In the world of e-commerce, especially when it comes to selling on Amazon, regulatory compliance is key to maintaining a successful business. On December 13, 2024, the new European product safety regulation - General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) or General Product Safety Regulation comes into force, which sets clear requirements for all retailers of consumer goods in the European Union.
In this article, we'll take a look at why this regulation is important, what it entails, and what steps you need to take to ensure compliance and continue to sell seamlessly on the Amazon platform.
Why is the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) important?
The GPSR was created to improve consumer protection in the EU by ensuring the safety of products sold within the European Union. The regulation covers the majority of non-food consumer products and requires them to be safe for use. In addition to new products, the GPSR also applies to used, repaired and refurbished goods, ensuring a uniform safety standard for all products on the market.
For Amazon sellers in the EU, the GPSR is important because non-compliance can lead to removal of products from the platform, sanctions or even banning of sales.
Who does GPSR affect?
The GPSR affects all sellers of non-food products who sell on Amazon EU (Amazon's European marketplaces), including second-hand sellers as well as branded sellers who have not yet provided product responsible information.
What do you need to do to be GPSR compliant?
Responsible Person Information – According to the GPSR, every offer on Amazon must contain details of the responsible person, which can be the manufacturer, importer or authorized representative based in the EU. This information must be provided at brand level, giving the name and contact details of the responsible person (e-mail).
Manufacturer Information – Manufacturer details (name and contact information) must be present both on the product page on Amazon and on the product label if sold in the EU.
Safety Information – Sellers must include warnings and safety information that are specific to the product and translated into the language of the country where the product will be sold. This information can be uploaded as images, documentation or certificates.
How to upload information to Amazon?
All required data can be uploaded via Amazon Seller Central:
• Responsible Person and Manufacturer: Log in to Seller Central and select “Account Status” then complete the required information in “Regulatory Compliance”.
• Documentation and Certificates: Required documents can be uploaded as images or PDF files via "Catalog > Upload Images > Image Manager".
• Quick upload for multiple items: If you offer many products, you can use bulk upload via .zip image file and .xls product documentation template.
GPSR FAQ
1. What are the main product safety requirements in the EU?
• Products must be safe to use and safety information must be provided in the language of the market in which the product is sold.
2.Should every product have a Responsible Person and Manufacturer?
• Yes, these are mandatory requirements. Each brand must have a designated responsible person in the EU, and the manufacturer and its contacts must be mentioned on the product page.
3.How can I check if I am GPSR compliant?
• Amazon provides a dedicated page for compliance (Product Safety and Compliance) where you can check if your products meet GPSR requirements. For further guidance and assistance, contact us at S4AMZ – our team is here to help with advice and updates.
How can we help you?
If you need help preparing your business for GPSR and ensuring compliance for your products on Amazon, the S4AMZ team is here to assist you. We can help you with:
• Consultations on the specific requirements of GPSR;
• Tips for correctly completing and uploading documentation to Amazon;
• Assistance for the selection and registration of a responsible person and manufacturer in the EU;
• Updates on changes in regulatory requirements.
Contact us at s4amz.com and we will do our best to ensure the continued success of your Amazon business while ensuring the safety and satisfaction of your customers.