Introduction
With the implementation of the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), the European Union has introduced stricter customs controls for e-commerce imports. These enhanced measures aim to ensure that all consumer goods entering the EU comply with safety standards, thereby reducing risks associated with substandard or non-compliant products.
Key Customs Control Enhancements
1. Pre-Import Compliance Checks
Under the GPSR, customs authorities are mandated to conduct pre-import checks on e-commerce shipments to verify product compliance. This includes:
- Ensuring that products have appropriate EU declarations of conformity.
- Checking for valid Responsible Person (RP) identification, as required under the GPSR.
- Examining safety documentation, labeling, and traceability information.
2. Stronger Collaboration Between Customs and Market Surveillance Authorities (MSAs)
The GPSR fosters closer cooperation between customs authorities and market surveillance authorities (MSAs). This ensures that unsafe products are intercepted before reaching consumers.
- Customs officials will have access to databases shared by MSAs to cross-check product safety records.
- Suspicious or high-risk shipments may be flagged for additional inspection or testing.
3. Digitalized Customs Processing for E-commerce Parcels
To handle the high volume of e-commerce imports, customs procedures are becoming more digitalized, incorporating:
- Automated risk assessment tools to detect potential non-compliance.
- QR code scanning and blockchain technology for efficient document verification.
- Real-time data exchange between customs, e-commerce platforms, and regulatory bodies.
4. Increased Responsibilities for Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces and fulfillment centers must ensure that sellers comply with GPSR requirements before shipping products to the EU.
- Stricter due diligence on third-party sellers.
- Removal of non-compliant products flagged by authorities.
- Improved record-keeping of sellers and product compliance certificates.
5. Stronger Enforcement Measures
Non-compliant imports may face:
- Immediate rejection at customs checkpoints.
- Fines and penalties for online marketplaces or importers failing to meet GPSR standards.
- Product recalls and bans, ensuring consumer protection remains a priority.
Conclusion
Enhanced customs controls under the GPSR Regulation reflect the EU’s commitment to consumer safety in the digital commerce era. These measures aim to create a safer marketplace by preventing the entry of hazardous or non-compliant products while fostering accountability among online retailers and e-commerce platforms. Businesses involved in cross-border e-commerce must adapt to these regulatory changes to maintain smooth operations within the EU market.
Ekotox GPSR webpage: https://ekotox.eu/eu-general-product-safety-regulation-gpsr/
Ekotox Chemicals management webpage: https://ekotox.eu/chemicals-management/
REACH Conference 2025: https://ekotoxtraining.com/events/reach-conference-2025/