What is The GPSR?
The GPSR replaces the existing rules (The General Product Safety Directive 2001 and the Food Imitating Product Directive 1987) with the aim of bringing regulations up-to-date with the substantial growth in digital commerce.
How will this affect my small business?
The new rules will affect a range of businesses, including manufacturers, retailers, EU-based importers and online marketplaces. They are not limited to new products, but also repaired, used and reconditioned products. The GSPR does not replace other product-specific rules but is intended to act as a ‘safety net’.
The GSPR introduces new requirements in areas such as traceability to ensure transparency and product safety. These include:
- That businesses selling into the EU and Northern Ireland have a named point of contact on product safety (known as the ‘EU Responsible Person’)
- That products are traceable (for example, through a batch or serial number) in a way that is visible and accessible for consumers
- That businesses selling via an online platform verify compliance with GPSR requirements
There are some exceptions in place, for example, for living plants and animals, animal by-products, products for plant protection, and products marked for repair or reconditioning.
What should I do now?
The Federation of Small Businesses recommends that businesses with existing or potential interest in the EU market and Northern Ireland to check whether they will be subject to the new requirements under GSPR and make arrangements as necessary. If you sell via an online platform, they may have also been in touch to outline their requirements of GSPR.
FSB continues to be very concerned about the difficulties faced by SMEs exporting into the EU under the terms of the UK/EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement. SMEs are particularly vulnerable to any additional costs incurred in the course of doing business. We continue to call on UK and EU Government to come together to resolve these growth-stunting trade barriers.
FSB members can get further help and advice on this and many other topics on the FSB Legal and Business Hub.