New EU GPSR Guidelines are Published

The European Commission has published its Guidelines on the application of the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), marking an important development for businesses placing products on the EU market. The Guidelines provide clarification on the obligations introduced by Regulation (EU) 2023/988, which fully entered into force on 13 December 2024, replacing the previous General Product Safety Directive.

GPSR: A Modernised Framework for Safer Consumer Products

The GPSR establishes a harmonised and more robust framework for ensuring consumer product safety across the European Union. The regulation reinforces the principle that only safe products may be made available on the EU market, placing increased responsibility on economic operators at every stage of the supply chain.

Businesses are expected to proactively identify and assess product risks, ensure compliance with safety requirements, and take prompt corrective action when issues arise.

Key Highlights from the New GPSR Guidelines

The newly published GPSR Guidelines provide detailed explanations of the regulation’s scope and the responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in placing products on the market. Among the key points:

• Scope: The GPSR applies to all consumer products—new, refurbished, and second-hand—across both online and offline sales channels.
• Defined Responsibilities: Manufacturers, importers, distributors, fulfilment service providers, and online marketplaces each have clearly defined safety obligations.
• Safety by Design: Manufacturers must conduct internal risk assessments, ensure product safety throughout the lifecycle, and retain technical documentation for at least 10 years.
• Increased Transparency:Products must include clear identification details, manufacturer information, and safety instructions in languages easily understood by consumers.
• Digital Responsibilities: Online marketplaces now hold specific duties, including cooperating with market surveillance authorities and swiftly removing unsafe products.
• Improved Compliance Tools: Platforms such as the Safety Business Gateway and Safety Gate Portal facilitate reporting, traceability, and consumer notifications.

Building Trust in the EU Single Market

The introduction of the GPSR and its accompanying Guidelines aims to strengthen consumer protection while ensuring fair competition for businesses operating within the EU. Given the potential for significant penalties, a thorough understanding of the new obligations is essential for all economic operators.

How Certification Company Supports Compliance

Certification Company provides expert guidance to businesses navigating the updated regulatory landscape. Our services include risk assessments, preparation of technical documentation, and development of comprehensive compliance strategies tailored to the GPSR requirements.

For further information or support in implementing these changes, contact our team to discuss how we can assist in ensuring your products meet the latest EU safety standards.