The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is the new EU legal framework for non-food consumer products. It will apply in full from 13 December 2024, replacing the former General Product Safety Directive (GPSD).

The regulation applies to:

• All non-food consumer products
• Whether sold online or offline
• Regardless of where they are produced

Its purpose is to ensure that products on the EU market are safe, traceable, and clearly labelled to protect consumers.

 

Does GPSR Apply to Your Products?

Before taking any action, it’s important to determine whether your item falls under the scope of the regulation.

 

It’s a Product (GPSR applies)	It’s Packaging (GPSR does NOT apply)
Has value or function on its own	Only protects or carries another product
Used, kept, or reused by consumer	Thrown away after unboxing
Intended for consumer use	Not considered a standalone item

 

If you’re unsure how your item is classified, feel free to reach out to us.

 

Main Responsibilities Under GPSR

If your product falls within the scope of the regulation, the following areas must be considered:

 

Product Safety

Products must be:

• Safe during normal and foreseeable use
• Free from risks such as sharp edges, small parts, or hazardous substances
• Suitable for the intended user group (e.g. general public, children)

Manufacturers and distributors must be able to show how product safety has been assessed — through design, material selection, testing, certifications, or documentation.

 

Labelling Requirements

Products must carry clear and durable identification. This includes:

• The name and address of an EU-based economic operator, such as the brand owner, importer, distributor, or authorised representative
• A product identifier (e.g. model number, batch code)
• Any required safety instructions or warnings, in the language of the market where the product is sold

If the product is distributed in multiple countries, a multilingual label is recommended to ensure compliance across markets.

 

For custom-branded items, the client’s information is typically shown on the label, as the party placing the product on the EU market.
Our company can be listed as the importer if specifically requested — this is optional and based on agreement.

This information can appear on:

• The product itself
• A label, hangtag, or sewn-in tag
• The packaging, if that’s more suitable for the item

 

Traceability

The GPSR includes general requirements for being able to trace how products move through the supply chain. This is mainly relevant in situations such as official market checks or product recalls.

Internally, we ensure that the relevant supply chain information is available and documented in line with regulatory expectations.
Should a situation arise where additional information is needed, we can support our clients accordingly.

Typical internal records may include:
Production-related details	e.g. batch numbers, production dates
Logistics milestones	e.g. shipping data, storage points
Contact details for involved parties	e.g. business partners within the chain

 

These records are maintained as part of our internal processes and made available if needed to support compliance efforts.

 

Recalls and Complaints

If a product is found to be unsafe:

• Stop distribution immediately
• Notify customers and authorities as required
• Launch a product recall with clear communication
• Keep records of all steps taken (e.g. dates, quantities, actions)

Quick, transparent response is key to meeting GPSR obligations.

 

Digital Product Information (Optional, but Encouraged)

While not mandatory, the GPSR encourages digital solutions to support consumer safety and communication. These can include:

• QR codes
• Digital manuals or safety information
• Online recall pages

Digital tools are especially useful for small products or when packaging space is limited.

 

Preparing for the Regulation

We are monitoring the GPSR closely and working to adapt where needed. For clients developing custom-branded products, we’re available to support with questions around labelling, traceability, and overall readiness.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like guidance on how the GPSR may affect your product setup.