EU Authorised Representative for GPSR

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is a new regulation that will come into force in the European Union (EU) from 13 December 2024. This regulation replaces the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) and aims to harmonize and strengthen product safety standards within the EU. For sellers outside the EU, such as Amazon sellers, this means that they must meet strict requirements in order to continue selling their products in the EU.

What does the GPSR entail?

The GPSR states that all consumer products, regardless of where they are manufactured, must meet certain safety standards before they can be marketed in the EU. This includes not only physical products, but also products sold online. The regulation places a strong emphasis on product safety, traceability, and communication to consumers and authorities in the event of product recalls, for example.

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All about the New General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) for importers

In this guide we delve into the core of the GPSR and explain how you as an importer can adapt your business operations to meet the new requirements.

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Important obligations for non-EU sellers

Here is a list of points that you should pay attention to as a non-EU seller:

1. Appointing an EU Responsible Person
   Non-EU sellers must appoint a “responsible person” within the EU. This person is responsible for GPSR compliance and acts as a point of contact for authorities and consumers. This can be an importer, an authorized representative, or an EU-based fulfillment service provider.
   
   
2. Labelling requirements and traceability
   Products must be provided with clear identification numbers, such as a serial number or batch number, to ensure the origin and safety of the product. The contact information of the manufacturer and the responsible person in the EU must be clearly visible on the product, its packaging or an accompanying document.
   
   
3. Safety warnings and instructions
   For sellers offering products online, such as via Amazon, detailed safety instructions and warnings must be provided in the language of the selling market. This ensures that consumers are well informed about the use and any risks of the product.
   
   
4. Technical documentation and risk assessment
   Manufacturers and vendors must be able to provide technical documentation demonstrating that their products comply with the GPSR. This includes a full risk assessment and safety reports, which must be provided to supervisory authorities upon request.

Consequences of non-compliance

Failure to comply with the GPSR can lead to serious consequences, such as fines, removal from commerce and even legal action. In addition, sellers risk having their products removed from online marketplaces such as Amazon if they do not comply with the new requirements in a timely manner.

How can non-EU sellers prepare?

• Appointing an EU-based representative: This is the most important step to ensure that products can be legally sold on the EU market.
• Update product information: Ensure all products are clearly labeled and meet required safety standards.
• Keep documentation in order: Obtain the necessary risk assessments and technical documentation and ensure it is always available.

With the GPSR, it will be more challenging for non-EU sellers to maintain access to the European market. However, by taking the right steps in time, sellers can comply with the requirements and continue to benefit from sales opportunities within the EU.