The EU's General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is set to replace the current General Product Safety Directive from 13 December 2024.
Should you care about it? Are you ready for it? Let's dive into what this means for you and your business.
Are responsible for product safety and compliance in manufacturing or trading? Are you dealing with CE-marked products or not?
Here's what you'll have to pay attention to:
- Stricter labelling and documentation requirements for non-harmonised products
- Expanded safety assessment criteria, including mental health and cybersecurity considerations
- New rules for online sales, mandating specific product information displays
- Mandatory complaint handling and investigation procedures
- New accident reporting obligations
- Additional responsibilities for online marketplace providers
- Standardised approach to product recalls and corrective actions
- Enhanced role of the Safety Gate portal for notifications and reporting
- Increased enforcement measures, including coordinated inspections
- Greater risk of class actions through amendments to the EU Representative Actions Directive
These rules represent a significant shift in product safety regulations. They aim to enhance consumer protection while adapting to modern market realities, including e-commerce and emerging technologies.
What should you do now?
- Start reviewing your existing products, systems, policies, and procedures.
- Identify areas that may need updating to comply with the new requirements.
- Pay particular attention to your online sales processes and complaint handling mechanisms.
Remember, preparation is key.
Don't let these new regulations catch you off guard. Start preparing now to ensure your products and practices are GPSR-ready by December 2024. Your proactive approach will not only ensure compliance but also demonstrate your commitment to consumer safety in the EU market.