The new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), effective December 13, 2024, brings significant changes for Amazon sellers operating in the EU and Northern Ireland. It replaces the older General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) and focuses on improving consumer protection and safety for non-food products sold online, including via Amazon.
Here are the key points Amazon sellers need to be aware of:
- Responsible Person Requirement: Almost all products must have a “Responsible Person” (RP) established in the EU. This individual or entity acts as the contact for safety issues and compliance with EU regulations. If you are not based in the EU, you must appoint an RP, which can be a third-party provider, importer, or fulfillment service provider.
- Labeling and Product Information: Sellers must update their product labels and online listings to include the contact information of the manufacturer and the RP. Products must also display warnings, safety instructions, and identifiers like batch or serial numbers for traceability. This applies to both physical product packaging and digital listings on platforms like Amazon.
- Risk Assessment and Documentation: Manufacturers and sellers need to maintain comprehensive technical documentation proving product compliance, such as risk assessments and safety tests. This documentation must be available for authorities upon request.
- Product Recalls and Reporting: The GPSR introduces strict guidelines for managing product recalls and notifying consumers of safety issues. Amazon sellers will be required to provide clear communication about recalls and offer remedies like refunds, repairs, or replacements.
Non-compliance with the GPSR can result in severe penalties, including fines and removal of product listings from Amazon, so it’s crucial for sellers to update their processes ahead of the deadline.
Thank you for reading this post, if you think we have been able to help you or if you still have any questions, you can always contact me via WhattsApp (+49 1520 8381499) or e-mail (erica@taxandlawspain.com).
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