The New EU GPSR Legislation and Its Enforcement on Amazon: What It Means for Sellers
As of December 13, 2024, the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is in effect across the European Union, introducing significant changes to product safety and consumer protection. This regulation impacts all stakeholders involved in bringing products to the EU market, including online marketplaces like Amazon. Sellers on Amazon must now ensure their products comply with the new requirements, or risk having their listings removed or facing penalties.
What Does GPSR Bring?
GPSR replaces the previous General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) and aims to enhance product safety in the age of
e-commerce. Key changes include:
1. Mandatory product safety compliance – Products must be safe throughout their entire lifecycle, including use, maintenance, and disposal.
2. Responsible Person in the EU – Each product on the EU market must have a designated Responsible Person (RP) based in the EU to ensure compliance.
3. Stricter oversight of online marketplaces – Platforms like Amazon must actively monitor product listings and collaborate with authorities to remove unsafe products.
4. Digital access to information – Products must provide QR codes or other methodsfor easy access to safety and technical information.
5. Penalties for non-compliance – Violations of GPSR can result in fines of up to 4% of a company’s annual revenue.
How Does GPSR Affect Selling on Amazon?
Amazon has implemented new policies to ensure compliance with GPSR. Sellers must now meet stricter requirements. Below are the key changes currently affecting all sellers on Amazon:
Mandatory Designation of a Responsible Person in the EU
Every product sold on Amazon in the EU must have a Responsible Person (RP) based in the EU. This person is responsible for:
• Ensuring the product complies with GPSR.
• Maintaining technical documentation.
• Communicating with authorities when required.
Sellers outside the EU who fail to meet this requirement risk having their products delisted from Amazon.
Automated Monitoring of Unsafe Products
Amazon has implemented advanced systems to detect products that do not comply with GPSR requirements. If a product is flagged (e.g., missing CE marking, unclear product origin, or incomplete manufacturer information), the listing is automatically suspended.
Sellers will then be prompted to correct the issue, including providing the required documentation.
Transparency for Consumers
Amazon emphasizes the importance of displaying clear product and origin information. Sellers must ensure their product listings include:
• Manufacturer or importer information.
• Responsible Person in the EU.
• Technical specifications and safety instructions.
How to Upload Required Information on Amazon?
To comply with GPSR requirements on Amazon, sellers must upload the necessary documents and information through the Account Health dashboard, specifically in the Policy Compliance → Regulatory Compliance section.
In this section, you will be prompted to upload the following:
1. Responsible Person: Details of the Responsible Person in the EU, including name, address, and contact information.
2. Manufacturer Information: The manufacturer’s name, address, and contact details.
3. Safety Documents: Documentation verifying the product’s safety, such as:
• Declaration of Conformity.
• Test certificates from accredited labs.
• Safety data sheets or manuals.
4. Product Packaging Photos: Clear images demonstrating that the product meets EU requirements, including CE marking, warning labels, and other mandatory details
Ensuring this information is uploaded and kept up-to-date is crucial for maintaining compliance and avoiding interruptions in your business operations.
What Should Sellers Do?
If you sell on Amazon and want to avoid potential issues, take the following steps immediately:
1. Designate a Responsible Person in the EU: If you haven’t already, find a service provider offering EU Responsible Person representation.
2. Ensure Complete Technical Documentation: Verify that you have all necessary certificates, test reports, and other documents. These materials must be current and readily available for review.
3. Audit Your Listings: Ensure each product listing includes all required
information, such as CE marking, QR codes, and manufacturer details.
4. Monitor Amazon Updates: Amazon frequently updates its policies to align with new regulations. Regularly check the Seller Central dashboard for new guidelines and document requests.
Conclusion
With GPSR now in effect, it has brought significant changes to the EU market, imposing stricter requirements on product safety and accountability. On Amazon, these changes are reflected in more rigorous compliance checks, documentation requirements, and listing transparency.
Sellers who prepared for these changes in advance have a competitive advantage, maintaining uninterrupted operations and building customer trust. If you have not yet complied with the new requirements, act immediately to avoid penalties or listing suspensions.
EU consumers expect high-quality, safe products – GPSR is a critical step forward in ensuring their protection. By aligning with these new standards, sellers can continue to thrive in the EU market while contributing to a safer shopping experience.