Thanks for the heads-up! As it turns out, the number of my annual sales to the EU/NI don’t make the basic 139€ annual fee worthwhile, but it may be perfect for most other shops - I’m pretty small potatoes (total worldwide gross sales per month under $2000, with sales to Europe only 1 or 2 a month). The fact that you are offering to be the EU representative will be a game-changer for some folks. 
Topic summary
The EU’s General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), effective December 13, 2024, requires all products sold in the EU/Northern Ireland to have an EU-based “Responsible Person” who manages compliance documentation, safety reporting, and regulatory liaison. This creates significant challenges for small international sellers, particularly those manufacturing products from multiple sourced components.
Key Requirements:
- Manufacturers must conduct risk assessments and maintain technical documentation for 10 years
- Products must display manufacturer/RP contact information
- Non-EU sellers need an appointed EU Responsible Person
- Applies to physical products (digital products initially unclear, later confirmed included)
Major Concerns:
- Small businesses struggle to find affordable EU representation (services typically €139+ annually)
- Confusion around Article 51’s “grandfathering” provision for products already sold in EU before the deadline
- Unclear enforcement mechanisms—how customs will verify compliance remains unknown
- Many US/EU brands refusing to obtain representation, leaving resellers unable to comply
Current Status:
- Several compliance apps/services have emerged (GPSR Compliance Manager, EAS, EaseCert)
- Sellers testing enforcement by continuing EU sales to observe outcomes
- No clear official guidance on proving pre-December 13 market presence
- Shopify has not provided built-in compliance tools or RP services
Sellers express frustration that regulations disproportionately burden small businesses while potentially being weakly enforced.