On 13th December 2024 the EU General Products Safety Regulation (GPSR) came into force.
Essentially, this means that all non-EU sellers of any non-food product(s) now must appoint at least one EU Authorised Rep.
Guest writer, Marcus Broix at Trade with Europe Ltd offers a short overview of the crucial points…
If you sell products in the EU, EEA and Northern Ireland under your own brand name, then you are considered a manufacturer under the GPSR, and the following obligations apply:
- If you are not legally established in the EU, you must appoint an EU Authorised Representative (EAR) – also called EU Responsible Person (ERP).
- Ensure that the product(s) are safe under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions through application of European (harmonised) standards. If no harmonised standard exists, safety can be shown through compliance with national or international standards, voluntary certification schemes, or best practice codes.
- Conduct an internal risk safety assessment and implement accident and risk communication protocols.
- Establish internal processes to monitor product safety during its entire lifecycle and take corrective actions if risks are identified.
- Meet labelling requirements and provide traceability information on the product or its packaging.
All of the above should be compiled in a technical documentation and, on request, made available to the EU Market Surveillance authorities. A reputable EAR should provide help with the internal risk assessment, the labelling requirements and, in case of complaints or enquires, liaise directly with the EU authorities on the client’s behalf.
For the complete GPSR (EU) 2023/988 you can visit the Official Journal of the European Union HERE