GPSR
EU Product Safety Regulation
Regulation (EU) 2023/988
The GPSR replaces the 23-year-old EU Product Safety Directive and introduces fundamentally new obligations for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and for the first time, online marketplaces. It has been fully applicable since December 13, 2024.
The GPSR has been in effect since December 2024. Companies that are not yet compliant risk sales bans, recalls, and fines from national market surveillance authorities.
Regulation
Regulation (EU) 2023/988
Dec. 2024
Valid since
GPSD 2001
Replaces
Yes
New: Online marketplaces
Used goods
Also applies to
Who is affected by the GPSR?
The GPSR applies to all companies that make consumer products available on the EU market – regardless of the sales channel, whether online or offline.
Manufacturers
Companies that manufacture or have consumer products developed under their name or brand.
Distributors
Companies that offer products in trade – both in-store and in online commerce.
Importers
Companies that import products from third countries into the EU market and thereby assume their own obligations.
Online Marketplaces
Platforms like Amazon, eBay, and others that enable third parties to offer products – with new compliance obligations.
Repairers & Refurbishers
Those offering used or repaired products also fall under GPSR – a significant change from the old directive.
Non-EU Manufacturers
Must designate an EU authorized representative who serves as a contact for authorities.
What does the GPSR specifically require?
The GPSR defines clear obligations for all economic operators in the product supply chain – from safety assessment to complete documentation.
Product safety assessment
A systematic safety assessment must be conducted and documented before placing on the market. Relevant norms and standards must be considered.
Technical documentation
Complete technical documentation on design, manufacturing, safety analysis, and conformity assessment must be created and retained for 10 years.
EU Authorized Representative
Manufacturers from third countries (e.g., China, USA) must designate a responsible person based in the EU who assumes product safety obligations.
Internal reporting & recall
Companies must establish internal processes for detecting and reporting unsafe products. Recall procedures must be defined in advance.
Product labeling
Products must carry clear identification features: manufacturer name, type designation, serial number or batch number, contact details.
Online marketplace obligations
Marketplaces must set up their own compliance systems: product reporting points, deletion processes for unsafe products, communication with authorities.
Deadlines & Timeline
GPSR is in force – here are the key milestones.
GPSR adopted
The EU Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 is published in the Official Journal and enters into force.
GPSR fully applicable
The regulation fully replaces the old EU Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC. All companies must be compliant.
Currently validActive market surveillance
EU market surveillance authorities and customs are actively checking. Non-compliance can lead to sales bans and recalls.
How we help with GPSR compliance
From initial assessment to ongoing compliance assurance – structured, documented, practical.
Impact & Gap Analysis
We analyze your product portfolio and identify all GPSR obligations relevant to your company.
- Analyze product categories and distribution channels
- Clarify roles (manufacturer, distributor, importer)
- Review existing documentation
- Identify and prioritize gaps
Documentation & Processes
We help you create all required documents, designate EU authorized representatives, and set up internal processes.
- Create/update technical documentation
- Conduct product safety assessment
- Define recall and reporting processes
- Implement labeling requirements
- Designate EU authorized representative if needed
Monitoring & Updates
GPSR is an ongoing process. We support you with new products, legislative changes, and authority inquiries.
- Ensure compliance for new products
- Updates for legislative changes
- Support with authority inquiries
- Training for your team
Frequently Asked Questions about GPSR
Ensure GPSR compliance now
The GPSR is already in effect. Let us check whether your products and processes meet all requirements – before authorities do.
Schedule free initial consultationWe will get back to you within 24 hours.