GPSR for small businesses selling into the EU

Who does the GPSR impact?

The regulation applies to consumer products regardless of company size and broadly across industries, but it is particularly relevant for:

• E-commerce sellers on platforms such as Amazon, Shopify or WooCommerce.
• Marketplace vendors operating on platforms like eBay or Etsy.
• Direct-to-consumer brands shipping directly into the EU.
• Niche creators offering handmade or custom products.

If your business falls into any of these categories, GPSR compliance is now a fundamental requirement.

Key GPSR requirements

The regulation introduces stricter obligations for businesses, including:

• Product safety assessments to ensure goods are safe under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use, taking into account vulnerable consumers such as children, older people and persons with disabilities (Art. 5, Art. 6(1)(e)).
• Traceability measures: a type, batch or serial number on the product (Art. 9(5)) and records of who supplied you and to whom you supplied the product, which authorities can request for six years (Art. 15(3) and (5)).
• Labeling standards: clear product labels with batch or serial numbers and the manufacturer's contact details (Art. 9(5) and (6)), plus safety warnings and instructions in a language that consumers easily understand, as determined by the member state of the target market (Art. 9(7)).
• Designation of a Responsible Person for businesses based outside the EU (Art. 16 GPSR, which refers to the tasks in Art. 4(3) of Regulation (EU) 2019/1020).

Steps to prepare for the GPSR

1. 1.Understand your obligations: Familiarize yourself with GPSR requirements covering safety, labeling and traceability. Every product must undergo a safety evaluation to confirm compliance. For manufacturers, this is the internal risk analysis under Art. 9(2).
2. 2.Conduct risk assessments: Review your products for potential hazards, especially connected or IoT-enabled devices, which may require additional safeguards (Art. 6(1)(g)).
3. 3.Update product labeling: Ensure all product labels are clear, accurate and compliant with EU language and content requirements.
4. 4.Appoint a Responsible Person: Non-EU businesses must appoint an EU-based Responsible Person, unless another economic operator in the EU, such as an importer, takes the role. Its contact details appear on the product, its packaging, the parcel or an accompanying document (Art. 16(3)), reassuring both regulators and consumers.

Why compliance matters

Compliance with GPSR extends beyond legal obligations. It is a way to:

• Protect consumers and reduce safety risks.
• Strengthen brand trust and reputation.
• Secure access to valuable EU markets.

Non-compliance may result in fines under the penalty rules of the member states (Art. 44), product recalls, reputational harm or blocked access to EU marketplaces.

How Representa GmbH supports businesses

At Representa, we simplify GPSR compliance for small businesses and international sellers. Our services include:

• Tailored guidance on regulatory requirements through compliance consulting.
• Comprehensive product risk assessments.
• Support with labeling and traceability compliance.
• Acting as your EU-based Responsible Person.

The time to act is now

The GPSR already applies. Small businesses, from Etsy sellers to direct-to-consumer brands, must take proactive steps to comply. With Representa GmbH as your compliance partner, you can confidently meet GPSR requirements, protect your brand and maintain seamless access to the EU market.