GPSR Compliance in Practice: 5 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Markus Lauter
- Gpsr
- November 17, 2024
Table of Contents
Ensuring compliance with the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is essential for merchants to avoid legal risks and build customer trust. However, despite good intentions, mistakes can often creep into the process, leading to significant consequences for your Shopify store. In this article, we’ll explore the five most common GPSR compliance mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them.
1. Incomplete or Missing Manufacturer Information
The Problem
One of the most common mistakes is the absence of clear manufacturer or importer details on products or their packaging. GPSR requires this information to be visible and easily readable.
Consequences
- Heavy fines during inspections by authorities.
- Loss of trust from customers who expect transparency.
The Solution
Use Shopify metafields or product descriptions to store and display all required details (name, address, and contact information of the manufacturer or importer).
Pro Tip
The GPSR Compliance Manager automates the collection and display of this data, reducing the risk of manual errors.
2. Missing or Inadequate Warning Labels
The Problem
Missing or incomplete warning labels and safety information in the language of the target market are common violations. This is especially critical for products like toys, electronics, or household appliances.
Consequences
- Liability risks in case of accidents or injuries.
- Negative reviews and potential product recalls.
The Solution
Include warning labels directly in product descriptions or provide downloadable safety instructions as an alternative.
Pro Tip
With Custom Widgets from the GPSR Compliance Manager, you can display warning labels directly on your product pages – multilingual and visually appealing.
3. Outdated or Inaccurate Product Information
The Problem
Product details such as serial numbers, batch numbers, or safety information are not updated regularly. This can cause compliance issues when regulations change or new product batches are introduced.
Consequences
- Challenges with traceability and recalls.
- Fines or legal disputes due to inaccurate information.
The Solution
Establish clear processes to regularly review and update product data. Shopify metafields can help centralize this effort.
Pro Tip
The Bulk Editing feature of the GPSR Compliance Manager allows you to update thousands of SKUs in minutes – perfect for merchants with large catalogs.
4. Lack of Product Traceability
The Problem
Products without serial or batch numbers cannot be traced back to the manufacturer or importer in case of an issue. This is a clear violation of GPSR.
Consequences
- Delays and higher costs during recalls.
- Loss of customer and regulatory trust.
The Solution
Use batch tracking tools or Shopify metafields to efficiently store and manage serial and batch numbers.
Pro Tip
The GPSR Compliance Manager includes an integrated batch tracking feature to ensure seamless product traceability.
5. Failing to Address Safety Issues Quickly
The Problem
Unsafe products are not identified or reported in time, leading to delays in recalls and potential harm to customers.
Consequences
- Heavy penalties from authorities.
- Long-term damage to brand reputation and customer trust.
The Solution
Implement a system to monitor product feedback and quickly report potential issues to authorities.
Pro Tip
The GPSR Compliance Manager keeps you up-to-date with regulations and helps identify and address issues early.
How the GPSR Compliance Manager Helps Shopify Merchants
The GPSR Compliance Manager is specifically designed for Shopify merchants to prevent common GPSR compliance mistakes. Key features include:
- Automation: Automatically collect and display product safety information, such as manufacturer details and warnings.
- Bulk Editing: Update large product catalogs in just a few clicks.
- Widgets: Seamlessly embed safety information on your product pages.
- Batch Tracking: Ensure full traceability of your products.
- Multilingual Support: Meet the requirements of all EU markets with support for multiple languages.
Conclusion: Build Trust Through GPSR Compliance
GPSR compliance is not just a legal obligation but also an opportunity to strengthen customer trust. By avoiding common mistakes and using the right tools, you can ensure your Shopify store remains compliant and trustworthy.
Take the first step toward error-free compliance: Install the GPSR Compliance Manager and protect your business from risks.
