New GPSR Regulation: A Revolution in Product Safety in the EU and Major Changes for Sellers!
12 Aug 2024
Introduction
On 13 December 2024, the new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) will come into force. The new regulations aim to adapt the legislation to contemporary challenges related to technological advancement and the growth of online sales. GPSR imposes new obligations on both online sellers and online platform providers to enhance the safety of products available in the European Union market.
What changes does the GPSR regulation bring?
The GPSR regulation replaces the existing directive and introduces new responsibilities regarding product safety. These provisions cover practically all consumer goods available within the EU, both new and used, with the exception of categories such as medicines, food, feed, aircraft, and antiques. The main objectives of the GPSR are to enhance product safety and streamline the procedures related to removing hazardous items from the market.
Key obligations for sellers
From 13 December 2024, all online listings must include the following information:
Product identification: Product photo, its type, and other identifiers.
Manufacturer information: Postal and electronic address of the manufacturer. For manufacturers outside the EU, the name and contact details of the person responsible for the product within the Union.
Warnings and safety information: All necessary information ensuring the safe use of the product.
New functionalities in the Amazon panel
To assist sellers in meeting the GPSR requirements, Amazon is introducing new tools:
Account Condition section: A feature that allows sellers to provide information about the manufacturer and the person responsible for the products.
Additional product images: The ability to add up to six images that will provide customers with information about the safety and functionality of the products.
Documents section: An option to add documents such as user manuals, troubleshooting guides, and certificates of conformity.
The significance of the new regulations
The introduction of the GPSR is a key step towards increasing product safety in the EU. The new regulations aim to protect consumers by ensuring that the products available on the market are safe and meet the appropriate standards. Sellers who fail to comply with the new requirements may face difficulties, including financial penalties and loss of customer trust.
Preparation for the new regulations
Sellers should start preparing for the upcoming changes now. This includes updating product listings to comply with the new identification and safety requirements. It is also important to ensure that all required manufacturer contact information is correctly provided and easily accessible to customers.
Summary
The new GPSR regulation introduces significant changes in how products are presented and sold in the EU market. Sellers need to be aware of these changes and prepare accordingly to ensure compliance with the new regulations and the safety of their products. Amazon, as one of the leading sales platforms, is implementing tools that will help sellers adapt to the new regulations, which in turn will contribute to enhancing consumer protection and raising safety standards in the market.