The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) outlines specific obligations for various economic operators to ensure the safety of non-food consumer products. But what exactly are the roles involved, and what responsibilities do they carry? Moreover, it’s important to note that a single business can qualify as more than one economic operator under the GPSR.
Who Are the Economic Operators Under the GPSR?
Manufacturers are at the heart of product safety. They are required to ensure that their products meet all safety standards and are traceable throughout the supply chain. This includes conducting appropriate risk assessments, testing, and ensuring the product design is safe for consumer use. They must also keep records and provide detailed product information when requested by regulators.
Importers are responsible for ensuring that products entering the European market from outside the EU comply with the GPSR. This includes verifying that the products meet EU safety standards and that they are properly labeled and traceable. Importers must not place unsafe products on the market, and they are also required to maintain records and cooperate with regulatory authorities.
Distributors must verify that the products they distribute comply with the GPSR and do not pose a risk to consumer safety. This means checking that products are properly labeled and that all necessary safety information is provided. Distributors are also required to act swiftly if they become aware of safety issues, including stopping sales and informing authorities if needed.
Online Platforms play a critical role in e-commerce and are obligated under the GPSR to remove unsafe products from their marketplaces. Even though an online marketplace is not officially considered an economic operator, we still want to mention it here because, like the economic operators listed above, it has its own obligations under the GPSR. They must have mechanisms in place to detect and prevent the sale of non-compliant or unsafe products, particularly with the rise of cross-border online shopping.
Can a Business Qualify as Multiple Economic Operators?
Yes, a single business can fall under more than one category of economic operator. For example, a company that manufactures products in-house and sells them directly to consumers would qualify as both a manufacturer and a distributor. Understanding how you qualify is essential for meeting your specific obligations under the GPSR.
How to Determine Your Role
To help businesses identify their roles and responsibilities under the GPSR, we have a decision tree (or "decision-making tool"). This tool allows you to determine whether you qualify as a manufacturer, importer, distributor, online platform, or potentially multiple roles simultaneously. Knowing your exact role(s) ensures that you understand and comply with all applicable safety requirements.
GPSR templates
We recognize that becoming compliant with the GPSR can be a complex and daunting task. That’s why our GPSR templates are designed to help you achieve compliance quickly, efficiently, and easily. Let us assist you in navigating this new regulatory landscape and ensure your business is fully prepared.