The European Union (EU) has introduced the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) to replace the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD). This transition signifies a major shift in product safety laws, impacting businesses that sell goods in the EU market. The GPSR introduces stricter requirements for product safety, traceability, and market surveillance, demanding proactive compliance strategies from manufacturers, importers, and distributors.

This article explores the key differences between GPSD and GPSR, the compliance requirements for EU sellers, and actionable steps businesses must take to ensure continued market access in 2025.

The shift from GPSD to GPSR

The GPSD, in place since 2001, served as the foundational framework for product safety within the EU. However, it became outdated due to technological advancements, increased e-commerce activities, and the need for stronger consumer protections.

The GPSR took full effect in December 2024 and addresses these gaps by introducing stricter obligations, a broader scope, and enhanced enforcement mechanisms. The regulation applies to all non-food consumer products, ensuring they meet stringent safety and compliance requirements before reaching EU consumers.

Key changes under GPSR

The following is an overview of the most significant changes surrounding the transition from GPSR to GPSD:

1. Enhanced product safety standards:

• The GPSR introduces stricter definitions of product safety, considering technological advances, cybersecurity risks, and emerging hazards.
• It aligns with existing EU laws, such as the Market Surveillance Regulation (MSR) and the Digital Services Act (DSA), to ensure consistency.

2. Obligations for online marketplaces:

• Online marketplaces must ensure that third-party sellers comply with product safety regulations.
• They must establish mechanisms to respond to safety concerns and recall unsafe products.

3. Improved traceability requirements:

• Products must have clear and accessible labeling, including manufacturer details and safety instructions.
• QR codes or digital means may be required for enhanced traceability.

4. Stronger enforcement and penalties:

• National authorities are given more power to remove unsafe products from the market.
• Non-compliance can result in substantial fines and product recalls.

5. Obligations for economic operators:

• Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must maintain compliance documentation and conduct risk assessments.
• Companies outside the EU must appoint an EU-based responsible person, such as an authorised representative, to ensure adherence to regulations.

Compliance steps for EU sellers

To stay compliant with GPSR, businesses must take proactive steps. Here are the essential actions EU sellers should undertake:

1. Conduct a product safety assessment:

• Evaluate all products against the new safety criteria.
• Identify potential risks related to product use, cybersecurity, and emerging hazards.

2. Update compliance documentation:

• Ensure all technical files, declarations of conformity, and risk assessments align with GPSR requirements.
• Maintain records for at least 10 years to demonstrate compliance in case of inspections.

3. Implement robust traceability measures:

• Label products with detailed manufacturer and importer information.
• Use digital tracking tools, such as QR codes, to improve traceability and consumer safety notifications.

4. Appoint an EU-based responsible person (if applicable):

• Non-EU sellers must designate an EU authorised representative who will oversee compliance and liaise with authorities in case they don't have another responsible EU-based economic operator.

5. Establish a product recall and incident reporting system:

• Develop clear procedures for handling product recalls and notifying authorities of safety issues.
• Leverage digital tools for efficient incident reporting and consumer communication.

The impact of non-compliance

Failure to comply with GPSR can result in severe consequences, including:

• Fines and legal penalties imposed by national authorities.
• Product recalls, leading to financial losses and reputational damage.
• Restrictions on market access within the EU, affecting sales and growth opportunities.

For official details on GPSR requirements, visit the EU Commission page.

How to stay compliant with GPSR

Navigating the transition from GPSD to GPSR requires careful attention to new compliance requirements. With stricter enforcement, improved traceability, and higher safety standards, EU sellers must take proactive steps to ensure their products meet the new regulations.

Using tools like Product Information Management (PIM) systems, such as KatanaPIM, can simplify compliance by centralizing product safety data, documentation, and traceability records. For example, businesses leveraging KatanaPIM can efficiently manage certificates, safety reports, and recall information, ensuring they stay aligned with the latest GPSR requirements.

By keeping all compliance-related data in one accessible system, businesses can quickly adapt to regulatory updates, streamline product listings, and prevent compliance risks. The shift to GPSR may seem complex, but with the right preparation and tools, sellers can maintain compliance, protect consumers, and continue thriving in the EU market.

Don’t wait—ensure compliance with GPSR today!