EU GPSR Compliance for Amazon Sellers: Everything You Need to Know

The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is set to dramatically reshape product safety standards across Europe. Effective from December 13, 2024, this regulation brings stricter requirements for non-food consumer products sold within the EU, including those listed on Amazon. If you’re selling in the EU, understanding the GPSR is crucial to keeping your listings active and avoiding penalties.

Key takeaways:

• Mandatory Compliance: All Amazon sellers in the EU must meet GPSR requirements, or risk listing deactivation.

• Responsible Person Requirement: You must appoint a “Responsible Person” in the EU, whose contact details will be on product labels.

• Safety Documentation: Proper safety warnings and manufacturer details must be uploaded to Amazon’s Seller Central for each product.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to stay compliant and ensure your business runs smoothly under the new GPSR rules.

What is the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)?

The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is a comprehensive regulation designed to enhance the safety of consumer products in the European Union. It applies to a broad range of goods, including new, second-hand, refurbished, and reconditioned products. The GPSR sets high standards for product safety, requiring sellers to ensure that their goods meet stringent criteria before they are offered for sale.

For Amazon sellers, compliance with the GPSR is mandatory. Failure to meet the GPSR requirements can lead to product deactivations, sales interruptions, and possible fines. Amazon has implemented a system within Seller Central where sellers must upload and provide necessary documentation to prove product safety compliance.

Why Should Amazon Sellers Pay Attention to the GPSR?

The GPSR is not optional for sellers who want to continue selling in the EU. As a seller, your products must meet new safety standards, which aim to protect consumers from potential harm. Compliance not only protects your business but also ensures trust with your customers. Non-compliance, on the other hand, will result in deactivated listings and may even expose sellers to legal liabilities.

Amazon has taken a proactive stance on ensuring GPSR compliance, meaning sellers who don’t follow the guidelines will face swift consequences. Additionally, the regulation emphasizes product traceability—every part of the supply chain must be able to verify and ensure the safety of the product.

Core GPSR Requirements for Amazon Sellers

To remain compliant with the GPSR, Amazon sellers must follow a set of clearly defined steps. Here’s how you can make sure your products meet the new safety standards:

1. Review Your Product Catalog

The first step is to assess your product catalog and identify which products fall under the GPSR’s scope. This includes not only new products but also second-hand, refurbished, or reconditioned items. Even if you sell a combination of product types, all listings must meet the safety and documentation requirements laid out by the GPSR.

2. Appoint a “Responsible Person” in the EU

The GPSR requires each seller to appoint a “Responsible Person” within the EU. This person or entity will be accountable for product safety and compliance. They must ensure that all safety-related documents and information are available and maintained in accordance with the regulation. Their contact information should also be visible on the product’s packaging or label.

This can be an individual, a manufacturer, an importer, or a third-party representative. Choosing the right responsible person is critical, as they will be your liaison with EU authorities in case of any compliance issues.

3. Provide Manufacturer Information and Traceability

One of the key elements of the GPSR is ensuring product traceability. Sellers must provide clear information about the manufacturer, including their name, address, and contact details. This information must be easily accessible to both customers and authorities.

In the event of a product safety issue, this traceability allows authorities to quickly identify the source of the product and take corrective action, if needed. Ensuring that your products are traceable throughout the supply chain will protect your business from any potential risks associated with product safety violations.

4. Labeling and Safety Warnings

The GPSR also mandates that all products display appropriate safety warnings and instructions in the language of the country where the product is sold. This includes region-specific labels that communicate necessary warnings clearly to consumers.

For Amazon sellers, this means preparing multiple language versions of safety information, depending on the markets your products are being sold in. Failing to provide proper labeling could result in your listings being flagged as non-compliant.

5. Upload Safety and Compliance Documents via Seller Central

Amazon provides tools within Seller Central (or Vendor Central for vendors) for sellers to upload the necessary compliance documents. This includes safety certifications, user manuals, and other required documentation to prove that your product complies with GPSR standards.

If you have a large number of listings, use Amazon’s bulk upload feature to save time and ensure that all your listings are compliant. Ensure your documentation is correctly formatted and up-to-date—incomplete or incorrect submissions can lead to delays in getting your products approved for sale.

6. Conduct Safety Assessments

Under the GPSR, sellers are also responsible for conducting safety assessments of their products. This involves performing a risk analysis and identifying any potential safety concerns related to the use of the product. Once these risks are identified, appropriate safety measures must be taken, such as adding labels or modifying product designs to mitigate hazards.

Additionally, keep in mind that the GPSR enforces continuous monitoring of product safety. Even after a product is placed on the market, sellers are expected to keep track of any safety concerns that arise and take swift action to remedy any issues.

Challenges and Best Practices for GPSR Compliance

While the steps to comply with the GPSR are straightforward, there are a few challenges that Amazon sellers might encounter along the way. Here’s how to tackle them:

• Complex Supply Chains: If your supply chain is intricate and spans multiple countries, ensuring that each link complies with GPSR regulations can be challenging. Work closely with your suppliers to confirm that they provide all necessary compliance documents.

• Managing Multiple Listings Across EU Markets: Sellers who operate in multiple European markets must ensure their products meet the local language and labeling requirements. Investing in translation services and staying on top of region-specific regulations will help you avoid compliance issues.

• Document Management: Keeping track of various safety assessments, certifications, and compliance documents can be daunting, especially if you manage a large number of products. Develop a system for storing and organizing these documents to make the process smoother.

Proactive Steps for Long-Term Success

Complying with the GPSR is about more than just meeting the minimum requirements; it’s about future-proofing your Amazon business for long-term success in Europe. Here are some proactive steps you can take:

• Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of your product catalog to ensure that everything remains compliant with GPSR standards. As the regulation evolves, staying ahead of changes will keep your business on the right side of the law.

• Invest in Technology: Consider using product compliance management software to help automate document uploads, track regulations, and streamline compliance efforts.

• Collaborate with Experts: For sellers who find the GPSR requirements overwhelming, working with compliance experts or legal consultants can provide peace of mind. They can offer guidance on navigating the complexities of the regulation and ensure that you stay fully compliant.

Conclusion: GPSR Compliance is Key to Amazon Success in the EU

The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) represents a major shift in how consumer goods are regulated in Europe, and Amazon sellers must take it seriously. By ensuring that your products comply with the GPSR, you protect your business from listing suspensions, fines, and legal liabilities.

Start by reviewing your product catalog, appointing a responsible person, and submitting the required compliance documents. Prepare now to meet the December 13, 2024 deadline and avoid any last-minute complications that could disrupt your holiday sales.

By following these steps, Amazon sellers can ensure they are fully compliant with GPSR standards, safeguarding both their customers and their businesses.