Introduction

On December 13, 2024, the new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) will come into effect. These new regulations aim to adapt the rules to contemporary challenges related to technological advancements and the growth of online sales. GPSR imposes new obligations on both online sellers and online platform providers to increase the safety of products available in the European Union market.

What does the GPSR regulation change?

The GPSR regulation replaces the previous directive and introduces new product safety obligations. These regulations cover virtually all consumer goods available in the EU, both new and used, except for categories such as medicines, food, feed, aircraft, and antiques. The main goals of GPSR are to enhance product safety and streamline procedures related to the removal of dangerous items from the market.

Key obligations for sellers

Starting from December 13, 2024, all online offers must include the following information:

• Product identification: Product photo, type, and other identifiers.
• Manufacturer data: Postal and electronic addresses 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 to ensure safe product use.

New functionalities in the Amazon dashboard

To help sellers meet GPSR requirements, Amazon is introducing new tools:

1. Account condition section: A feature allowing sellers to provide information about the manufacturer and the person responsible for the products.
   
2. Additional product graphics: The ability to add up to six graphics that provide customers with information about the safety and functionality of the products.
   
3. Documents section: An option to add documents such as user manuals, troubleshooting guides, and certificates of conformity.
   

The importance of the new regulations

The introduction of GPSR is a crucial step towards increasing product safety in the EU. The new regulations aim to protect consumers by ensuring that 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 the new regulations

Sellers should start preparing for the upcoming changes now. This includes updating product listings to meet 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 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 to help sellers adapt to the new regulations, which will contribute to increased consumer protection and higher safety standards in the market.