General Product Safety Regulation

General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), is the EU's latest framework to ensure consumer products on the market are safe, whether sold online or offline. It replaces the previous General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC) and introduces modernized measures to address risks arising from e-commerce, new technologies, and complex global supply chains.

While the GPSR is primarily focused on consumer safety, it indirectly supports the goals of the EU Green Deal, particularly through its alignment with sustainability-focused initiatives such as the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

This regulation provides obligations for the relevant economic operators and providers of online marketplaces and also clarifies market surveillance rules and the powers of national authorities. It is closely linked to other relevant EU legislation, such as the market surveillance regulation and the Digital Services Act.

The GPSR applies to all non-food consumer products and establishes clear responsibilities for manufacturers, importers, and online marketplaces.

Key Objectives: -> Enhances product traceability by requiring businesses to track products across the supply chain and provide clear, accessible safety information. -> Businesses must use digital tools, such as QR codes, to inform consumers about potential product risks. -> Online marketplaces are now responsible for ensuring product safety and must cooperate with EU market surveillance authorities. -> The regulation introduces stricter penalties for non-compliance and enables coordinated enforcement actions across EU member states. -> Addresses risks from emerging technologies, including AI and IoT-enabled products, ensuring they meet strict safety standards.

The GPSR is a critical step in modernizing consumer product safety in the EU, addressing new risks while aligning with sustainability objectives. By integrating safety with traceability and sustainability, the GPSR prepares businesses for upcoming challenges, particularly the Digital Product Passport and Ecodesign requirements.

Businesses should act now to develop systems and processes that ensure compliance with safety, sustainability, and digital transparency regulations.

🔗 EP, EC