New GPSR Regulation: A Revolution in Product Safety in the EU and Major Changes for Sellers!

On December 13, 2024, a new Regulation on General Product Safety (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. The GPSR imposes new obligations on both online sellers and providers of online platforms to enhance the safety of products available in the European Union market.

What does the GPSR regulation change?
The GPSR regulation replaces the existing directive and introduces new obligations concerning product safety. These regulations 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 improve product safety and streamline procedures related to the removal of dangerous items from the market.

Key obligations for sellers
From December 13, 2024, all online offers must contain the following information:

• Product identification: product photo, its type, and other identifiers.

• Manufacturer data: postal and electronic address of the manufacturer. For manufacturers outside the EU – the name and surname or company 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 features in the Amazon panel
To assist sellers in meeting GPSR requirements, Amazon is introducing new tools:

• Account Health section: a feature allowing sellers to provide information about the manufacturer and 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 compliance.

Importance of new regulations
The introduction of the GPSR is a key step towards enhancing 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 appropriate standards. Sellers who do not comply with the new requirements may face difficulties, including financial penalties and loss of customer trust.

Preparation for new regulations
Sellers should start preparing for the upcoming changes now. This includes updating product listings to meet new identification and safety requirements. It is also important to ensure that all required contact information for the manufacturer is accurately provided and easily accessible to customers.

Summary
The new GPSR regulation introduces significant changes in the way products are presented and sold in the EU market. Sellers must 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 introducing tools that will help sellers adapt to the new regulations, which will in turn contribute to increasing consumer protection and raising safety standards in the marketplace.