Global Businesses Face New GPSR Compliance Rules for Selling in the EU

Businesses from the USA, UK, Canada, and other non-EU countries must now comply with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) to continue selling in the European market.

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), which came into effect on December 13, 2024, introduces new safety and compliance requirements for all products sold in the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland (NI). These regulations affect businesses worldwide, including manufacturers, importers, and online sellers looking to access the EU market.

If your business is outside the EU but sells to European consumers, it’s crucial to understand and meet these new legal requirements.

1. Understanding the GPSR Compliance Requirements

GPSR replaces the previous General Product Safety Directive (GPSD), bringing stricter safety requirements to protect consumers. Some of the key changes include:

• Enhanced product safety requirements, especially for high-risk categories.
• Stronger traceability measures, ensuring each product is identifiable.
• Obligations for online marketplaces to ensure listed products comply with GPSR.
• Updated documentation and labeling standards to enhance consumer protection.

Most importantly, businesses outside the EU must now appoint an EU-based Authorized Representative (AR) to continue selling products in the European market.

2. Why Businesses Outside the EU Need an EU Authorised Representative

To legally sell in the EU, companies from the USA, UK, Canada, and other non-EU countries must designate an EU Authorised Representative. This AR acts as a compliance liaison, ensuring that:

• Products meet all GPSR safety requirements.
• Technical documentation is correctly maintained.
• Authorities and consumers have an official EU-based contact for compliance issues.

Without an EU Authorised Representative, products from non-EU businesses may be blocked at customs, delisted from major online platforms, or subject to regulatory action.

3. Creating an EC Declaration of Conformity for Your Products

A critical requirement under GPSR is the EC Declaration of Conformity (DoC), which confirms that a product complies with all relevant EU safety standards.

For businesses outside the EU, ensuring the correct documentation is in place is essential to avoid regulatory issues. Euverify offers an easy-to-use platform to generate a compliant Declaration of Conformity.

4. Appointing a GPSR Responsible Person

Non-EU businesses must also designate a GPSR Responsible Person based in the EU. This responsible party ensures that:

• The product meets all required safety and compliance standards.
• Technical documentation is available for inspection by EU authorities.
• Any necessary safety recalls, risk warnings, or compliance checks are handled correctly.

Failure to appoint a GPSR Responsible Person can lead to product bans, fines, or blocked sales within the EU.

5. What Happens If Businesses Fail to Comply with GPSR?

If companies selling to the EU do not meet GPSR requirements, they could face:

• Customs rejections, preventing products from entering the EU market.
• Delisting from major e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon and eBay.
• Hefty fines and legal consequences for non-compliance.
• A complete ban on sales within the EU and Northern Ireland.

6. How Euverify Helps Global Businesses Meet GPSR Requirements

Navigating the new compliance landscape can be challenging, but Verify simplifies the process by offering:

• Comprehensive EU Authorized Representative services for non-EU businesses.
• A streamlined platform to create an EC Declaration of Conformity.
• A dedicated GPSR Responsible Person service to meet all compliance requirements.

For companies based in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond, Euverify ensures hassle-free compliance, keeping products legally available in the EU market.

The GPSR rules are now in effect, and companies outside the EU must act quickly to maintain their access to the European market. Appointing an EU Authorised Representative, ensuring proper EC Declaration of Conformity, and designating a GPSR Responsible Person are non-negotiable steps for selling in the EU.

By taking these steps now, businesses can avoid compliance risks, prevent sales disruptions, and ensure seamless operations in the EU and Northern Ireland.

🚀 Ensure GPSR compliance today with Euverify and keep your business growing in the EU market!