Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) and IONOS stores
Please use the “Print” function at the bottom of the page to create a PDF.
Since December 13, 2024, the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) has been in force, setting forth requirements regarding the safety of consumer products. This article provides an initial overview of this EU regulation and the obligations it imposes upon you.
Please Note
IONOS offers no legal advice and assumes no liability for the completeness and accuracy of the content of this article. If you have specific questions, please contact your legal advisor.
Support with GPSR implementation
Please note that, due to the complexity and scope of the GPSR, this article can only provide a brief overview of the subject. Binding advice regarding necessary adjustments in your specific case should be sought from specialized lawyers, trade associations, and similar organizations—such as your local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).
What is the GPSR and what does it regulate?
The GPSR is an EU Regulation (2023/988). It aims to ensure that only safe products for consumers are placed on the market within the EU. Safe product use is ensured through various aspects, for example:
Construction and design
Instructions for use
Warnings and safety instructions
This will not only place obligations on manufacturers, but also on retailers, for example, who must pass on warning notices and the manufacturer's address.
Which products are covered by the GPSR?
In principle, the GPRS applies, in whole or in part, to all consumer products placed on the EU market on or after December 13, 2024, provided that no other specific provisions regarding the safety of these products apply.
Some products are exempt from the GPSR, for example
Food and animal feed
Human and veterinary medicinal products
Antiques
Who must observe the GPSR?
Practically all parties involved (economic operators) in the supply chain of a consumer product are held accountable. These are, for example
- Manufacturer
- Importers
- Distributors
What do online retailers need to consider?
If, as a user of an IONOS online shop, you offer consumer products via distance selling, each product offer must include at least the following information (GPSR, Article 19):
The manufacturer's name, registered trade name or trademark, as well as their postal address and email address.
If the manufacturer is not based in the EU, the name, address and email address of the responsible person must be provided.
Information to identify the product, e.g. product image and product type.
- Warnings or safety information in a language that is easy for consumers to understand and can be found on the product, the packaging, or in the accompanying documents.
Please note that these mandatory GPSR details apply only to products placed on the EU market for the first time on or after December 13, 2024.
What do manufacturers need to consider?
As a manufacturer of consumer products, you already have to fulfill a number of mandatory requirements, for example
CE labeling
Designation of use restrictions
Product description
The GPSR introduces further requirements, for example:
Product risk assessment
Designation of a responsible person in the EU (if the manufacturer is outside the EU)
Clear safety and warning notices on the product
Note that even as an online retailer, you can become a manufacturer if you significantly modify your merchandise.