On December 13, 2024, Regulation (EU) 2023/988, known as the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), came into force with the aim of strengthening the safety of products marketed throughout the European Union and ensuring a high level of consumer protection.
If you are a manufacturer, importer, distributor, or operate an online platform, this regulation introduces significant changes that you need to be aware of.
What types of products does the GPSR apply to?
The new regulation applies to the vast majority of products available on the European market, with the exception of those governed by specific sectoral legislation, such as medicines, food, plant protection products, or antiques. Products already covered by horizontal regulations, such as toys or electrical appliances, are also excluded.
The regulation applies not only to new products but also to used, repaired, or refurbished items, unless clearly marked as “awaiting repair”.
What is considered a “safe” product under the GPSR?
A product is considered safe when, under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use, it does not pose risks to the health or safety of individuals. Safety assessments take into account factors such as:
- Design, composition and manufacturing
- Labelling and instructions for use
- Interactions with other products
- Risk to vulnerable groups (children, elderly or people with disabilities)
For connected or smart products, cybersecurity aspects are also evaluated.
What does the GPSR mean for your business?
The regulation introduces new obligations for all economic operators. The most relevant include:
- Responsible marketing: Only products that meet safety requirements may be placed on the market.
- Risk assessment and documentation: Manufacturers must perform safety assessments and maintain technical documentation.
- Enhanced traceability: Strengthened mechanisms to identify products and responsible parties, enabling faster responses in the event of incidents.
- Mandatory incident reporting: In the event of a safety issue, manufacturers must notify the authorities without delay.
- Online platform responsibilities: Marketplaces must take greater responsibility in identifying and removing unsafe products.
- New cooperation tools: The Safety Gate portal facilitates rapid information exchange between companies and authorities.
Does the GPSR also apply to e-commerce?
Absolutely. The impact on e-commerce will be significant. The GPSR imposes obligations not only on online sellers but also on the entire supply chain — including manufacturers, distributors, and importers — as well as online platforms like Amazon.
Key online sale requirements include:
- Full identification details of the manufacturer or EU representative
- Accurate product identification (images, references, etc.)
- Safety information and warnings in the language of the country where the product is sold
Regulation (EU) 2023/988 not only updates safety criteria, but also increases the responsibilities of all market participants, promoting greater transparency, traceability, and responsiveness to risks.
Being prepared to meet these new requirements is essential to ensure business continuity, protect consumers, and avoid penalties for non-compliance.
Need help implementing these requirements? Contact us to ensure your products meet the new safety standards.