GPSR Regulation: Key Changes for E-commerce

We are entering a new era of product safety. Starting from December 13, 2024, the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) will come into effect, introducing a new legal framework for consumer protection across the European Union. These new rules not only enhance product safety but also introduce significant changes for online retailers, manufacturers, importers, and providers of online marketplace platforms. This groundbreaking regulation, developed by the European Union, replaces existing legislation such as Directive 2001/95/EC, aligning the rules with the rapidly evolving market—both digital and traditional. Is your business ready for these changes?

What is GPSR? Main Objectives of the New EU Regulation

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) aims to ensure that every product placed on the market in EU member states meets strict safety requirements—whether the product is new, used, refurbished, or repaired. It covers all sales channels, including both traditional and distance selling, making it an essential tool for the modern e-commerce sector.

The new regulations focus on:

• Safety of digital and technological products – such as smart devices or IoT applications.
• Transparency in the supply chain – every product must be easily traceable from the manufacturer to the consumer.
• Rapid response to threats – businesses are required to take immediate action, such as recalling unsafe products from the market.

GPSR and E-commerce: Why These Regulations are Crucial for Online Sellers

E-commerce is growing at a breakneck pace, and products available online often come from various parts of the world. The GPSR imposes greater accountability on online sellers to enhance consumer safety.

Thanks to GPSR:

• Consumers gain confidence that products meet EU safety standards.
• Businesses build trust by providing transparent safety information and responding quickly to potential issues.
• Providers of online marketplace platforms, by ensuring compliance with regulations, avoid potential penalties and strengthen their competitive edge.

New GPSR Requirements for E-commerce Sellers

Every participant in the supply chain—from manufacturers to importers and retailers—must comply with specific requirements. Below are the key obligations:

For Manufacturers:

• Prepare technical documentation that includes a detailed safety assessment and confirms compliance with regulations.
• Mark products with manufacturer details (name, address, trademark).
• Include operating instructions and safety information in the language of the country where the product is sold.

For Importers:

• Verify that the product meets GPSR requirements and has the necessary documentation.
• Provide additional information if the non-EU manufacturer fails to do so.
• Retain technical documentation for at least 10 years after the product is placed on the market.

For Distributors:

• Ensure the product has the required markings, instructions, and warnings.
• Cooperate with supervisory authorities during inspections.

Obligations of Online Sellers

Online sellers and providers of online marketplace platforms play a pivotal role in ensuring product compliance with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). Their responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that all products in their offering are properly labeled.
• Displaying the manufacturer’s and importer’s details on their website.
• Providing instructions and warnings in the local language of the target market.

Additionally, online sellers must collaborate with supervisory authorities and maintain records of the supply chain for a minimum of 6 years after a product is introduced to the market.

What Products Are Exempt from GPSR?

Not all products fall under the scope of the new regulation. The GPSR, as a framework for consumer product safety, excludes certain categories that are governed by other legal acts or have specific applications.

Excluded categories include:

• Food and feed products – these are regulated under separate food safety legislation.
• Medicines and medical devices – subject to distinct EU regulations concerning pharmaceuticals and medical products.
• Antiques and collectible items – as long as they are marked as such and not intended for everyday use.
• Specialized equipment operated by service providers – products exclusively used in the provision of services, such as transportation equipment.

The complete list of exemptions can be found in Article 2 of the GPSR Regulation. It’s crucial to review this list to avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretation of the rules.

How to Align Your Business with GPSR Requirements

Adapting to the new GPSR standards might seem challenging, but businesses still have time to ensure compliance and mitigate the risk of financial penalties. Here are the steps you should take:

Conduct a Product Audit
Begin with a detailed review of your product portfolio:

• Do all products meet the required safety standards?
• Are they appropriately labeled with identification details (e.g., serial numbers, manufacturer information)?
• Are instructions and warnings included in the languages of the countries where you operate?

Update Online Information
Ensure that the details displayed on your online store or marketplace comply with GPSR. Verify that:

• The manufacturer’s name and address are accurately shown.
• Importer information is complete (if the manufacturer is outside the EU).
• Customers can easily find safety and usage details for all products.

Train Your Teams
Equip your staff with the necessary knowledge about the new regulations. Compliance involves not just sales teams but also customer service departments. Training will help avoid mistakes and enable better responses to customer inquiries and inspections from supervisory authorities.

Collaborate with Suppliers
Not all changes can be implemented independently. Work closely with your suppliers to ensure that:

• They are aware of the new GPSR requirements.
• Technical documentation complies with the regulations and is available upon request.
• Product information is complete and up to date.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with GPSR

Failing to meet the requirements of GPSR can result in significant financial penalties. The maximum sanctions include:

• Up to 1 million PLN – for manufacturers and importers introducing non-compliant products to the market.
• Up to 500,000 PLN – for distributors failing to provide the required documentation or proper product labeling.
• Up to 500,000 PLN – for online sellers neglecting informational duties, such as providing manufacturer details or safety warnings.

These penalties are already in place—make sure your business complies with GPSR to avoid severe financial consequences.

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Conclusion

Complying with GPSR is not only a legal obligation but also an opportunity to enhance product quality, strengthen customer trust, and boost competitiveness in the market. By conducting a product audit, updating your online information, and working closely with suppliers, you can effectively meet the new requirements.

We offer comprehensive support to help your business comply with GPSR, minimizing the risk of non-compliance and enabling you to focus on growth.

👉 For more details on the regulation, visit the official European Commission page: European Commission – GPSR