Skip to content
GPSR
GPSR Timeline

Understanding the General Product Safety Regulation

The GPSR is a regulatory framework designed to ensure the safety of products placed on the European market. It works in alignment with the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) but operates specifically at the product level. The GPSR requires manufacturers to conduct internal risk assessments of their products before they are made available to consumers. This process involves providing detailed documentation that includes a general product description, relevant characteristics, and any potential risks associated with the product. If risks are identified, they must be analysed and reduced or eliminated, often through measures such as material testing for harmful substances like chemicals.


The responsibility for ensuring a product’s safety lies with the entity bringing it into the EU market. This means that businesses offering products to customers must be able to document their safety. The internal risk analysis focuses on identifying potential harm, and any identified risks must be addressed to minimise them before the product reaches consumers. For example, testing materials and components for hazards is an essential part of this process.

 

If a product is already covered by other harmonized EU regulations, such as the Textile Regulation, it is not directly subject to the GPSR. For example, the Textile Regulation is primarily a labeling regulation and does not set specific safety requirements for textile products. In such cases, the GPSR acts as a safety net, ensuring that products are still safe if the sector-specific regulation does not adequately address certain risks or safety aspects. For textiles, Article 6 of the GPSR does not apply directly, but it can be used as a reference to ensure product safety.

Possible product safety factors
 
The GPSR identifies different types of hazards that might be linked to a product. These types of hazards need to be listed along with a detailed product description, and any potential risks must be recorded. While companies don’t have to complete a full safety check for every product on the market, they must have enough information ready to create one if required. This helps ensure that product safety can be checked and risks reduced throughout its use.
GPSR safety factors

Does the General Product Safety Regulation affect your company?

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) applies to all companies selling products in the EU market. It is a new, important part of the EU's product safety framework. Starting from December 13, 2024, it will replace the current General Product Safety Directive. This regulation doesn't just outline safety requirements for products but also highlights the need for companies to manage and document risks throughout the product’s lifecycle.

Read below to understand how to comply with the GPSR to ensure your products meet the updated safety standards. 

 

Watch our GPSR webinar to learn how to set up a comprehensive risk assessment using the Delogue platform.

GPSR 6 product safety steps

How to work with the General Product Safety Regulation?

To comply with the GPSR, your company needs to follow several key steps to ensure the safety of your products on the market.

First, you must conduct an internal risk assessment for each product your company offers. Regardless of your supplier's location, you, as the company making the product available in the EU market, are ultimately responsible for ensuring these risk assessments and descriptions are properly conducted.

As a result of the internal risk assessment a technical documentation for each product should be prepared. This documentation should include a general description of the product, along with details of its specific characteristics. If there are any potential risks associated with the product based on these descriptions, they must be identified, analyzed, and addressed. It's also important to continuously monitor for any emerging safety issues. Stay updated on any changes or new developments related to your product, and make sure any adjustments are reflected in your safety assessments.

While it is not mandatory to have a fully completed safety assessment for every single product you offer, you are required to have enough information available to form one if necessary and to have taken action, if any hazards were present for the specific product. 

How is the General Product Safety Regulation connected to other initiatives, regulations and laws?

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is closely linked to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Both regulations focus on minimizing negative impacts identified through risk assessments. However, while the CSDDD takes a broader view by addressing risks related to a company's activities within its supply chain, the GPSR is specifically product-focused.