The General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) has been revised and will be replaced by the General Product Safety Regulation, (EU) 2023/988. This regulation is also known as GPSR (General Product Safety Regulation). In this blog post, we will cover the key aspects of the new regulation and what they mean for businesses and consumers.
Which products does it cover?
The foundation of the regulation is that all consumer products must be safe, and therefore the regulation covers all products and risks.
For many products, CE marking requirements apply, often including safety requirements (such as the Machinery Directive and the Low Voltage Directive). However, in cases where such requirements do not exist, GPSR serves as a “catch-all” directive for consumer products. For example, a wall clock that falls under the RoHS Directive must be CE-marked, but since RoHS does not impose safety requirements and the product is a consumer product, the safety requirements of GPSR apply instead. A wall clock could potentially fall and cause harm, and such risks must be managed through a risk assessment.
On December 13, 2024, GPSR will come into effect, bringing significant changes and new requirements for manufacturers, importers, and distributors. This update aims to enhance consumer protection and ensure that all products on the market (including those sold online) are safe to use. All goods and chemical products sold to consumers must not pose any risk to human health and safety.
Expanded responsibility for all actors
The new regulation (EU) 2023/988 expands responsibility to cover the entire supply chain. Previously, much of the responsibility was on manufacturers, but now importers and distributors must also ensure that the products they handle meet the new safety requirements. Every link in the chain, from manufacturing to the end consumer, must be aware of and comply with the updated guidelines.
Stricter risk assessment requirements
A central part of GPSR is the stricter requirements for risk assessments of consumer products. Companies must now conduct thorough analyses and assessments of the potential risks their products may pose. This includes identifying and documenting possible hazards and taking measures to minimize risks before products reach the market.
Practical steps for companies to prepare
To adapt to the new requirements, companies should begin reviewing their current safety procedures and updating them in accordance with the new regulation. Here are some steps that can help:
- Conduct a thorough review of your product portfolio: Identify which products may require additional risk assessments and safety measures.
- Train your staff: Ensure that everyone in the organization is aware of the new requirements and knows how to apply them in practice.
- Documentation and traceability: Implement systems to document risk assessments and safety measures and ensure product traceability.
- Collaborate with suppliers and distributors: To ensure that all parts of the supply chain comply with the new rules, it is important to maintain open and clear communication with all parties.
Conclusion
The new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) imposes higher demands on companies but aims to increase consumer protection and ensure that products on the market are safe to use. By proactively adapting to the new rules, companies can not only avoid legal issues but also strengthen their trust among consumers.
Is your company prepared?
If you are unsure whether your company meets the new general product safety requirements, contact us today, and our experts will assist you.
For more detailed information and to stay updated, read the new regulation here.
