The GPSR (General Product Safety Regulation) is the General Product Safety Regulation of the European Union, published on May 23, 2023. This regulation replaces the previous General Product Safety Directive (GPSD – Directive 2001/95/EC) and establishes stricter and more harmonized rules to ensure the safety of products placed on the EU market. It came into effect on June 13, 2023, and will apply starting from December 13, 2024, also replacing the Food Imitation Products Directive (Directive 87/357/EEC), which concerns products that, while not being food, resemble food in appearance, smell, color, shape, or packaging, potentially misleading consumers, especially children, into mistaking them for real food. It also amends other regulations related to standardization and consumer protection.
Key Updates of the GPSR
- Greater harmonization: The GPSR standardizes product safety rules across all EU member states, reducing discrepancies in national interpretations. This ensures that all products on the European market are subject to the same strict safety standards.
- Stricter rules: The regulation introduces detailed rules for product recalls and market surveillance, enhancing the effectiveness of control actions and ensuring that dangerous products are quickly identified and removed from the market.
- Expanded scope: The GPSR covers not only new products but also used, repaired, or refurbished products. It also includes specific exemptions to avoid overlaps with other regulations, such as those related to medicinal products and food.
- Increased consumer protection: It strengthens traceability procedures and the responsibilities of economic operators, ensuring that consumers can trust the safety of the products they purchase.
- Transition from directive to regulation: Unlike a directive, which requires transposition into national laws, a regulation is directly applicable in all member states, ensuring uniformity and regulatory consistency.
What’s Not Included in the Regulation
The GPSR includes some exclusions from its scope to avoid overlaps with other specific existing regulations. Among the main excluded products are pharmaceuticals, food and feed, live plants and animals, plant protection products, transport equipment managed by service providers, aircraft, antiques, and products repaired or refurbished before December 13, 2024.
Role of Economic Operators
The GPSR defines the roles of economic operators. The manufacturer is the entity that manufactures a product or markets it under their name or trademark, ensuring its compliance. The importer, established in the EU, is responsible for placing products from third countries on the market, ensuring they comply with European regulations. The authorized representative, also based in the EU, acts on behalf of the manufacturer and assumes certain legal responsibilities. Lastly, the online marketplace provider facilitates the sale of products through digital platforms, connecting distant consumers and sellers.
Product Safety and Compliance Assessment
To ensure that a product meets the safety requirements of the GPSR, the following must be considered:
- European standards: Standards published in the OJEU and other relevant standards.
- Voluntary certifications: Certification schemes and third-party assessments.
- State-of-the-art technology: Current practices and codes of good practice.
- Consumer expectations: Evaluation of safety expectations.
- European Commission recommendations: Follow product safety guidelines.
- Risk assessment: Create a technical dossier with test reports and risk evaluations.
Technical Dossiers, Labeling, and CE Marking
The GPSR also sets specific requirements for technical dossiers, labeling, and product instructions. Every product must have a detailed technical dossier, including risk assessments to ensure product safety. Labels must display contact information and a means of identification directly on the product, where possible. Instructions for use must be provided in a printed format if necessary to ensure the product’s safe use. Finally, if a product is subject to other directives or regulations that require CE marking, such as the Toys Safety Directive, this marking must be affixed.
The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) represents a significant step toward greater consumer protection throughout the European Union. For companies, adopting these standards by December 2024 will not only prevent sanctions but also strengthen consumer trust in their products, enhancing corporate reputation in an increasingly demanding market.
Our Team’s Support
Regarding Article 4 of the GPSR on General Safety Requirements, detailed information on the results of tests conducted on products must be made available, facilitating the demonstration of compliance with safety and product durability requirements. Through a comprehensive testing program, we can ensure that this information is complete. Discover all the sectors we serve on the dedicated menu page.
In addition to testing, we offer a wide range of services for obtaining international and voluntary certifications, ensuring that products meet the safety and quality requirements demanded by the market and consumers.
Our teams can assist you in preparing the technical documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance, facilitating access and sharing of product information with local and international authorities. We are also at your side to structure dedicated training programs for Compliance and R&D teams to meet standards from the early stages of design.
Contact us through the form on this page. Our team is always available to discuss the specific needs of your company.
