GPSR – General Product Safety Regulation

Overview

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) replaces the previous General Product Safety Directive and modernises the framework for consumer product safety in the EU. It places particular emphasis on online commerce and the role of marketplaces.

Who Is Affected?

The GPSR applies to all economic operators along the supply chain:

• Manufacturers of consumer products
• Authorised representatives in the EU
• Importers and distributors
• Online marketplaces
• Fulfilment service providers

Core Obligations

1. Safety requirements: All consumer products must be safe
2. Responsible person: A person established in the EU must be designated
3. Recall procedures: Improved recall processes and consumer information
4. Safety Gate: Notification of dangerous products through the Safety Gate system (formerly RAPEX)
5. Online marketplaces: Own due diligence obligations, cooperation with authorities, single point of contact
6. Traceability: Products must be traceable along the supply chain

National Transposition

As an EU regulation, the GPSR applies directly:

• Germany: Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) and Länder market surveillance authorities
• Austria: Competent market surveillance authorities
• Switzerland: Own Product Safety Act (PrSG) but alignment with EU standards for market access