On December 13, 2024, the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) will come into effect, bringing significant changes to the eCommerce industry.
The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is an EU regulation aimed at enhancing the safety of products available on the market, including in eCommerce. This regulation replaces the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) and introduces stricter requirements, taking into account the development of online commerce and new technologies.
Key aspects of GPSR for eCommerce
Increased responsibility of online platforms:
- Marketplace platforms (e.g., Amazon, eBay) must implement mechanisms for monitoring and removing auctions that don’t comply with GPSR, which may result in seller account suspension or other sanctions.
- Requirement to respond quickly to reports of products posing a threat.
Obligation to monitor and provide detailed product descriptions:
- Online sellers must ensure that the products offered meet all safety requirements.
- Providing reliable product information and appropriate product labeling in the country’s official language where products are sold.
- Providing manufacturer information (name, address, contact details)
- Preparation of safety and compliance documentation – safety certificates, user manuals, and other information required to demonstrate GPSR compliance.
Introduction of the “Responsible Person”:
- Every product on the EU market must have a designated person or entity responsible for its regulatory compliance.
- The responsible person can be an individual, manufacturer, importer, or third-party representative.
- Contact details must be clearly visible on the product packaging or label.
GPSR regulations for specific industries
The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) applies to a wide spectrum of industries that introduce consumer products to the European Union market. GPSR focuses on ensuring product safety, regardless of the sales channel (offline or eCommerce). Here are several industries that must adapt to these regulations:
Consumer Electronics
Electronic devices, smartphones, audio-video equipment, and home appliances
Obligation to ensure that products meet European safety standards, particularly regarding overheating, electric shock, or malfunction risks.
Toys and Children’s Items
Toys, car seats, strollers, pacifiers, bottles
Obligation to provide safety certificates and detailed indication of potential risks arising from product use. For example, toys with small parts should have a label containing the information “Product is not suitable for children under 36 months of age” and explain why (e.g., “choking hazard due to small parts”).
Clothing and Textiles
Applies to both clothes and accessories (e.g., belts, bags)
Regulations concern the limitation of harmful substances, precise labels containing information about material composition, washing methods, and potential hazards, as well as conducting flammability tests.
Cosmetics and Hygiene Products
Cosmetic products, care products, razors, electric toothbrushes, or skincare devices
Obligation to provide clear information on labels, including full composition, expiry date and usage instructions, risk information, and appropriate method of product use, especially those containing active substances, e.g., “Perform an allergy test 48 hours before use”.
Kitchen Equipment and Household Accessories
Dishes, knives, cooking accessories, and appliances like blenders or kettles
Obligation for appropriate equipment marking, providing usage instructions, presenting warnings such as “Keep out of reach of children,“ and conducting safety tests.
Household Chemical Products
All types of detergents
Health warnings regarding skin irritation, eye hazards, and what to do in case of body contact with the product are required, e.g., “Avoid skin contact. In case of irritation, immediately wash the skin with soap and water. If discomfort persists, contact a doctor.”
How to prepare your eCommerce for GPSR regulations?
Preparing eCommerce for General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) requires taking several actions to ensure compliance of offered products with new requirements and minimize risks associated with their sale. Key steps include:
- Understanding and monitoring GPSR requirements
- Implementing quality system: tests, verification of supplier documentation
- Increasing product information transparency: appropriate labels, markings, product specifications, instructions, and certificates
- Thorough verification of external sellers (if running a marketplace)
- Risk management and handling customer reports
However, from a technology and eCommerce implementation agency perspective, what can significantly facilitate the process of implementing GPSR regulations is implementing a solid PIM system, which will allow for effective collection, management, and sharing of regulation-compliant information.
Benefits of PIM in the Context of GPSR
One of the PIM systems well-adapted to GPSR is Ergonode PIM, which provides capabilities such as:
Product data centralization
Ergonode allows for collecting, managing, and updating all product information in one place, working as a single source of truth. It facilitates monitoring data compliance with GPSR requirements, eliminating the risk of errors resulting from dispersed information management.
Providing detailed information about manufacturers and Responsible Person
The system enables comprehensive management of supplier data, including essential details such as addresses, logos, multimedia assets, employee information, and production safety standards. In compliance with GPSR requirements, it allows for easy designation of the person responsible for product safety. Ergonode PIM’s flexible architecture eliminates the need for additional programming work, providing complete freedom in data management and organization.
Label and description generation
Leverage automatic generation of GPSR-compliant labels and descriptions, reducing the risk of errors.
Safety assessment
The person responsible for GPSR can conduct product audits using a personalized view, checking the last audit date and preparing for the next ones. Data can be easily exported to XLS or CSV formats for audit purposes.
If you want to learn more about GPSR regulations, we encourage you to check out Ergonode PIM’s e-book “Complete Guide to General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) for E-commerce”
Summary
All industries introducing consumer products to the EU market must comply with GPSR regulations. These requirements are particularly crucial for sectors dealing with high-risk products, including toys, electronics, cosmetics, and children’s items. The primary objective is to ensure consumer safety by eliminating potential risks throughout the entire product lifecycle.
Product Information Management (PIM) serves as an essential tool that not only facilitates GPSR compliance but also enhances overall product data management efficiency. Through centralized information management, automated processes, and guaranteed data quality, PIM enables eCommerce businesses to exceed legal requirements while building customer trust and optimizing operational processes. As regulatory requirements continue to expand, PIM has emerged as a fundamental component of an effective product management strategy.
If you’re looking for a PIM implementation agency, we’re happy to help – check out our offer.