Forthcoming GPSR regulations in the EU for US-based businesses

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Topic summary

New EU Product Safety Requirements Creating Uncertainty for Small Businesses

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) took full effect on December 13, 2024, requiring all businesses selling consumer products to EU customers to comply with expanded safety requirements. US-based sellers are particularly confused about implementation, as platforms like Shopify have provided minimal official guidance compared to Amazon and Etsy.

Key Compliance Requirements:

  • Businesses must designate an EU-based Responsible Person to handle compliance documentation and liaise with authorities
  • Products need comprehensive risk assessments and technical documentation retained for 10+ years
  • Labeling requirements must include the responsible operator’s name/address and relevant safety warnings
  • Suppliers should provide declarations of conformity and safety test reports

Current Challenges:

  • No threshold exemptions exist for small businesses, forcing many to consider stopping EU shipments entirely
  • The regulation also affects UK sellers shipping to Northern Ireland due to post-Brexit arrangements
  • Workaround available: Sellers can exclude Northern Ireland by configuring shipping zones to cover only England, Scotland, and Wales

Status: Most sellers report receiving no clear official guidance. Some are continuing to ship while waiting to see if orders are accepted or rejected. Non-compliance risks include fines, product seizures, recalls, and loss of EU market access.

Summarized with AI on October 30. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
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You would typically be considered the economic operator under GPSR, which means you’re responsible for ensuring compliance.

Here’s what that means for you:

:small_blue_diamond: Responsible Person (RP) – If you’re selling into the EU/NI, you’ll need an EU-based RP to handle compliance documentation, report safety issues, and liaise with authorities. This can be a third-party compliance service, a distributor, or a fulfillment partner that offers this service.

:small_blue_diamond: Supplier Documentation – You don’t necessarily need to provide supplier details in listings, but you must ensure that all components meet EU safety standards. If suppliers provide declarations of conformity, safety test reports, or material composition details (e.g., nickel content in metals), keep these on file.

:small_blue_diamond: Labelling & Documentation – The product itself or packaging must include your name/address (or that of your RP), along with any relevant safety warnings or compliance markings.

It’s definitely a lot, and unfortunately, compliance costs hit small sellers hardest. If you’re looking for a service to help navigate this, EaseCert.com specializes in GPSR compliance, documentation, and EU RP services.

Let me know if you need more details—you’re not alone in this! :light_bulb: