What is GPSR?
The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is essential to understand if you're planning to sell into the European Union (EU). Effective from 13th December 2024, GPSR ensures that ALL consumer products on the EU market are safe and compliant. Here's a breakdown of what it means and how you can stay compliant.
Key Aspects of GPSR
There are three critical elements of GPSR that businesses need to address:
Appointing an EU Authorised Representative
Creating technical documentation to prove product safety
Ensuring compliance in labeling, packaging and online listings
Let’s dive into each of these in detail.
1. Appointing an EU Authorised Representative
One of the most significant changes introduced by GPSR is the requirement for ALL businesses outside the European Union to appoint an authorised representative within the EU. This representative acts as a point of contact between your business and EU authorities in case of any issues.
Key Responsibilities of Your EU Representative:
Communication: Serve as the intermediary between you and the authorities.
Contact Information: Their address details, must be visible on your product labels or packaging and online listings.
For example, this information can be included on:
Wash care labels
Garment tags
Stickers on packaging
Documentation sent with the package
Why This Matters:
The EU representative ensures smooth communication with authorities, giving consumers confidence in your product’s safety. It’s also a non-negotiable legal requirement for selling into the European Union. Reporting and alerts will happen through the Safety Gate Portal.
We have two EU representation options to help our clients meet this requirement. If you’re ready to get started, get in touch with us today to start the process.
2. Creating Technical Documentation
Technical documentation is a cornerstone of GPSR compliance. It proves that your products are safe and aligns with European Union standards. While there is no official template our fashion industry knowledge and conversations with EU reps have concluded the below.
What to Include in Your Technical Documentation:
Product Design Details: All Information on your designs, fabrics and trims.
Supply Chain Records: Track your suppliers and their compliance. (where, who and when did you buy)
Safety Assessments: In-house evaluations of potential safety risks.
Certifications: Certifications like GOTS, Oeko-Tex or REACH compliance for fabrics and trims.
Important Points to Highlight:
In-House Safety Assessments should assess the everyday risks posed by your designs:
Assess potential hazards, such as choking risks from ties or zips.
Assesing risks for taking on/off garments or trip hazards for long dresses etc.
Flammability risks (Keep away from fire)
Small Parts such as buttons, beads, or decorations may detach and pose choking hazards, especially for children.
Highlighting certain garments should not be used for nightwear.
Fabric Certifications:
Verify that your fabrics and trims are free of harmful chemicals and safe for skin.
Ensure compliance with REACH regulations (mandatory for textiles since 2007).
Look for Gots, GRS, Oeko-tex or similar certifications.
Did you know?
All textiles should be REACH compliant as of June 2007, REACH Compliance European regulation that aims to protect human health and the environment from the use of chemicals.
Helpful Resources: We’ve created templates to simplify the data collection process and to help you create a technical documentation for GPSR compliance:
Make a copy, customise, and keep your records organised!
3. Labeling, Packaging, and Online Listings Compliance
GPSR emphasises clear and informative product labeling, packaging, and listings. This ensures better traceability and transparency for consumers.
Labeling Requirements: Your product labels must now include:
Your Registered company name
Your Business postal, electronic or website address
Contact details of your EU representative (their postal address)
Safety information and compliance marks (e.g, “Keep away from fire”)
Identification details (type, batch, or serial number for traceability)
Fabric Composition
Care instructions
For clothing brands, care labels are the best place to include this information.
Did You Know? We offer clients and small businesses full access to our on demand label printing service therefore we're able to add all of the required information for you. Our labels are Oeko-Tex Class 1 approved and made from 100% recycled polyester satin—perfect for GPSR compliance. We offer customisable options to meet all your labeling needs.
Language and Symbols:
GPSR requirements also state that all information should be in ‘a language which can be easily understood’ where the product is for sale. This means you may need to have information available in multiple languages or alternatively use universally recognised symbols for safety information. Although this requirement is trickier to navigate when you don't know where each product may end up, we have the ability to print 1of1 labels to accomodate this if any labelling needs changed or updated.
Packaging and online Listings:
Online listings will need to have the same transparent information that you're putting on the labels or documentation sent with the product.
EU Representative Address
Manufacturer - this can be you + your manufacturer
Identification details
Fabric composition
Care Instructions
This information could be added to the production description or a tab/drop down menu and will be dependent on website design/functionality. Website hosts such Shopify have introduced apps to help with this. The information will need to be in different languages but for online listings this should be easier if you have a multi-language translator already installed.
Packagaing: Since you are likely to cover off the information requirements on the wash labels attached to your product you should not need to add more information to your packaging. However to potentially avoid customs opening the full parcel you could update your invoice to feature your representatives address and contact details, along with a few brief safety indicators. Invoices should already include the essential details such as your registered business name, address, contact email and the product SKUs/identification number.
Additional Considerations for GPSR Compliance
Existing Stock: Products manufactured before 13th December 2024 can still be sold without an EU representative, provided they conform to the old directive (2001/95/EC).
Geographical Scope: GPSR applies only to the EU and Northern Ireland. Non-EU countries like Norway and Switzerland are not included.
Future UK Regulations: The UK is expected to introduce similar regulations soon. Stay informed to ensure compliance across all markets.
Business Insurance: Ensure your business insurance covers EU sales. Your EU representative will need proof of this coverage.
Why GPSR Compliance Matters
Compliance with GPSR isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s about building trust with your customers. By adhering to these regulations, you demonstrate your commitment to safety, sustainability, and professionalism—a win for your brand and your customers.
Need Help? We’re here to support small and independent fashion brands with GPSR compliance. From helping you attain EU representation to custom labeling requirements and technical documentation.
If you're ready to take the next step? Contact us today and ensure your brand is ready for the EU market!
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