On December 13, 2024, a new general product safety directive will take effect in the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland (NI) under Regulation 2023/988. This regulation, designed to protect consumers from unsafe products, applies to all sellers offering non-food consumer goods to EU residents.
In this article, we explore the key aspects of the GPSR directive and explain how Amasty Magento 2 tools – Product Attachments and Product Tabs – can help you stay compliant.
What is GPSR?
General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), known as Regulation 2023/988, updates and strengthens existing safety requirements for non-food consumer products sold within the EU and NI. Initially issued on 13 June 2023, this regulation replaced the older General Product Safety Directive and Dangerous Products Directive, establishing more stringent retail safety protocols to ensure that consumers receive safe, compliant products.
GPSR introduces new product safety guidelines that are based on the Market Surveillance Regulation and other EU product directives. It outlines how businesses must handle product safety, labeling, and documentation, while also addressing the obligations of all e-commerce companies based outside the EU that sell to consumers in the region.
Read More: Omnibus EU Directive: How to Comply
Who Does the GPSR Affect?
The EU Regulation 2023/988 requires all businesses that offer products to EU/NI consumers to comply with the new safety standards. Hence, it is equally important for sellers located in and outside the EU and Northern Ireland. As long as you want to keep selling to EU/NI residents, you must ensure that your products adhere to the outlined safety rules regardless of the country your business is based in.
GPSR Requirements to Comply by December 13, 2024
As the deadline approaches, you need to make sure that all your products meet the new standards. To comply with Regulation 2023/988, you must include certain key information with every product you sell. This includes:
- Manufacturer Details – Clearly display the name and contact information of the manufacturer for all non-food products sold in the EU.
- Authorized Representative (if applicable) – If the manufacturer is located outside of the EU or NI, you must provide the name and contact details of an authorized representative based within these regions. This is critical for product traceability and accountability.
- Product Identification – All products must include identifying information such as model numbers, photographs, and CE markings where required.
- Localized Safety Information – Safety warnings, labels, and user manuals must be provided in the language(s) of the country where the product is being sold. This applies to both physical and digital sales.
- Traceability and Recordkeeping – You have to store product-related data for up to 10 years and traceability records – for 6 years. This includes product risk assessments and information about any complaints or corrective measures taken.
Examples:
- If you sell electronic goods like power tools, provide safety manuals in the relevant local languages, and ensure the CE marking is visible.
- If you offer baby products, include clear safety warnings regarding choking hazards, and identify the authorized representative within the EU if you're importing from outside.
For online sellers, it’s openly specified that all product listings must meet safety and traceability standards. You need to make sure that this information is accurate and easily accessible to meet the 2023/988 compliance standards. Failure to do so can lead to various penalties.
Penalties for Non-Compliance with GPSR
Compliance with Regulation 2023/988 is critical for maintaining access to the EU and Northern Ireland markets. Failing to comply with the General Product Safety Regulation can result in severe penalties, including:
- Product recalls. If your product is found to be non-compliant or unsafe, authorities can force the removal of the item from the market.
- Fines. Regulatory bodies can impose significant financial penalties for non-compliance.
- Sales bans. If you do not meet the requirements, you may be barred from offering products in the EU/NI.
Market surveillance authorities across the EU will be checking stores for compliance starting December 13, 2024. That’s why you need to verify that all required product information is already available and accurate.
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How Amasty Modules Help Magento Sellers with GPSR Compliance
To meet the requirements of Regulation 2023/988 GPSR in online Magento stores, you can leverage tools that simplify product information management.
Two of our Magento 2 modules, Product Attachments and Product Tabs, provide practical solutions for ensuring your online store remains compliant with the new safety rules.
Product Attachments
The Product Attachments module allows you to easily attach mandatory product documents directly to the product page. This is crucial for meeting the GPSR’s obligation to provide clear, accessible, and complete product information. With this module, you can upload and display:
- User manuals in the local language(s) of the country where the product is sold.
- Safety warnings and any other compliance-related information.
- CE certifications and other regulatory certifications.
- Compliance reports and safety test results required for market surveillance.
This extension makes it simple to provide regulators and customers with the required documentation, as mandated by the GPSR. It helps ensure both the safety and traceability of your products.
Product Tabs
The Product Tabs module helps you create structured sections within product pages for detailed information. You can use this module to organize and display:
- Manufacturer details – The name, address, and contact information of the product manufacturer.
- Authorized representative (if applicable) – The contact information of the EU or NI-based representative for non-EU manufacturers.
- Product specifications – Including model numbers, product photos, and CE markings.
- Localized safety information – Such as country-specific safety warnings and instructions.
This module organizes the information into dedicated tabs, enhancing transparency and ensuring that all critical compliance details are easily accessible, as required under GPSR.
Four Steps to Ensure GPSR Compliance
Non-compliance with GPSR can harm your brand's reputation, disrupt sales, and result in costly penalties. It’s necessary to address these new regulations well before the December 13, 2024, deadline to protect your business. Here’s how you can proactively comply:
- Review and Update Product Information. Make sure every product listing includes the essential information mandated by GPSR, such as manufacturer details, product identification, and localized safety information.
- Appoint an Authorized Representative. If you sell from outside the EU or NI, appointing an authorized representative within the region is a legal GPSR requirement.
- Update Documentation. Use tools like Product Attachments to upload critical documents (safety manuals, compliance reports, and CE certifications) directly to your product pages. This ensures that both customers and regulatory bodies can easily access compliance documentation.
- Organize Product Information. Rely on extensions like Product Tabs to structure and present detailed product information. This allows for clear, easy-to-navigate sections, where you can place manufacturer details, product specifications, and localized safety information.
Taking these steps ensures that your business is ready to meet the GPSR’s requirements when the regulation takes effect.
Takeaways
With Regulation 2023/988 set to take effect on December 13, 2024, sellers must act quickly to meet the new safety requirements. Ensuring compliance with the General Product Safety Regulation is key to maintaining market access and avoiding penalties.
Start preparing for GPSR now to ensure a smooth transition and avoid costly disruptions as the deadline approaches. Check out the Product Attachments and Product Tabs extensions pages to see how our modules can support your Magento 2 compliance efforts.
