The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) officially came into effect on December 13, 2024, introducing new safety and compliance requirements for products sold in the EU and Northern Ireland (NI). For UK businesses exporting goods, these changes bring new legal obligations, including the need for an EU-based Authorized Representative (AR) and stricter documentation processes.
If you’re a UK business selling to the EU or NI, here’s what you need to do to stay compliant and avoid potential sales disruptions.
- Understanding the New GPSR Requirements
The GPSR replaces the previous General Product Safety Directive (GPSD), strengthening consumer protection across the EU. The key changes include:
- Stricter product safety requirements, especially for high-risk categories.
- Mandatory traceability measures, ensuring products are identifiable.
- Obligations for online marketplaces to ensure product compliance.
- New documentation and labeling rules, including updated risk assessments.
Most importantly, non-EU manufacturers, including UK businesses, must appoint an EU-based Authorized Representative (AR) to legally place their products on the European market.
- Appoint an EU Authorised Representative
Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, UK businesses selling into the EU and Northern Ireland must have an EU Authorised Representative. An AR acts as your local compliance contact, ensuring:
- Your product meets GPSR safety regulations.
- Required technical documentation is available.
- Authorities and consumers have a responsible point of contact in the EU.
Failure to appoint an AR can result in products being rejected at EU borders or removed from marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.
- Create an EC Declaration of Conformity
One of the fundamental compliance requirements under GPSR is to create an EC Declaration of Conformity. This document confirms that your product meets all relevant EU safety regulations.
With Euverify, you can quickly generate a Declaration of Conformity to meet GPSR compliance standards.
- Appoint a GPSR Responsible Person
If you are selling products in the EU, you must have a designated GPSR Responsible Person within the European market. This person ensures that:
- Products comply with the safety standards outlined in GPSR.
- Compliance documentation is maintained and accessible.
- Any product recalls, safety warnings, or compliance checks are handled properly.
UK businesses that fail to assign a GPSR Responsible Person risk delays, fines, or complete market restrictions.
- Ensure Proper Labeling and Documentation
Under GPSR, product packaging and labeling must include:
- The name and contact details of the EU Authorised Representative.
- A clear traceability system (including batch numbers and manufacturer details).
- Updated risk assessments that reflect the new GPSR standards.
These requirements apply to all UK businesses shipping to the EU and NI, even if they have previously sold products without these details.
- What Happens If You Are Not Compliant?
If your business does not comply with GPSR, you could face:
- Product rejections at EU borders.
- Removal from major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and eBay.
- Heavy fines and legal consequences.
- Loss of access to the EU and NI markets.
- How Euverify Can Help UK Businesses Stay GPSR-Compliant
Navigating these regulatory changes can be overwhelming, but Euverify makes the process seamless by offering:
- Fast and affordable EU Authorized Representative services.
- An easy-to-use Declaration of Conformity generator.
- A dedicated GPSR Responsible Person service.
By partnering with Euverify, UK businesses can avoid compliance risks, prevent sales disruptions, and continue selling to the EU and NI hassle-free.
Final Thoughts
The GPSR changes are now in effect, and UK businesses must act quickly to ensure compliance. Appointing an EU Authorised Representative, creating a Declaration of Conformity, and designating a GPSR Responsible Person are critical steps to selling in the EU and NI without disruptions.
Avoid fines, border delays, and lost sales opportunities by ensuring your business meets GPSR requirements today.
Get started with Euverify and make compliance easy!