General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)

Introduction to GPSR

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is a European Union regulation that ensures consumer products placed on the market are safe for use. The regulation applies to a wide range of consumer goods and aims to protect the health and safety of consumers by setting safety standards and requiring product monitoring and recall mechanisms.

Purpose of the GPSR

The primary purpose of the General Product Safety Regulation is to ensure that products sold in the European market do not pose risks to the health or safety of consumers. The regulation provides a framework for manufacturers, importers, and distributors to follow when designing, manufacturing, and distributing consumer products.

Key Requirements of the GPSR

The GPSR outlines several key requirements that manufacturers and distributors must follow to ensure product safety:

• Safety of Products: All consumer products must be safe for use and free from hazards that could harm users.
• Risk Assessment: Manufacturers must conduct thorough risk assessments of products before placing them on the market.
• Traceability: Products must be traceable through a product registration system, allowing for easy identification in case of safety issues.
• Recall Procedures: If a product is found to be unsafe, manufacturers must have a procedure in place to recall it from the market.
• Labeling Requirements: Products must include safety information and instructions to prevent misuse.

GPSR Compliance

To comply with the General Product Safety Regulation, businesses must ensure their products meet the following criteria:

• Conformity with Safety Standards: Manufacturers should follow European safety standards and conduct testing to ensure products meet the required safety levels.
• Surveillance and Reporting: Ongoing product surveillance is required. If a product is found to be unsafe, authorities and consumers must be informed.
• Corrective Actions: If a safety issue is detected, manufacturers must take corrective actions such as product recalls or issuing safety warnings.