From December 13, 2024, a new important EU regulation will apply: the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). This new regulation brings with it a number of changes that are particularly important for you as an online retailer. In this article, we will inform you about the most important changes and give you an overview of what you need to pay attention to in future in order to operate your stores in compliance with the law.
What exactly does the GPSR regulate?
The GPSR replaces the previous Directive 2001/95/EC and defines comprehensive safety requirements for all consumer products placed on the market within the EU. Its aim is to increase the level of consumer protection and at the same time strengthen competitiveness in the European single market. The regulations not only affect product design, which is the responsibility of manufacturers, but also the information obligations that you as a retailer must fulfill towards your customers.
Which products are covered by the GPSR?
In principle, the GPSR applies to all products that are intended for consumers or can reasonably be used by them. A consumer product is any item that is either sold or provided free of charge and could be used by consumers.
However, there are also products that are exempt from the regulation. These include medicines, foodstuffs, plant protection products and antiques. These are either subject to special regulations or are inherently not intended to meet the current safety requirements.
What about Used or repaired products?
The GPSR also includes Used products, provided they are functional and undamaged, as well as repaired or reconditioned goods. These products must meet the requirements of the GPSR if they are placed on the market again after December 13, 2024. For you, this means that second-hand goods must also meet the safety standards before you sell them.
What are your obligations as a retailer?
As a retailer, you are responsible for ensuring that the products you sell meet the safety requirements of the GPSR. This means, among other things, that you must check whether the manufacturer and importer have fulfilled their legal obligations. This applies in particular to the provision of warnings and safety information that you must pass on to your customers.
The requirements for product information are particularly strict in online business. All necessary information must be included in the product description, such as the name and address of the manufacturer and, if the manufacturer is based outside the EU, the contact details of the person responsible in the EU. Warnings and safety information must also be presented in a clearly visible and understandable way.
GPSR plugin for your JTL-Shop
We have provided you with a plugin with which you can already implement the new product safety requirements in your JTL-Shop 5. You can find detailed implementation instructions in the JTL-Guide.
We will implement a native integration of the new features in JTL-Wawi before December 13. Log in to our newsletter now to stay up to date.
What needs to be considered in distance selling?
In distance selling, you must ensure that all mandatory information is clearly and completely stated in the product advertisement. This includes
- Name, brand, address and contact details of the manufacturer.
- If the manufacturer is based outside the EU, the contact details of the person responsible in the EU.
- Clear product descriptions and images that enable clear identification of the product.
- Necessary warnings and safety information, which must be available in the language of the country of purchase.
What happens to products that were sold before December 13, 2024?
Products that were placed on the market before the deadline and comply with the previous regulations may continue to be sold after December 13, 2024. However, it is important that these products meet the safety requirements applicable at the time and that they were placed on the market before the cut-off date.
Our conclusion: act early
The GPSR brings many changes that you should prepare for well in advance. Although there is still a little time before the regulation comes into force, we recommend that you start making the necessary adjustments now. This will ensure that you are well prepared from December 13, 2024 and can continue to sell your products without any problems. You can also find more detailed information in the IT law firm’s overview.
