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safety compliance
safety compliance

Navigating the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR)

A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to international expansion in e-commerce, staying informed on product compliance is crucial for retailers looking to sell into the EU market. With regulations such as the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) that came into effect in December 2024, it is essential for businesses to understand and adhere to these guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of their products.

Importance of Product Compliance

Product compliance is vital for businesses selling products in the UK and EU markets. Adhering to regulatory standards and requirements established by authorities ensures the safety, health, and environmental impact of products. Compliance protects customers and consumers, promotes fair competition, and meets legal obligations. 

Understanding GPSR

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) sets the baseline for product compliance in the UK and Europe. It requires all non-food related products to focus on safety, which was previously lacking in enforcement. With GPSR, additional information is required for compliance, internal processes must be documented, and a responsible person must be designated to ensure compliance. 

compliance

Label Compliance is Essential

One crucial aspect of compliance for resellers is label compliance. Ensuring that product labels contain all the necessary information required by regulations is essential for ensuring product safety. Product labels play a critical role in identifying the product category, conveying important information to consumers, and providing contact information for the responsible person. 

Label compliance is not only about meeting regulatory requirements but also about building trust with consumers. A clear and informative label can help consumers make informed decisions about the products they purchase. By providing accurate information on the label, sellers can establish credibility and transparency with their customers, leading to increased trust and loyalty. 

Moreover, label compliance is essential for protecting the business from potential legal issues. Continued non-compliance with labelling regulations can result in fines, penalties, and even legal action. By ensuring that product labels are compliant, resellers can mitigate the risk of facing legal consequences and protect their businesses from potential harm. 

Online Marketplaces and Compliance

The enforcement of product compliance regulations extends to online marketplaces, requiring them to make sure that sellers on their platform adhere to regulations. This confirms that products sold online meet necessary safety and quality standards, protecting consumers and building trust in the marketplace. 

Documentation and Product Risk

Documentation must match product risk when it comes to compliance regulations. Even low-risk products like cork coasters require appropriate documentation under GPSR. Businesses need to have documentation proportionate to the product’s level of risk, to be certain that manufacturers have followed the appropriate procedures. 

Resellers and Product Safety Documentation

Resellers need product safety documentation to show that the products they sell meet necessary regulations and standards. Whether obtaining products from wholesalers, distributors, or manufacturers, resellers must make sure they have proper documentation in place. This documentation is crucial in demonstrating that products meet safety standards and regulations. 

If you make any changes to the product or packaging or change the brand name, then you are the classed as the manufacturer and obligated to collate and store the documentation. 

documentation

Compliance is Key for Sales

Compliance is key for sales in the reselling industry. Resellers must have a Responsible Person representing them in the country where the product is sold to assure it meets required standards and regulations. Providing a Product Risk Assessment for each product is essential for ensuring that only compliant products are sold to consumers. 

By staying informed on product compliance regulations and adhering to them, businesses can avoid legal issues, build trust with customers, and provide evidence of the safety and quality of their products. Compliance is crucial for businesses looking to sell into the EU market and maintain a competitive edge in the e-commerce industry. 

A One-Stop-Shop for Compliance and Expansion

If you are looking to launch your products into the UK and EU, and need assistance with GPSR, then speak to the experts at Expandly, a central hub for your expansion requirements.  

Our ‘all-in-one’ expansion software is tailored to your unique requirements, allowing you to: 

  • Ensure compliance with tax and VAT regulations.
  • Manage all your product labelling requirements.
  • Take control of your marketplace listings in one place, in multiple languages.
  • Ensure you have a required responsible person in those regions.
  • Sort out your 3PL and shipping needs easily.
  • View your orders, inventory, and stock in one place to keep track of your product sales and stock levels.

Expandly handles all this for you. With experts in global ecommerce, Amazon and other marketplaces, logistics, warehouse management, compliance, finance, and shipping, you have all the tools and support you need in one place. You’ll save time and money and start selling internationally faster than ever.