The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) (Regulation (EU) 2023/988) updates and strengthens consumer protection laws by ensuring that all products available in the EU market meet high safety standards. It replaces the previous General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) and officially took effect on June 13, 2023, with full enforcement starting on December 13, 2024.
Main Aspects of the GPSR:
- Expanded Coverage – Applies to both physical stores and online sales, including products offered through digital marketplaces.
- Enhanced Oversight – Regulatory authorities have increased powers to monitor compliance, enforce rules, and order product recalls when necessary.
- Obligations for Businesses – Manufacturers and sellers must ensure their products are safe throughout their entire lifecycle, conduct risk assessments, and keep detailed records.
- Focus on Digital & AI Risks – New provisions address potential dangers from advanced technologies, cybersecurity threats, and AI-driven products.
- Responsibilities for Online Marketplaces – E-commerce platforms must work closely with regulators, respond swiftly to safety concerns, and improve product traceability.
- Improved Recall Process – Strengthens how product recalls are managed, ensuring that consumers are properly informed and compensated when necessary.
- Tougher Penalties – Companies failing to comply may face fines of up to 4% of their global annual revenue.
The GPSR modernizes EU safety regulations to tackle new challenges in an increasingly digital and interconnected world, ensuring safer products and fairer competition.
Below are some of the products available on the market that are in breach of product safety requirements under the EU GPSR:
- Bohemian style earrings contain an excessive amount of cadmium, around 87,5% by weight. – more information: https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10093662?lang=en
- Baby Soothers can cause choking while breaking apart, releasing small parts of it. Moreover, the soother contains volatile compounds. These can cause irritation, headaches, organ damage, and long-term health risks. – more information: https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10093064?lang=en
- Protective work gloves: The leather in the product contains chromium VI in 20,5 mg/kg amount, which can cause skin irritation. – more information: https://ec.europa.eu/safety-gate-alerts/screen/webReport/alertDetail/10074800?lang=en
ECHA webpage: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/news/eus-general-product-safety-regulation-gpsr-new-era-consumer-protection
Ekotox Chemicals management webpage: https://ekotox.eu/chemicals-management/
REACH Conference 2025: https://ekotoxtraining.com/events/reach-conference-2025/