The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is a cornerstone of consumer protection in the European Union. It ensures that products sold in the EU market are safe and protects consumers from potential risks. In this article, you will learn about the GPSR regulation, which products are affected, the key requirements for merchants, and how the GPSR Compliance Manager helps you stay compliant effortlessly.

Purpose and Objectives of the GPSR

The GPSR replaces the older EU General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC) and introduces more comprehensive rules tailored specifically for modern e-commerce.

Objectives of the GPSR:

• Ensure that products in the EU do not pose risks to consumers’ health and safety.
• Establish clear responsibilities for manufacturers, importers, and retailers.
• Improve product traceability to swiftly remove unsafe items from the market.

Which Products Are Affected?

The GPSR applies to nearly all consumer goods sold in the EU, with a few exceptions.

Examples of affected products:

• Electronic devices
• Toys
• Household appliances
• Furniture
• Clothing and footwear

Exceptions:
Products already regulated by specific EU laws, such as the Medical Devices Regulation or the Machinery Directive.

Importantly, online merchants who sell or import products are fully responsible for compliance.

Key Requirements for Online Merchants

The GPSR sets several requirements that online merchants must meet to stay legally compliant:

Providing Manufacturer Information:

Merchants must ensure that every product and/or its packaging clearly displays information such as the manufacturer’s or importer’s name, address, and contact details.

Warnings and Instructions:

Products must include all relevant warnings and safety instructions, provided in the language of the target market.

Ensuring Traceability:

Merchants must be able to trace products back to the manufacturer or importer, for example, through serial numbers or batch numbers.

Ensuring Product Compliance:

Merchants are required to sell only products that meet safety standards and must provide evidence, such as declarations of conformity.

Prompt Action for Safety Issues:

Unsafe products must be reported immediately and removed from the market.

Consequences of Non-Compliance with the GPSR

The GPSR is mandatory, and violations can have serious consequences:

• High fines: Regulatory authorities can impose substantial penalties.
• Damage to reputation: Customers lose trust in your brand if unsafe products are identified.
• Legal disputes: Unsafe products can lead to lawsuits, causing additional financial and legal strain.
• Product removal: Authorities may order the withdrawal of non-compliant products from the market.

How the GPSR Compliance Manager Helps Shopify Merchants

Complying with the GPSR can be complex and time-consuming, especially for merchants with large product catalogs. The GPSR Compliance Manager simplifies this process:

Features of the GPSR Compliance Manager:

• Automation: Automatically capture and display essential product safety information like manufacturer details and warnings.
• Batch Tracking: Manage serial and batch numbers for product traceability.
• Custom Widgets: Display safety information directly on product pages, tailored to your store’s design.
• Multi-Language Support: Ensure warnings are available in all relevant EU languages.
• Bulk Editing: Update thousands of SKUs in minutes, saving time for large stores.

Your First Step Towards GPSR Compliance

The GPSR is a significant step in ensuring consumer safety across the EU and strengthening merchants’ accountability. For Shopify merchants looking to simplify compliance while boosting efficiency, the GPSR Compliance Manager offers an easy-to-use solution.

Take the first step towards GPSR compliance: Install the GPSR Compliance Manager in your Shopify store and protect your business from legal risks.

Install Now