Recently, a new regulation on general product safety (GPSR – General Product Safety Regulation) came into force across the European Union, introducing stricter rules for selling goods. Online shops must disclose more product information and ensure the goods offered meet health protection standards. The aim of these measures is to enhance consumer safety by providing all essential usage instructions directly with the products and allowing clear identification of suppliers in case of issues.
Key obligations that must be followed include:
- Providing product information:
- Product identification details must include clear information such as name, type, and image.
- The product description should include manufacturer details such as name, postal address, email, and website. If the manufacturer is based outside the EU, contact details of a responsible person within the EU must be provided.
- Product traceability:
- Online shop operators should store information about suppliers and product distribution for at least 10 years.
- Safety procedures:
- Safety information must be available in a language consumers understand, aligned with the requirements of the country where the product is sold. For example, when selling children’s toys, age restrictions and safety warnings must be clearly provided in the local language.
- Cooperation with regulatory authorities:
- Online shops are expected to cooperate actively with market surveillance authorities and provide the necessary information to ensure product safety.
How Do These Changes Affect Your Online Shop?
In line with the new GPSR regulation, it is necessary to ensure that all products in your online shop include complete information such as name, type, image, safety instructions, and manufacturer details.
Additionally, it is crucial to implement internal processes for product tracking, including storing supplier and distribution information for at least 10 years and preparing procedures for the recall of hazardous products from the market.
Adapting to these changes will not only ensure legal compliance but also strengthen customer trust.
