Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)

The new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), coming into effect on December 13, 2024, introduces specific obligations and measures for operators of Shopware 6 stores to enhance product safety and transparency in online retail.

Who is affected by this?

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) affects various economic operators involved in the distribution of consumer products within the EU. The main actors are listed below:

• Manufacturers: Companies that manufacture products themselves or have them developed and market them under their own name or brand.
• Importers: Firms that import products from non-EU countries into the EU.
• Retailers: Companies that sell products directly to consumers, including brick-and-mortar and online retailers.
• Authorized Representatives: Individuals or companies based in the EU who are appointed by the manufacturer to assume certain GPSR obligations.
• Fulfillment Service Providers: Companies that handle storage, packaging, and shipping for other retailers.
• Online Marketplaces: Platforms that facilitate the online sale of products, such as Amazon, eBay, or Etsy.
• Distance Sellers: Companies that offer products through distance selling (e.g., online, telephone, catalog).

Are there any exceptions?

The GPSR covers all consumer products placed on the market in the EU, regardless of whether they are new, used, or repaired. However, the following are excluded:

• Human and veterinary medicines
• Food and animal feed
• Living plants and animals, genetically modified organisms, and their products
• Animal by-products
• Plant protection products
• Transport vehicles as part of transportation services
• Aircraft as per specific regulations
• Antiques

Existing products before the deadline: Products sold or first placed on the market in the EU before December 13, 2024, are not subject to the new GPSR requirements and may continue to be sold without new labeling obligations.

Information Obligations for Retailers

1. Manufacturer Information: Each product listing must include the manufacturer's name or trade name, postal address, and an electronic address (email or website) to ensure contact accessibility for consumers and authorities.
2. Responsible Person Information: If the manufacturer is based outside the EU, the product listing must also include contact details of a “responsible person” who assumes GPSR obligations. This information includes name, postal address, and electronic address.
3. Product Images and Type: The GPSR requires clear identification of each product. Mandatory details include product images, product category or type, and product identifiers such as serial or model numbers to allow consumers to unmistakably recognize the product.
4. Safety Information and Warnings: Where necessary, warnings and safety information must be clearly displayed on the product or its packaging. These details must be provided in the national language of the country of sale and, when sold in multiple EU countries, in the official languages of each respective country.

Our Recommendations

• Early Adjustment: Start updating product data in Shopware to ensure all relevant information meets the new requirements.
• Ensure Legal Compliance: Keep all information current and complete to avoid risks of warnings and fines.

By specifically adjusting data fields and processes in Shopware 6, you can ensure that your online store is legally compliant and optimally prepared for the new GPSR requirements.

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