[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/GPSR compliance guide EURegulation guide # GPSR Compliance Guide: What the General Product Safety Regulation Means for You The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR, EU 2023/988) became applicable on December 13, 2024. It replaces the old GPSD and significantly expands obligations for manufacturers, importers, and online sellers. Here is what changed and what it means for your product. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fgpsr-compliance-guide) At a glance Key changes from GPSD 6 Supply chain roles 3 FAQs covered 4 ## What changed from GPSD to GPSR ### Applies from December 13, 2024 GPSR repealed and replaced the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) 2001/95/EC. All consumer products not covered by sector-specific legislation must now comply with GPSR. ### Online marketplace obligations For the first time, online marketplaces have direct obligations. They must ensure sellers provide required safety information, cooperate with recalls, and cannot continue hosting listings for products subject to serious risk decisions. ### Digital product passports and QR codes GPSR introduces requirements for digital product information. A QR code or equivalent digital link must allow consumers to access safety information, conformity information, and recall notices. ### EU-based responsible person required For products sold into the EU from outside, an EU-based responsible person must be identifiable on the product or packaging — similar to the GPSR-specific version of an Authorised Representative. ### Accident and incident reporting Manufacturers and importers must establish mechanisms to collect and investigate safety complaints and accidents. If a product presents a serious risk, authorities must be notified through the Safety Gate (RAPEX) system. ### Expanded market surveillance powers Market surveillance authorities gained new enforcement powers including the ability to order recall decisions, restrict sales, and require test purchases — including undercover purchases. ## Obligations by supply chain role ### Manufacturer * Conduct a product safety assessment before placing on market * Prepare and maintain technical documentation * Include an EU-based responsible person contact on or with the product * Establish a complaints and incident monitoring process * Report serious risks to competent authorities without delay * Initiate recalls or withdrawals when a serious risk is identified ### Importer * Only import products where the manufacturer has fulfilled their obligations * Verify the product is safe and required information is present * Keep records of manufacturers and be identifiable on the product * Forward safety information to manufacturers and distributors * Cooperate with authorities and participate in recalls ### Distributor * Verify manufacturers and importers have met their obligations before distributing * Do not supply products known or reasonably suspected to be unsafe * Cooperate in recall and safety investigation procedures * Transmit recall notices to consumers where possible ## Frequently asked questions ### Does GPSR replace CE marking? No. GPSR is a horizontal safety regulation that fills gaps where no sector-specific legislation applies. If your product already falls under a CE marking directive (like RED, LVD, MDR, or Machinery), those directives take precedence for the covered requirements. GPSR applies to safety aspects not already covered by sector-specific law. ### Does GPSR apply to B2B products? GPSR applies to products intended for consumer use or reasonably likely to be used by consumers, including products given as gifts or used secondhand. Purely professional or industrial products used exclusively in B2B contexts may fall outside scope, but the boundary is not always clear. ### What is the Safety Gate and when do I need to use it? Safety Gate (formerly RAPEX) is the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products. Manufacturers and importers must notify national authorities through Safety Gate when a product they placed on the market presents a serious risk. Authorities may also raise alerts independently after market surveillance. ### Do I need separate GPSR documentation if I already have CE documentation? If your CE technical file already covers all relevant safety aspects and you have post-market surveillance processes in place, the overlap is significant. But GPSR also requires specific consumer-facing elements — complaint mechanisms, recall procedures, and the EU responsible person designation — that are not always captured in traditional CE technical files. **Disclaimer:** Educational resource only. Not legal advice. GPSR is a live regulation and guidance continues to develop. Verify current requirements with the official regulation text (EU 2023/988) and European Commission guidance. 🇪🇺 CE Marking roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $149](/courses/22-eu-general-product-safety-regulation-gpsr-hardware-electronics)[Prefer to read? 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