GPSR for Amazon Sellers
by Minefield Navigator
Contents
The European Union has rolled out a new set of rules called the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). This is a big update to the current safety standards for products.
The new regulation has entered into force at the end of 2024. The main goal here is to make sure all non-food products sold in the EU are safe, no matter where they are sold. There is a particular focus on online marketplaces such as Amazon. All Amazon sellers have to follow GPSR requirements, among other requirements, when designing their packaging.
1. What to Know About GPSR
The GPSR covers most non-food consumer products sold in the EU, including used and refurbished goods. Some things are excluded, like medicines, food, animal feed, living plants and animals, and certain transportation equipment. They have their own product specific regulations.
GPSR was designed to boost consumer confidence by making sure all products meet safety requirements, regardless of where they come from or how they are sold.
2. EU Responsible Person
The main change for Amazon sellers in the EU is that you’ll need a Responsible Person based in the EU. This person is to be the contact point for local authorities and consumers in regards to product safety issues, recalls etc. Also, this person needs to make sure product documentation does not get lost should the seller leave business. EU Responsible Person is required for sellers from outside the European Union. If you are already based in the EU, you are, effectively, your own EU Responsible Person. The contact details of the EU Representative, along with those of the manufacturer and importer, must be clearly displayed on the product, packaging, or accompanying documentation.
At Minefield Navigator we specialize on Amazon sellers' compliance. We make sure that sellers can have a good sleep and not worry about all the laws affecting their products. We combine the experience of selling over Amazon with technology and the knowledge of law.
3. Other GPSR Requirements
3.1 Documentation
Manufacturers must conduct risk assessments before selling products.
They must keep technical documentation, safety and user instructions for up to 10 years. The only exception is when the product is so simple that it does not need any instructions.
The stored data includes detailed descriptions of the product, safety features, and complaints or measures taken and any product testing (if conducted) or claimed compliance with EU regulations. There is no official template or prescribed format. We use our own format that is very versatile and user friendly.
3.2 Publishing Safety Information
For online sales, you need to make sure your product listings include detailed safety information, warnings and instructions in the language of the customers. Amazon must check that products listed on their website contain this information. We make it easy to draft such a document that you can then upload to the GPSR compliance section on Amazon.
3.3 Traceable Products
Products or the packages must include identifiers. It is generally preferred to have identifiers on the product. The identifiers can be a type, batch, or a serial number to make tracing the product easier.
The reason for these requirements is to make it easier for customers to learn about safety and to enable national and EU authorities to warn customers or recall products.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you do not follow the regulation, Amazon won't let you sell. You risk Amazon account suspension or listings taken down, resulting in major losses. Finally, authorities do check the listings and noncompliance may result in a hefty fine.
4. Steps for Amazon Sellers to Comply with GPSR
4.1 Prepare the Documentation
Before you go to the market, you should have the technical documentation, including technical documentation and declarations of conformity if necessary. These documents may be requested by the EU country government authorities and must be available. Store them for 10 years.
4.2 Authorize a Responsible Person
If you are not based in the EU and want to sell your goods there, you must name a Responsible Person based in the EU in writing, for instance using a letter of authorization. For EU based companies, this step is optional, but we encourage this. This person serves as a point of contact for regulatory authorities. We offer an automated responsible person service at a competitive price.
4.3 Check Your Packaging and Product
Each product must include identifiers that allow for easy traceability, like type, batch, serial number, or another identifier that enables tracking throughout the supply chain. It’s fine to put the number on the packaging if it does not fit on the product.
The details of the EU Rep as well as the manufacturer, importer or distributor, including postal address and email, must be provided on the product, its packaging. Only for the EU Rep details, it’s enough to have them on an accompanying document such as a product insert.
You should always attach the safety information and user instructions in a language the customers understand. Use pictographs if necessary to save space.
Be careful, because there may be other regulatory mines such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulation and national recycling laws in places as well as other laws. GPSR usually won’t be the only law that applies to your product. We can help you with these requirements as well to avoid any costly surprises later on.
4.4 Update Product Listings
Ensure your product listings include comprehensive information that meets GPSR requirements in the official languages of the countries where you market your products.
If you sell products under your own brand, you are considered a manufacturer. If not, you are usually viewed as a distributor, which means you need to ensure the manufacturer has all their compliance in place.
Note this is a simplified description. We are happy to provide a comprehensive check-list for all situations, which you can download. We are also happy to meet and discuss your needs for a small fee.
We will determine which regulations apply and make sure that your packaging is compliant.
5. Conclusion
General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is a significant change and Amazon sellers need to understand what this means and take steps to ensure their products and listings comply.
6. Next steps
Feel free to book a meeting with us or check out our Free GPSR Guide first.