From 13 December 2024, all general products in the European Union must comply with the new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). There are no transitional periods to align from the Directive to Regulation. However, products compliant with the GPSD placed on the market before 13 December 2024 can stay on the market.
What the GPSR Means for General Products in the EU
Like the Directive, the GPSR covers non-food consumer products for which no specific sector legislation exists. With the new legislation, general products are subject to additional requirements compared to the previous Directive.
Key updates include:
1. Stronger market surveillance
The GPSR enhances market surveillance activities to improve product traceability and consumer safety. Key changes include:
- Clearer identification of products and economic operators at every stage of the supply chain.
- Additional product information required on labels, packaging, and online listings.
2. Explicit Obligations for Online Sellers
Economic operators selling products online must meet the requirements outlined in Article 19 of the GPSR, including:
- Providing detailed traceability information in the sales offer.
- Ensuring product visibility, safety information, and Responsible Person details are easily accessible to consumers.
3. Mandatory EU-Based Responsible Person
All general products sold in the EU, whether via e-commerce or physical retail, must have an EU-established Responsible Person from 13 December 2024. This requirement ensures consistent oversight and accountability across the market.
4. Quality Management System (QMS) Requirements
Manufacturers must implement a documented Quality Management System to support compliance activities. This includes:
- Ensuring systematic product safety assessments
- Maintaining complaint registers
- Monitoring corrective actions
The Role of the Responsible Person Under the GPSR
For general products, the Responsible Person is a new regulatory figure. From 13 December 2024, all products sold in the EU must have an EU-based Responsible Person, whether sold online or through traditional channels.
Obelis, as your authorised representative, acts as your Responsible Person under the GPSR.
The Responsible Person will:
- Verify that the product has a compliant technical documentation, which is kept at disposal of market surveillance authorities.
- Verify that the product complies with the labelling requirements.
- Provide authority with all information and documentation necessary to demonstrate product’s conformity.
- Inform the market surveillance authorities when believing that a product in question presents a risk.
- Cooperating with the market surveillance authorities, in case of products presenting risks, non-compliance or dangerous products.
Responsible Person’s details have to be displayed on the product or on its packaging, the parcel or an accompanying document. In case of distance sales, the offer must indicate Responsible Person’s details as well.
Need Support With GPSR Compliance?
Our team at Obelis is ready to guide you through all requirements of the General Product Safety Regulation and ensure full readiness.
FAQ
- What is the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)?
The GPSR is the new EU framework for ensuring the safety of non-food consumer products. It replaces the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) and introduces stronger requirements for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and online sellers.
- When does the GPSR apply?
The GPSR applies from 13 December 2024. All general products placed on the EU market from this date must fully comply with the new Regulation.
- Is there a transitional period for aligning with the GPSR?
No. The Regulation does not include a transitional period. However, products that were already compliant with the GPSD and placed on the market before 13 December 2024 may continue to be sold.
- Which products fall under the GPSR?
The GPSR applies to non-food consumer products that are not covered by specific sector legislation (such as medical devices, cosmetics, or toys). It focuses on general consumer goods available both offline and online.
- What are the main changes introduced by the GPSR?
Key updates include:
- Stronger market surveillance and enhanced product traceability
- Mandatory information requirements for labels, packaging, and online listings
- Specific responsibilities for online sellers
- Mandatory appointment of an EU-based Responsible Person
- Introduction of Quality Management System (QMS) expectations for manufacturers
- What does the GPSR require from online sellers?
Online sellers must:
- Provide complete traceability information in the sales offer
- Ensure visibility of safety information and Responsible Person details
- Guarantee that all product data is accessible to consumers before purchase
These obligations are detailed in Article 19 of the GPSR.
- Who is the Responsible Person under the GPSR?
The Responsible Person is an EU-based entity designated to ensure that products placed on the EU market meet all safety and compliance requirements. This role is mandatory for all general products from 13 December 2024, including those sold online.
- What are the responsibilities of the Responsible Person?
- The Responsible Person must:
- Verify compliance of technical documentation
- Ensure that labelling and safety information requirements are met
- Provide documentation to market surveillance authorities when requested
- Notify authorities if a product presents a risk
- Cooperate with authorities in cases of non-compliance or product safety concerns
Their contact information must appear on the product, packaging, parcel, or accompanying documentation, and must be visible in online offers.
- Do manufacturers need a Quality Management System (QMS)?
Yes. The GPSR requires manufacturers to maintain a documented QMS that includes:
- Complaint handling processes
- Corrective action monitoring
- Systematic product safety assessments
- Does a non-EU manufacturer need an EU-based Responsible Person?
Yes. All manufacturers located outside the European Union must appoint an EU-based Responsible Person to place general products on the market legally.
References:
EUR-Lex (2023). Regulation (EU) 2023/988 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 on general product safety. Retrieved on 23.09.2024.
Regulatory Intelligence & Innovation
23.09.2024
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