Starting December 13, the GPSR (General Product Safety Regulation) imposes new obligations on online sellers, requiring more detailed and transparent information about the products sold and replacing previous EU rules, including Directive 2001/95/EC on General Product Safety.
What is GPSR and why is it important for your e-commerce?
The GPSR (General Product Safety Regulation) is a regulation designed to address the challenges of new sales models, such as e-commerce, and to ensure that products sold in the EU are safe, protecting consumer health and safety.
If you run an online store, this regulation affects you closely, as it introduces precise rules for manufacturers, importers, and distributors, with particular attention to online commerce.
Main objectives of the GPSR
- Clear rules for product safety: before putting a product on sale, you must ensure it is safe and compliant with required standards.
- Adaptation to new market realities: the expansion of e-commerce and technological innovation require more effective measures than the previous regulations.
- Consumer protection: the GPSR strengthens safety against dangerous products, introducing transparency and traceability requirements.
- New rules for marketplaces: platforms like Amazon and eBay are subject to greater controls that also involve sellers.
- Market surveillance: the regulation aims to quickly withdraw non-compliant products from the market.
Who does it apply to?
The GPSR applies to all non-food products intended for end consumers, such as household appliances, toys, electronic items, and personal care products, with the exception of certain specific categories that have their own regulations (e.g., animal feed, medicines). It does not matter whether you sell through your own site or a marketplace: all products must comply with safety regulations.
For example:
If you sell electronic products, you must ensure they do not present risks such as short circuits.
If you offer children’s items, they must not contain parts that can be swallowed.
All products must have clear and detailed instructions in Italian, including any risk warnings.
What does it mean for your online store?
Starting December 13, 2024, online sellers will be required to comply with the GPSR. This implies:
- Update product sheets: they must include complete information, including warnings and instructions for use.
- Update labels: ensure products display all required information visibly and clearly.
- Ensure traceability: collect and retain technical documentation such as safety certifications and declarations of conformity.
- Appoint a safety responsible person: they must be based in the EU and will be the point of contact for any checks.
Key points relevant to online resellers:
Product traceability:
Merchants must ensure that products have an effective traceability system. This includes identifying products, components, and operators involved in the supply chain, using data available both on the products themselves and in accompanying documents.
Compliance for online sales:
Products sold on digital platforms must meet the same safety standards as those offered in physical stores. Online marketplaces cannot publish listings for products that do not comply with safety regulations.
Recall management:
In the event of a recall, sellers must notify customers using contacts collected during transactions or loyalty programs. They must also use channels such as social media, newsletters, and company websites to clearly communicate product risks.
Reporting obligations:
Companies must notify competent authorities of any dangerous products or incidents via the dedicated portal, the Safety Business Gateway.
Risk assessment:
Retailers must rely on harmonized methodologies to ensure products meet EU safety standards. Failure to comply can result in fines, market withdrawals, and reputational damage.
How to prepare now
- Check your products: verify they meet GPSR safety standards.
- Update online information: make new labels visible and add complete descriptions.
- Work with experts: if you are unsure about requirements, rely on professionals to ensure compliance.
- Monitor platforms: each marketplace may have additional GPSR requirements; check specific guidelines.
Why act now?
Adapting to the GPSR is an opportunity to strengthen customer trust, stand out from competitors, and prevent potential sales interruptions. Don’t wait: a proactive approach will allow you to face the future of your e-commerce with confidence.
How to proceed manually with Open2b Commerce Ready
If you use Open2b Commerce Ready for your online store, you can add manufacturer and safety contact information directly in the manufacturer description card, or directly in the product description card, together with the other expressly required information.
You can also add images with CE mark pictograms and hazard symbols needed to indicate the product’s safety level:
- as additional images in the image gallery
- or by using the Attributes feature, associating and displaying the appropriate icon
- or by displaying the images in the description as HTML content
You can also, on request, use a dedicated app that allows labels to be associated in a more automated way, a very useful tool if the number of products to update is high.
If you also use the integration app between Open2b Commerce Ready and eBay, you have a dedicated section for each listing that allows you to add this information and display it on the product page being sold on the marketplace.
If you have doubts or questions, do not hesitate to ask for support: better to be prepared than to be caught off guard by new rules.
Source: European Commission
Source: EUR-LEX
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