An overview of the GPSR
The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), Regulation (EU) 2023/988, becomes applicable on 13 December 2024. From this date, all general products placed on the EU market must comply with this regulation to ensure consumer safety.
The GPSR covers all products for which there is no sectorial legislation. Some examples include low-voltage items (under 50V), candles, hair and beauty accessories, brushes and mirrors, jewellery, as well as many other everyday items.
Your Compliance Partner for EU & UK
In the EU, we act as your Authorised Representative under GPSR 2023/988, and serve as your Responsible Person, verifying your products comply as per GPSR Article 16 and Market Surveillance Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 Article 4.
In the UK, we represent you as your Authorised Representative under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 (GPSR), as revised by the Product Safety and Metrology Regulations 2019.
How long will it take?
Time is Running Out: Comply with GPSR Today
Navigating product compliance and sales in the EU and UK markets can be complex, but Obelis makes it simple. As your Authorised Representative and Responsible Person, we ensure your products meet GPSR requirements.
Obelis is your dedicated partner for ensuring seamless regulatory compliance. We take charge of reviewing your product documentation, advise you on regulatory requirements, represent you as your Authorised Representative and Responsible Person and cooperate with authorities. With Obelis by your side, you can confidently access the EU and UK markets with full regulatory support. By trusting us, you can focus on growth while we ensure your documentation meets regulatory requirements, and cooperate with competent authorities to address and mitigate potential product risks.
FAQ
Responsible Person (RP) and Authorised Representative (AR)
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.
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. EU-based manufacturers automatically act as their own Responsible Person. Appointing an Authorised Representative (AR) that acts as their Responsible Person is possible, but not mandatory. By contrast, non-EU manufacturers are obliged to appoint a EU-based Responsible Person.
Tip: An Authorised Representative (AR) can be appointed to act as the Responsible Person through a written mandate.
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.
- 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).