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Essential Guide to the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) for Amazon Sellers

VAT Ai Team
2024-07-19

What is GPSR?


The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is a critical new instrument in the European Union's product safety framework, replacing the previous General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) and Food Imitating Product Directive starting from December 13, 2024.


At its core, the GPSR requires that non-food consumer products offered for sale in the EU markets must be safe. It establishes specific obligations for businesses to ensure product safety, applying across all sales channels. Serving as a safety net, the GPSR provides protection for consumers against dangerous products, whether currently regulated or newly emerging. By strengthening and harmonizing product safety standards, the GPSR aims to give EU consumers confidence in the goods they purchase, regardless of the sales platform or distribution method. In this guide, we will outline the key requirements of the GPSR and provide Amazon sellers with the necessary steps to ensure compliance.


What Products Does GPSR Apply to?


Most non-food consumer products sold in the EU fall under the GPSR, including used, repaired, and reconditioned products, as well as spare parts.


However, there are some exceptions:


  • Medicinal products for human or veterinary use
  • Food and beverages
  • Animal feed
  • Living plants and animals (including GMOs and microorganisms in contained use, as well as products related to their future reproduction)
  • Animal by-products and derived products
  • Plant protection products (e.g., pesticides)
  • Equipment operated by a service provider within a transport service context
  • Aircraft
  • Antiques


Key Requirements for Amazon Sellers


Starting December 13, 2024, all product listings must comply with GPSR requirements. Non-compliant offers will be removed. To ensure compliance:


Compliance Verification


1. Verify Product Compliance

Ensure your products meet existing legislation. Prepare the necessary documents, including technical documentation, test reports, and declarations of conformity or performance.


2. Product Labeling

Label products with at least one product identifier (e.g., type, batch, serial number) that is easily visible and legible. If the product size or nature doesn't allow this, use the packaging or an accompanying document.


3. Appoint a Responsible Person

Designate an EU-based Responsible Person for your products. Label products with their contact information, including postal and electronic addresses, in one of the EU's official languages. VAT Ai provides EU&UK Responsible Person (Authorised Representative) service, contact VAT Ai team to learn more.


4. Manufacturer Information

Label products with the manufacturer's contact details and, if applicable, the importer's information. This must be visible on the product, packaging, parcel, or accompanying document. If using a QR code, also include the information in text form.


5. Product Detail Page

Provide a product picture and necessary information to identify the product on the product detail page. Include applicable warning and safety information in the language of the country of sale.


GPSR


Inventory Management


Inventory shipped to Amazon fulfillment centers before December 13, 2024, can continue to be sold if the product detail page meets the GPSR requirements.


Information Submission


Submit the Responsible Person and manufacturer information to Amazon via the "Add compliance information" widget in the Manage your compliance dashboard.


Resellers


If you're reselling products within the scope of the GPSR, you must:


  • Verify product compliance with existing legislation.
  • Provide Responsible Person and manufacturer information to Amazon.
  • Display a product picture and applicable warning and safety information.


Request the necessary information and documents from your supplier as soon as possible.


Removing Affected Products from Sale


If you choose not to sell impacted products in the EU, remove them from the Manage Inventory dashboard. For Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) sellers, also remove EU inventory from fulfillment centers.


Display the following On Your Amazon Product Detail Pages


a) Images and Documents


Submitting images or product documents in Seller Central does not guarantee they will be displayed. Amazon selects submissions that meet style guides and standards. Approved submissions are stored offline for future use and displayed within 24 hours of confirmation.


b) Responsible Person Information


Responsible Person information is displayed on product detail pages on the website and Amazon mobile app. If multiple sellers submit different Responsible Person information for an ASIN, each submission will be listed on the product detail page.


Notes

  • EU-based Stores: Sellers must submit the required information for listings on Amazon EU-based stores.
  • UK-based Stores: Sellers do not need to submit information to Amazon for listings on the UK store.
  • Non-compliant Listings: Listings that do not comply with GPSR requirements risk removal from Amazon



Need help with EU/UK Responsible Person Service?

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