What's New in the EU Landscape

EU General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR)

GPSR updates the EU’s general product compliance and safety framework. This regulation is already in effect and will be directly applicable in all Member States starting on December 13, 2024.

This new rules aims to respond to changes in consumer product safety over the past decade, including technological advancements, global supply chains, and the rise of e-commerce.

*Where products are covered by sector specific regulation, the GPSR applies only to those aspects and risks or categories of risks which are not covered by sector specific regulation.

For e.g. Conformity ad traceability of food contact materials are already governed by Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004, however, GPSR introduces additional labelling safety assessment and local representation requirements.

PRODUCTS UNDER SCOPE OF GPSR (non-exhaustive)

• Childcare products (e.g. feeding bottles, teethers & soothers, diapers)

• Child utility products (e.g. walkers, chairs, prams)

• Household goods (e.g. furniture, hand tools, gardening tools)

• Auto care products & kits

• Candles, waxes and home decors

• Paints & varnishes

• Fragrances, Diffusers and Air fresheners

• Adhesives and glues

• Toys

• Stationaries

• Polish and leather care products

• Pet care products (cosmetics, accessories, deodorants)

• Tissue, Paper towels and Napkins

• Food packaging / Food contact material

• Cleaner & Degreasers (e.g. glass cleaner, carpet cleaner, drain cleaner

• Cleaning equipment’s (brushes, scrubbers)

• Sports and Gym equipment

• Bicycles accessories and maintenance products

• Textiles, clothing, footwear and ornaments

Exempted PRoducts

Article 2 of GPSR provides list of products that are exempted:

• All food products (including feed)

• Medicinal products (for human or veterinary use)

• Biocide and plant protection products

• Refurbished products

• Genetically Modified organisms and plants

• Travel equipment used by service providers for consumer transportation

• Aircraft

• Antique

• Living animals, plants and animal by-products

Major Obligations Under GPSR

Introduction of the EU Responsible Person / Local Representative Requirement:

A key change implemented by the GPSR is the requirement for a “responsible person” within the EU to serve as the primary contact for product compliance and safety matters

Defined obligation for providers of online marketplaces:

The regulation establishes specific measures to make e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces accountable for ensuring that the products listed on their sites complies with GPSR.

Mandatory Safety Assessment & Technical documentations:

Before placing a product on the market, EU Responsible Person shall ensure that the products has undergone risk analysis / safety assessment and relevant technical documentation are in place.

Reinforced products traceability requirements:

The GPSR enhances the traceability of consumer products with stronger tracing mechanisms to monitor product movements.

Established mechanism to handle safety issues and recall protocols:

GPSR strengthens rules for handling product safety recalls, including a mandatory recall notice template, and right to remedy for consumers.

Services Offered:

• Customised regulatory consultation on transitioning to GPSR compliance

• Conducting due diligence and technical gap analysis

• Ensuring end to end product compliance and conformity to applicable regulation and standards

• Risk analysis for all types of consumer products and development of safety assessment reports

• Acting as authorised representative / responsible person

• Technical support and coordination with regulatory authorities in case of safety issues and enforcement actions

• Performing proactive regulatory audits to pinpoint compliance gaps and implement CAPA measures

• Support on mandatory testing requirements through collaboration with testing laboratories.

Learn more about regulatory affairs solutions to recent policy changes impacting your product.