GPSR Authorised Representative
The General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) require that all products sold in the EU are safe.
If you're selling products to the EU or Northern Ireland then you have to have an authorised representative based in the EU.
The regulations apply from 13th December 2024.
We can make legally protecting your business simpler.
We can support you to comply with your legal obligations by providing you with an EU-based Authorised Representative Service and the template documentation to submit the safety detail of your products, saving you time and worry and quickly supporting you with your legal compliance requirements.
Does this only apply to product based businesses? Or sales of digital products too?
The legislation is designed to ensure the safety of all products sold in the EU. Predominately the legislation applies to physical goods.
On Wednesday 11th December 2024 in response to a direct question the European Commission confirmed that the legislation does apply to digital products. You can see the details here. There is a downloadable Q&A document which states:
When does the GPSR apply?
The GPSR applies to all types of products (physical or digital products too, including software) that are placed or made available on the EU Single Market
This is new legislation so there is scope for interpretation. If you have any questions as to the applicability to you and your business you should seek legal advice. Lawyers across the EU are sharing their interpretation.
FAQs:
1. Do I need to take action now?
If your products are caught by the GPSR then yes, the legislation is in force now.
2. What steps do I need to take?
You need to appoint an Authorised Representative based in the EU or Northern Ireland. You must provide them with details about the safety of your product.
3. Do I need to get a representative in every EU member state? Or every state where I make a sale?
No. You just need one EU based representative.
4. How can you help?
We're providing the link with an EU based representative. You can join our representative service to comply with your legal obligations. Once you've subscribed you'll have representation for a year. At the point of purchase we'll send you a list of questions for you to answer so that you can provide us with information about your business, what you sell and the safety elements relating to it.
5. Will you become responsible for the safety of my products?
No. At all times you as the seller remain responsible for your products and providing the safety detail to the authorised person.
6. How much is the EU authorised representative service?
£250 per year for product portfolios with low risk profiles. Educational courses and digital downloads are considered low risk profile products.
Higher rates will apply for more complicated products such as CE mark products, electronics, toys, children's products, cosmetics and medical and fitness products.
7. Why is your service so much cheaper than some I've seen?
There are some representatives charging per product and per country. The type of product you are selling and the risk profile also increases the price.
8. I'm not based in the UK, can you still help me?
Yes. This service can support any non-EU residents. If you're based in the US, Canada, Australia or anywhere outside of the EU you'll need an EU authorised representative. Please be aware that our services are conducted in English.
I want this supportWhat else do I need to know?
Once you've signed up with us we'll ask you to provide us with some initial information.
Once we've had the chance to review that, we will also need you to upload further information about your products.
We will be responsible for managing that information and submitting it to relevant requesting authorities.
It will be your responsibility to keep us updated about any changes to your products across the representative period.
I want the Authorised Representative Service