An Overview of the GPSR
The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), Regulation (EU) 2023/988, comes into force on 13 December 2024. From this date, all general products placed on the EU market must comply with this regulation to ensure consumer safety.
Some examples of products covered by GPSD include:
- Low-voltage items (under 50V)
- Candles
- Hair and beauty accessories
- Brushes and mirrors
- Jewellery
- Many other everyday items
GPSR Responsible Person for general products
Who needs it?
In the EU, companies that sell products under their own name or trademark are considered “manufacturers”. With the GPSR, all products sold in the EU must have a Responsible Person.
Key Points:
- EU-Based Manufacturers: Automatically act as their own Responsible Person. Appointing an Authorised Representative (AR) that acts as their Responsible Person is possible.
- Non-EU Manufacturers: Must appoint an EU-based Responsible Person.
→ Tip: An Authorised Representative (AR) can be appointed to act as the Responsible Person through a written mandate.
How an Authorised Representative Can Serve as Your EU Responsible Person?
Interestingly, non-EU manufacturers that sell their products online often do not have an importer. In such cases, the EU-based fulfilment service provider or the Authorised Representative – when specified in the mandate – acts as a Responsible Person.
Requirements for Displaying Information
- Name and registered trade name or trademark
- Contact information, including both postal and electronic addresses
The information of the Responsible Person must be displayed on the product or its packaging, the parcel or an accompanying document, and in their distance sales offer (e.g., online offer).
Responsible Person and Authorised Representative
What Are Their Responsibilities?
The Responsible Person or Authorised Representative plays a key role in product safety and compliance, which includes:
- Verify that products comply with the technical documentation requirements.
- Verify that products bear a type, batch or serial number or other element enabling the product’s identification as well as the manufacturer’s information.
- Inform the manufacturer when they believe the product might pose a danger.
- Inform or cooperate with the competent authority to mitigate or eliminate the risks posed by hazardous products.
Compliance Success Stories
“We can always count on the quick response of the Obelis team. Managing the huge amount of data necessary for a EU Notification is very complex yet they make is seem so easy.”
“We were under huge time and cost pressure for a new product line launch and we relied on Obelis. It was the right decision. Their expert team helped us to avoid possible regulatory complications.”
“I encourage companies to seek compliance before putting their devices on the market. Working with Obelis to gain swift regulatory approval across several markets has had a profound impact on our company.”
