaul of the EU’s approach to consumer product safety. Replacing the previous General Product Safety Directive, the GPSR introduces a harmonized, regulation-based framework with direct applicability across EU member states and Northern Ireland.

Compliance with the GPSR requires businesses to ensure that all consumer products placed on the EU market are safe. This includes conducting appropriate risk assessments, maintaining product traceability, providing clear safety information, and fulfilling specific obligations based on their role as a manufacturer, importer, distributor, or online marketplace. For products not covered by existing harmonized legislation, GPSR serves as the default safety framework. Compliance also involves proactive measures like incident reporting and effective recall procedures to protect consumers and uphold market integrity.

The regulation aims to ensure the safety of all products, including those involving new technologies, and to address challenges from online sales, especially via marketplaces. It seeks better rule enforcement, efficient market surveillance, and improved recalls of dangerous products held by consumers.

Key updates include:

• Mandatory risk assessments for all consumer products.
• Stronger traceability requirements, especially for distance selling.
• Obligations for all economic operators, including online marketplaces.
• Enhanced product recall effectiveness with clearer responsibilities and communication expectations.
• Introduction of the precautionary principle to prevent potential hazards, particularly for emerging technologies.

Products in scope

The Regulation applies to products made available by economic operators, unless specific Union law governs their safety. Where Union law exists, this Regulation covers only aspects not addressed by that law. It excludes:

• Medical products (Human or veterinary)
• Food,
• Feed,
• Plants and animals,
• Animal by-products and derived products,
• Plant protection products,
• Public transport,
• Aircraft,
• Antiques.

It applies to new, used, repaired, or reconditioned products, but not those clearly marked for repair or reconditioning before use.

Economic operators and their roles

The regulation specifically defines each economic operator’s role:

• Manufacturer - means any natural or legal person who manufactures a product or has a product designed or manufactured and markets that product under that person’s name or trademark.
• Authorised representative - means any natural or legal person established within the Union who has received a written mandate from a manufacturer to act on that manufacturer’s behalf in relation to specified tasks regarding the manufacturer’s obligations under this Regulation.
• Importer - means any natural or legal person established within the Union who places a product from a third country on the Union market.
• Distributor - means any natural or legal person in the supply chain, other than the manufacturer or the importer, who makes a product available on the market.
• Fulfilment service provider - means any natural or legal person offering, during commercial activity, at least two of the following services: warehousing, packaging, addressing and dispatching, without having ownership of the products involved, excluding postal services
• Provider of an online marketplace - means a provider of an intermediary service using an online interface which allows consumers to conclude distance contracts with traders for the sale of products.

Product Safety Assessment

To comply with the GPSR, businesses must conduct a comprehensive product safety assessment before placing any product on the market. This assessment involves performing an internal risk analysis that systematically identifies, evaluates, and mitigates all potential safety hazards associated with the product throughout its lifecycle.

Our Solutions

Whether you are launching new products or auditing your existing offerings, Intertek's Total Quality Assurance solutions tailored to the requirements of GPSR ensure your compliance while protecting both consumers and your brand, including:

• Comprehensive training on all aspects of GPSR.
• Detailed product testing and labeling reviews.
• Thorough evaluation of technical documentation.
• Assistance in identifying and implementing a testing program to ensure ongoing compliance.

Resources

• Download our whitepaper: EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR): A Comprehensive Guide
• Read our Insight Bulletin: 1439: UK – Government issues update on EU General Product Safety Regulation 2023/988 (GPSR) in regard to market surveillance

Get in Touch

Stay ahead of regulatory changes with confidence. Contact Intertek today to learn how we can support your transition to GPSR compliance.

EU General Product Safety Regulation: A Comprehensive Guide

The General Product Safety Regulation updates European Union product safety laws, effective December 13, 2024. It replaces the GPSD and enhances safety standards, defining market surveillance responsibilities and ensuring consumer protection against unsafe products across the EU and Northern Ireland.

Learn More