What is the General Product Safety Regulation?

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is a European Union law (Regulation (EU) 2023/988) that ensures all consumer products sold in the EU—both online and offline—are safe. It took effect on December 13, 2024, replacing the older General Product Safety Directive.

Key Features of the GPSR

• Direct Application: As an EU regulation, it applies uniformly across all member states without needing local national conversion laws.
• Online Sales & Marketplaces: It introduces strict duties for e-commerce platforms, webshops, and fulfillment centers, requiring them to display safety warnings and remove dangerous items quickly.
• Responsible Person: Non-EU manufacturers must have an EU-based responsible economic operator to handle safety documentation and compliance.
• New Technologies: The safety assessment includes modern risks, such as cybersecurity features, artificial intelligence, and connected smart software updates.
• Clear Recalls: It mandates direct communication with consumers and standardized notices if a dangerous product must be recalled.

Scope:

The regulation acts as a safety net for non-harmonized consumer products (like furniture, textiles, and childcare items) and fills gaps for sector-specific rules (like toys or electronics). Certain areas like food, feed, and pharmaceuticals are excluded.