E.U. Product Safety Laws Reach Sellers

"The most significant requirement for non-E.U. sellers is the obligation to designate an E.U.-based " Responsible Person," sometimes called a Responsible Economic Operator. Under the GPSR, non-E.U. manufacturers and merchants must ensure that someone inside the European Union is formally responsible for product safety compliance, such as an importer, authorized representative, fulfillment provider, distributor, or another company. The Responsible Person's contact details must appear on the product, packaging, or accompanying documentation."

"Safety-related information on ecommerce listings must be visible before purchase, not only on physical packaging. Depending on the category, product listings may require the manufacturer's name, the Responsible Person's contact details, batch numbers or other identifiers, intended use, safety warnings, and care instructions. The requirement applies to products on Amazon, Etsy, eBay, or a merchant's own ecommerce site serving E.U. customers."

"The E.U.'s General Product Safety Regulation applies to digital commerce, global supply chains, and internet-connected devices. First issued in 2001, the revised GPSR became effective in December 2024 and applies to all merchants selling into the E.U., including those based in the U.S. Unlike sector-specific rules for toys or electronics, the GPSR is a broad framework covering products and safety obligations not fully addressed elsewhere, such as home goods, sports equipment, accessories, kitchen items, and lifestyle items."

"For example, a product page on Amazon.de could include a dedicated "Product Safety" section, such as: E.U. Responsible Person: Acme E.U. Compliance GmbH, Berlin, Germany, [e-mail]: Acme Home Goods LLC, Austin, TexasProduct ID: ACG-2047Warning:"

The EU General Product Safety Regulation covers digital commerce, global supply chains, and internet-connected devices. The revised GPSR became effective in December 2024 and applies to all merchants selling into the EU, including sellers based in the U.S. The regulation is a broad framework that covers product safety obligations not fully addressed by sector-specific rules, including home goods, sports equipment, accessories, kitchen items, and lifestyle items. Non-EU manufacturers and merchants must designate an EU-based Responsible Person responsible for product safety compliance, such as an importer, authorized representative, fulfillment provider, distributor, or another company. The Responsible Person’s contact details must appear on the product, packaging, or accompanying documentation. Safety-related information on ecommerce listings must be visible before purchase and may include manufacturer name, Responsible Person contact details, identifiers, intended use, safety warnings, and care instructions.

Read at Practical Ecommerce