Overview
Anyone selling products to consumers in the EU must comply with its requirements. Following the amendment to the ProdSG on 19 February 2026, specific administrative offences subject to fines also apply in Germany. In November 2025, the European Commission published guidelines on the interpretation of the GPSR. This article summarises what the GPSR regulates, who it affects and which requirements you now need to implement in your online shop.
What is the the General Product Safety Regulation?
The General Product Safety Regulation, GPSR, Regulation (EU) 2023/988, is the EU regulation that replaced the former General Product Safety Directive of 2001 on 13 December 2024. It establishes a consistent level of safety for consumer products throughout the EU and adapts the legal framework to modern sales channels, particularly online marketplaces, dropshipping and direct imports from non-EU countries.
Why was the the General Product Safety Regulation introduced?
Who does the General Product Safety Regulation apply to?
The GPSR applies to all parties that place products for consumers on the EU market, including:
- Manufacturers
- Importers and distributors
- Online retailers and marketplace operators, such as Amazon
- Fulfilment service providers
Providers based outside the EU that sell products to customers in Europe are also subject to the requirements. They remain responsible unless they appoint another responsible person established in the EU.
What information is required by the General Product Safety Regulation?
Manufacturer, importer & retailer
- The manufacturer’s name and address
- An electronic means of contact, such as an email address or a dedicated contact section on the website. According to the EU guidelines published in November 2025, a website URL alone is not sufficient
- A product description
- Clearly recognisable product images
- Information that allows the product to be identified, such as a model number, item number or serial number
- Warnings and safety information relating to risks during use, provided in an easily understandable official language. In Germany, this information must be provided in German under the version of the ProdSG in force since 19 February 2026
- A rating plate and instructions for use
- A list of the conformity assessment procedures applied
- The relevant legislation, including the EU directives or regulations with which the product complies
- A list of the technical standards with which the manufacturer claims compliance, such as EN standards
Please note: For products originating outside the EU, details of the responsible person established in the EU must also be displayed. This is usually the importer, a fulfilment service provider or an authorised representative appointed by the manufacturer in writing.
Online retailers & marketplace providers
- A central point of contact for enquiries from market surveillance authorities
- A contact option for consumers with questions about product safety, as well as internal processes that ensure product safety on an ongoing basis
- Registration of the single point of contact in the European Commission’s Safety Gate Portal in accordance with Article 22(1) GPSR
- Active handling of reports and feedback. Public product warnings appear in Safety Gate, while businesses report dangerous products through the Safety Business Gateway in accordance with Article 20 GPSR
- Transparent and timely communication with consumers in the event of product recalls
- Close cooperation with authorities, manufacturers and other parties to remove dangerous products from the market quickly
- Implementation of measures ordered by the authorities, such as removing listings, blocking access or publishing warnings, within two working days
Which products does the GPSR apply to?
As a general rule, the GPSR applies to all consumer products unless more specific EU legislation serving the same protective purpose applies. Typical examples include:
- Car accessories
- Electronics
- Household and office supplies
- Household goods, kitchenware and furniture
- Pet products
- DIY products, tools, hardware and gardening equipment
- Clothing, footwear and accessories
- Personal care and beauty products
- Jewellery and accessories
- Toys and children’s products
- Sports and outdoor equipment
Which products are not covered by the GPSR?
The following are excluded in particular:
- Medicinal products for human and veterinary use
- Food and animal feed
- Plant protection products
- Living plants and animals
- Animal by-products and derived products
- Means of transport and aircraft
- Antiques
What penalties may apply in the event of non-compliance?
Conclusion on the General Product Safety Regulation
Should your online shop not yet be fully compliant with the GPSR, our shop system helps you implement the requirements correctly from both a technical and process perspective, from mandatory product information to recall and reporting processes.
FAQ
When did the General Product Safety Regulation take effect?
The GPSR, Regulation (EU) 2023/988, has applied directly in all EU Member States since 13 December 2024. It replaces the General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC and large parts of the German Product Safety Act.
Who is affected by the GPSR?
The GPSR affects all economic operators offering consumer products in the EU, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, online retailers, marketplace operators and fulfilment service providers. Providers based outside the EU that sell into the EU must appoint a responsible person established in the EU.
What mandatory information must an online shop provide under the GPSR?
Mandatory information includes the manufacturer’s name and address, an electronic means of contact, a product description and product images, clear product identification such as a model or serial number, warnings and safety information in the relevant official language, and details of conformity assessment procedures, applicable EU legislation and technical standards. For products originating outside the EU, details of the responsible person established in the EU must also be provided.
What is the difference between Safety Gate and the Safety Business Gateway?
The Safety Gate Portal is the EU’s public warning portal for unsafe products. In accordance with Article 22 GPSR, online marketplaces register their single point of contact there. The Safety Business Gateway is the reporting tool through which economic operators notify market surveillance authorities of accidents and dangerous products in accordance with Article 20 GPSR.
Does the GPSR also apply to B2B transactions?
The GPSR applies to consumer products regardless of the sales channel. Businesses that distribute consumer products through B2B channels are therefore also covered. Products that are used exclusively for commercial purposes and would not reach consumers under reasonably foreseeable conditions are excluded.
Can products placed on the market before 13 December 2024 still be sold?
Yes. Individual product units that were first placed on the EU market before 13 December 2024 may continue to be sold and do not need to be adapted retrospectively to the new labelling and information requirements. The relevant factor is when each individual unit was first placed on the market, not whether it was merely offered for sale before the deadline.
Is a website URL sufficient as an “electronic means of contact”?
No. According to the European Commission’s GPSR guidelines published in November 2025, a website address alone is not sufficient. An email address or a dedicated contact section on the website is required, allowing consumers to contact the manufacturer or responsible person directly.
Does the GPSR also apply to second-hand products?
Yes. Second-hand products are generally covered by the GPSR. Exceptions apply only to antiques and products that are expressly marked as requiring repair or reconditioning before being used again.
Must safety information be provided in German?
Yes. Following the amendment to the ProdSG on 19 February 2026, warnings, safety information and instructions for use must be provided in German for products offered in Germany.