Navigating the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR): What businesses need to know

The EU Regulation on General Product Safety (GPSR) came into effect on 13 December 2024 and brings significant changes to product safety requirements.

This regulation strengthens existing rules and ensures that all consumer products placed on the EU market are safe, while also increasing transparency and accountability across the supply chain.

For businesses operating in the EU and Northern Ireland, understanding these new requirements is essential to maintaining compliance and avoiding potential penalties.

Who does GPSR apply to?

The GPSR applies to a wide range of non-food products, covering both new and secondhand goods, as well as repaired or refurbished products. The regulation is directly applicable to all economic operators selling into any EU country, as well as producers of ‘harmonised goods’ in Northern Ireland.

The legislation targets three main groups:

• Manufacturers
• Importers
• Distributors
• Online marketplace providers

Each of these groups has specific responsibilities, but all share a common duty: ensuring that only safe products are placed on the market. Additionally, businesses must cooperate with Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs) to mitigate any identified risks.

Key requirements under GPSR

While the obligations under GPSR vary depending on an operator’s role in the supply chain, the core principles of the regulation include:

• Ensuring product safety – All economic operators must guarantee that only safe products are made available to consumers.
• Supply chain accountability – Businesses at every stage of the supply chain must actively ensure compliance with the regulation.
• Obligation to cooperate with authorities – All operators must work with MSAs to identify and eliminate potential risks.
• Authorised EU Representative – Non-EU manufacturers must appoint a contactable representative within the EU, and their details must be displayed on the product’s packaging.
• Online sales compliance – The regulation applies to both physical sales and distance sales, meaning e-commerce businesses must also comply.

Enforcement and penalties

Each EU member state is responsible for defining penalties for non-compliance, and they must have submitted these to the European Commission by 13 December 2024. National MSAs will enforce the regulations, ensuring that businesses adhere to the new safety and transparency standards.

Failure to comply with GPSR requirements could result in fines, product recalls, or restrictions on market access—making it essential for businesses to act now to prepare.

How Valpak can help

We understand that regulatory changes can be complex, and ensuring compliance with GPSR may seem overwhelming. Our expert team is here to support your business by:

• Providing guidance on your specific obligations under GPSR
• Assisting with supply chain transparency and risk management
• Helping non-EU manufacturers establish an authorised EU representative

Get in touch with us today to ensure your business is compliant with GPSR and stays ahead of regulatory changes.

Sign up for our International Compliance newsletter to stay up to date with global legislation that could impact your business in international markets.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your compliance journey!