Deciphering the new GPSR regulations- part 1

Please note- this is NOT legal advice. Use at your own risk. I am pulling this information together to take what is a very complex set of legal documents and turn them into insights for businesses in the artisan and craft industries. 

As a business owner, should you be pulling out of selling to Northern Ireland and the EU due to GPSR? The new General Product Safety Regulation is set to take effect starting December 13th, 2024. There has been a substantial amount of panic online regarding the new standards for a variety of reasons.  As part of this two part series, I would like to review what the new standard is and why it is so scary for many artisan businesses. In part 2, I will share how this is playing out in the industry so far, as well as share stories of how other artisan businesses are approaching the new standard. 

I can’t tell you if it makes sense to keep selling to the EU or not- but I can help you think through what it means for your business so you can make sure it is a strategic business decision and not an emotional reaction. Let’s dig in.

What is the new standard?

The EU is moving to one consistent standard that is being applied for companies inside the EU as well as companies selling to the EU from outside the EU. In other words, if you sell to the EU, you must comply with the new regulations.

They are seeking to simplify existing product safety and labelling regulations and move to new standards. Previously, member states managed product safety, and this effort seeks to consolidate and harmonize the standards. 

These standards will encompass marketplaces and online sales. Provisions for recalls are also being implemented, including new safety gate systems to help ensure that recalls are managed quickly. In other words- there is a lot to review for your business.

This work has been in process for several years, and is just now coming into force on December 13th, 2024. The full standard can be found here.

What are some of the key provisions:

• Ensuring you have tracking for the products in your supply chain that you use to manufacture your products. Full traceability is an important concept to understand. 

• Making sure products have proper documentation for risk assessments

• Updating your product listings where you sell to include new information. 

• Appointment of an EU Responsible person.  This person must be based in the EU.

• Ensuring that product labelling is compliant with new rules including EU Responsible person and contact details for the manufacturer. You’ll see references to keeping a technical file, which is a dossier of information about your product. 

You will also see a lot of discussion related to something called a CE mark.  Learn more about CE marks here. This will share information about whether you can self certify your products or need a notified body to perform a certification. 

Note: this is not an exhaustive list of all requirements but is intended to give an overview of the broader guidelines and key provisions.

What is making this new standard feel so complicated?