The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR): What It Means for Small Businesses Selling Online

As a small business owner selling products through your own website, staying compliant with regulations is essential—especially if you’re targeting customers in the European Union (EU) or Northern Ireland. From 13th December 2024, the new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) will come into force, introducing stricter rules around product safety, traceability, and transparency.

Who Does the GPSR Affect?

If you sell consumer products to customers in the EU or Northern Ireland, this regulation applies to you. It doesn’t matter how small your business is or whether you sell physical products, digital products, or a combination of both—the GPSR will impact your operations.

Why Does This Matter?

The GPSR replaces the previous General Product Safety Directive, updating the rules to address modern challenges like online selling and digital technologies. From 13th December 2024, your business must comply with stricter safety, labelling, and recall requirements—or risk serious consequences, including:

• Fines for non-compliance.
• Bans on selling products in the EU or Northern Ireland.
• Loss of customer trust, potentially damaging your reputation.

Product Categories Excluded from the GPSR

Certain product categories are excluded because they’re governed by specific regulations. These include:

• Medicinal Products: Already subject to pre-market risk assessments under pharmaceutical legislation.
• Food and Feed Products: Covered by food safety regulations, except for materials in direct contact with food.
• Living Plants and Animals: Regulated under agricultural frameworks.
• Antiques and Collectibles: Excluded unless intended for modern use or repurposed for consumers.
• Professional Equipment: Excluded unless sold to consumers.
• Products Already Covered by Harmonised EU Legislation: Such as toys, machinery, and electronics with specific safety directives.

If your products fall outside these categories, you’ll need to meet GPSR requirements.

What’s Changing for Small Businesses?

The GPSR introduces several key changes for product safety and compliance, particularly for small businesses selling online:

1. Mandatory Product Safety Assessments

Every product must be evaluated to ensure it’s safe for its intended and foreseeable use. This includes special consideration for vulnerable groups, such as children or the elderly.

2. Traceability Requirements

You must clearly label your products to show:

• Who made the product (manufacturer details).
• Who imported it (if you source products from outside the EU).
• How to contact you for safety-related concerns.

3. Recalls and Safety Alerts

If a product you’ve sold is found to be unsafe, you’ll be required to:

• Notify affected customers.
• Offer remedies, such as repairs, replacements, or refunds.
• Cooperate with authorities during recalls.

4. Cybersecurity for Digital Products

Products with connectivity or software (e.g., smart devices) must undergo additional safety checks to address risks like hacking or data breaches.

5. Website Transparency

Your website must provide:

• Clear safety warnings and usage instructions.
• Accessible contact information for customer queries or complaints.

What Do You Need to Do to Comply?

Here’s how small business owners can prepare:

1. Conduct Risk Assessments: Identify potential safety risks for every product, including physical, chemical, mechanical, and digital risks.
2. Create Safety Documentation: Write clear instructions for use, include warnings for potential hazards, and prepare technical files proving compliance with EU standards.
3. Update Product Labelling: Add your business name, address, and contact details, and include importer details for non-EU goods.
4. Plan for Recalls: Develop a system for notifying customers and offering remedies. Be prepared to work with EU authorities on recall procedures.
5. Update Your Website: Add safety information and policies for returns and recalls. Ensure customers can easily contact you for queries or complaints.
6. Appoint an Authorised Representative (if based outside the EU): Non-EU businesses must designate a representative within the EU or Northern Ireland to act as a point of contact for authorities, maintain technical documentation, and assist with recalls.
7. Train Your Team: Educate staff on GPSR requirements and how to handle safety concerns effectively.

When Does It Take Effect?

The GPSR becomes mandatory on 13th December 2024, replacing older directives. This gives small businesses time to prepare—but don’t wait until the last minute. Compliance takes planning and coordination.

Why Act Now?

Failing to comply with the GPSR could result in significant penalties, including the loss of access to the EU market. Early preparation ensures you stay compliant and protects your reputation.

Take Action Today

To help you navigate the new requirements, we’ve created a GPSR Compliance Checklist—a step-by-step guide tailored for small business owners.

Download the Checklist Now to ensure your business is ready for GPSR.

By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can continue to thrive in the EU market while protecting your customers and your business. If you have questions about the GPSR, feel free to reach out for guidance.