The new EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), officially known as Regulation (EU) 2023/988, was published on May 23, 2023, and came into force on Friday, December 13, 2024.
It presents companies with significant new challenges, as it covers almost all non-food consumer goods and considerably increases the requirements for product safety and compliance within Europe.
The regulation affects not only products that are already subject to harmonized rules such as CE directives and regulations, but also a wide range of other goods, including furniture, household items, decorative objects, and other everyday items.
Important Innovations and Requirements Introduced by the New EU General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988
Designation of a Responsible Person in the EU Every company that distributes products in the EU market must appoint a responsible person based within the EU. This person bears the legal responsibility for product safety and compliance with the regulations. This is associated with significant organizational challenges, especially for manufacturers and online retailers based outside the EU.
Extended Contact Information In addition to the existing details, companies must now provide an email address or website on the packaging and products through which the manufacturer or importer can be contacted directly. This requires adjustments to the labeling on almost all products.
Risk Assessments and Technical Documentation All products offered on the EU market must be secured by an internal risk analysis. The technical documentation, which demonstrates the safety assessment as well as compliance with product-specific standards and requirements, becomes mandatory. This poses a challenge for many companies to adjust their internal processes and documentation standards.
Internal Processes for Product Safety Companies are required to establish internal procedures to ensure that their products continuously meet the safety requirements. This demands ongoing monitoring and adaptation of processes.
Mandatory Reporting for Serious Accidents Serious accidents caused by a product must be reported via the EU’s new “Safety Business Gate.” Companies must therefore establish appropriate internal reporting processes and assign responsibilities.
New Responsibilities for Online Marketplaces and Fulfillment Service Providers Operators of online platforms and fulfillment service providers are now treated as independent market actors. They are responsible for the products distributed through their platforms, which also brings new obligations for retailers.
Stricter Requirements for Online Commerce Online commerce is now more strictly regulated by clear, comprehensive guidelines. This affects both online retailers and operators of marketplaces and sales platforms. Companies must ensure they meet these new requirements to avoid legal consequences.
Expansion of the Safety Catalog The criteria catalog for assessing product safety has been significantly expanded. Companies must examine potential hazards and risk factors more comprehensively, which requires additional resources and expertise.
Detailed Guidelines for Recalls and Warnings In cases of safety risks, companies must follow detailed and often complex instructions for recall actions and warnings in order to comply with the regulation.
Definition of “Significant Product Change” The regulation specifies what is considered a “significant product change.” This is crucial because such a change may require a new conformity assessment, which means additional costs and time for companies.
Conclusion
Regulation (EU) 2023/988 imposes significantly increased requirements on companies offering products in the EU. In addition to adhering to the extensive new guidelines, internal processes, documentation, and responsibilities must be adjusted accordingly. trinasco GmbH supports companies in effectively meeting these challenges and ensuring their long-term compliance.
What does that mean for us?
What do we need to do now?
Book our free initial consultation now. Save €249!!
