The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is a new key instrument in the EU product safety legal framework. Taking effect on 13 December 2024, it will replace the current General Product Safety Directive and the Food Imitating Product Directive, both established in 2001.
The new General Product Safety Regulation modernises the EU general product safety framework and address the new challenges posed to product safety by the digitalisation of our economies.
- It requires that all consumer products on the EU markets are safe and it establishes specific obligations for businesses to ensure it.
- It applies to non-food products and to all sales channels.
- It provides a safety net for products or risks not regulated in other EU legislation. This safety net function means that EU consumers are always protected against dangerous products, be it now or in the future.
Note: The choice of a Regulation instead of a Directive ensures:
- Uniform Rules: It imposes clear, detailed rules, leaving no room for differing implementation by Member States.
- Coherence: Aligns with the market surveillance framework under Regulation (EU) 2019/1020, ensuring consistency for products covered by Union harmonization laws.
- Reduced Regulatory Burden: Promotes consistent application of product safety rules across the EU, simplifying compliance.
Key Implications for the Tackle Trade Industry:
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Product Safety Assurance: Manufacturers and distributors must guarantee that their products meet the safety standards outlined in the GPSR.
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Risk Assessment: Conducting thorough risk analyses is essential to identify and mitigate potential hazards associated with products.
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Traceability: Implementing systems to trace products throughout the supply chain is crucial for effective recalls and consumer safety.
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Compliance with Online Sales Requirements: For businesses selling products online, adherence to specific obligations is mandatory to ensure product safety in the digital marketplace.
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Representative: All traders must have a responsible person in the EU to ensure that the products' technical documentation and safety information are available to the authorities.
Downloads & links:
=> EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1435 of 24 May 2024
… as regards establishing the template for a recall notice (all EU languages)
=> The Safety Gate system enables that information on measures taken against non-food dangerous products is circulated quickly among the national authorities responsible for product safety in the Single Market countries:
=> The Safety Gate "the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products"
=> "What products are dangerous, why, and what measures have been taken"
