The European Union's regulatory landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with the introduction of the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), set to take effect on 13 December 2024. This regulation replaces the current General Product Safety Directive and the Food Imitating Product Directive, modernising the EU's product safety framework to address the complexities of today's digital economy.

Understanding the General Product Safety Regulation

The GPSR mandates that all consumer products on the EU market must be safe, imposing specific obligations on businesses to ensure compliance. This regulation applies to all non-food products and encompasses all sales channels, including online marketplaces. As a comprehensive safety net, the GPSR ensures that EU consumers are protected from dangerous products, both now and in the future.

Key Objectives of the GPSR:

Ensuring Product Safety: Guaranteeing the safety of all products, including those involving new technologies.

Addressing Online Sales Challenges: Tackling the complexities posed by the rise of online sales and marketplaces.

Enhancing Rule Enforcement: Improving the enforcement of safety rules and ensuring more efficient market surveillance.

Effective Recalls: Streamlining the process for recalling dangerous products from consumers.

What's New in the GPSR?

The GPSR introduces several new requirements and principles aimed at strengthening product safety and market surveillance:

Precautionary Principle: A broad application of this principle for product safety by all stakeholders.

Obligations for Economic Operators and Online Marketplaces: Specific safety obligations for these entities.

Enhanced Product Traceability: Reinforced requirements to trace products throughout the supply chain.

Safety Assessment Criteria: An updated list of criteria for assessing the safety of products, including new technologies.

Accident Reporting: Mandatory reporting of accidents involving products to authorities by businesses.

Market Surveillance Rules: Strengthened rules to ensure rigorous market oversight.

Product Recall Procedures: Detailed guidelines for handling product recalls, including a mandatory recall notice template and consumers' right to remedy.

Timeline of the GPSR Implementation

June 2020 - October 2020: Initial feedback and public consultation period.

June 2021: European Commission adopts the proposal.

November 2022 - April 2023: Provisional agreements and final adoptions by the Council and European Parliament.

May 2023: Official publication in the EU Journal.

Implications for Your Supply Chain and How Unsworth Can Help

As a freight forwarder and customs brokerage, Unsworth is uniquely positioned to help your business navigate the complexities of the new GPSR. Here’s how we can support your compliance and streamline your supply chain:

Expert Guidance: Our team of customs solutions experts can provide detailed advice on the new requirements, helping you understand the specific obligations for your products.

Compliance Assurance: We offer comprehensive services to ensure that your products meet all GPSR safety standards before they enter the EU market.

Efficient Documentation: Unsworth can manage the enhanced traceability and documentation requirements, ensuring that all necessary information is accurately recorded and accessible.

Accident Reporting: We facilitate timely and accurate accident reporting to authorities, safeguarding your business from potential non-compliance penalties.

Recall Management: Our team can assist in developing and implementing effective recall procedures, including the creation of mandatory recall notices and ensuring consumers' right to remedy.

By partnering with Unsworth, you can ensure that your supply chain remains compliant with the new GPSR, mitigating risks and maintaining smooth, efficient operations. Let us help you navigate these regulatory changes with confidence and ease, ensuring that your products reach the EU market safely and efficiently.

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