If you are an ecommerce seller in the UK or EU, it’s crucial to be aware of the upcoming changes to the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR). These mandatory changes will take effect on December 13, 2024, and non-compliant listings will be deactivated on online marketplaces. Understanding and adhering to these guidelines is essential to ensure the safety and quality of your products, and to avoid any disruptions to your sales.
Overview of the GPSR Changes
Fruugo, one of the largest online marketplaces, recently hosted a webinar featuring Kelly McNamara, Head of Account Management at Fruugo.com, and Drew Cooper, Head of Sales at Expandly. The webinar provided a comprehensive overview of product compliance, focusing specifically on GPSR and other regulations that international retailers need to be aware of. The session covered various aspects of product compliance to help retailers navigate the complex landscape of regulations. You can watch the full video about GPSR here.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar
1. Importance of Product Compliance Product compliance is vital for businesses selling in the UK and EU markets. Adhering to regulatory standards and requirements ensures the safety, health, and environmental impact of products. Compliance protects customers and promotes fair competition while fulfilling legal obligations.
The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) sets the baseline for product compliance in the UK and Europe. It mandates safety considerations for all non-food related products, which were previously less enforced. With GPSR, additional compliance information is required, manufacturing processes must be documented, and a responsible person must be designated to ensure compliance.
2. Online Marketplaces and Compliance The enforcement of product compliance regulations extends to online marketplaces, requiring them to ensure that sellers on their platform adhere to regulations. This guarantees that products sold online meet necessary safety and quality standards, protecting consumers and building trust in the marketplace.
3. The Shared Regulations of GB and EU Despite the UK’s departure from the European Union, the GPSR regulations still apply to both regions. This shared requirement for product safety highlights the importance of compliance for businesses in both areas. The webinar clarified that while GPSR does not apply to food or food supplements, retailers must still provide contact details and safety information for food supplements to meet Fruugo’s requirements.
4. Documentation Matching Product Risk The webinar emphasized that documentation must match product risk. For example, a low-risk product like a cork coaster may not have required documentation before, but under GPSR, businesses must now ensure appropriate documentation is in place. This documentation, often available from reputable manufacturing plants, must align with safety requirements outlined in the GPSR.
5. Reseller Responsibilities Resellers need product safety documentation to ensure their products meet necessary regulations. Whether sourcing from wholesalers, distributors, or manufacturers, resellers must ensure proper documentation is available. The ultimate responsibility for compliance lies with the reseller, even if suppliers also share this responsibility. Obtaining certified declarations from each brand is essential for compliance.
6. Compliance is Key for Sales Compliance is crucial for sales in the reselling industry. It involves having a responsible person for each product and providing a Declaration of Conformity. While this may seem daunting, it is necessary to ensure only compliant products are sold. Compliance builds trust with consumers and protects businesses from legal issues.
7. Label Compliance Label compliance is essential for demonstrating product safety and meeting regulatory requirements. It involves ensuring product labels contain all necessary information, such as product details, usage instructions, and contact information for the responsible person. Accurate labels build trust with consumers and protect businesses from potential legal issues.
8. Regulatory Compliance Regulatory compliance ensures products meet all necessary legal requirements and standards. Accurate labeling is crucial, and resellers must avoid misleading or inaccurate wording. Labels must be translated for different markets, and working with compliance experts can help navigate these requirements.
9. Seeking Compliance Advice The webinar stressed the importance of seeking advice to ensure compliance with regulations. Appointing a responsible person and obtaining necessary documentation are essential steps. Compliance may not be as tricky or costly as anticipated, and experts can help sellers navigate the requirements effectively.
10. Labeling Requirements Vary by Product Labeling requirements vary by product category. High-risk products like cosmetics may have additional requirements. Consistency between product labels and online listings is crucial. Sellers must have necessary documentation before submitting responsible person details.
Conclusion
The “Fruugo and Expandly GPSR Webinar” provided valuable insights for retailers on navigating product compliance. By understanding and adhering to regulations like GPSR, businesses can avoid legal issues, build trust with customers, and ensure the safety and quality of their products. The collaboration between GB and EU in sharing regulations underscores the importance of international cooperation in ensuring product safety and consumer protection. Compliance is crucial for businesses looking to sell in the EU market and maintain a competitive edge in the e-commerce industry.
Reach out to Expandly product compliance team to know more about our services. Speak to us.