If your business sells products to customers in the EU or Northern Ireland, whether physical or digital, the updated GPSR – EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is something you need to know about.
It came into effect on 13 December 2024, replacing the old General Product Safety Directive. This new regulation has brought product safety into the modern age, with a big change for digital businesses:
Digital products are now included.
Whether you sell downloadable PDFs, e-books, software, or online courses, your products must now meet stricter safety requirements if you’re selling to EU or Northern Ireland customers.
What is the updated GPSR?
The updated GPSR is an EU regulation designed to improve the safety of products sold to consumers. It covers everything from toys and electronics to software and other digital services. Its goal is to ensure products are safe, especially with the increase in online shopping and tech-based businesses.
Although the UK is no longer in the EU, the regulation still applies to UK businesses that sell into the EU or Northern Ireland.
Key Changes Small Businesses Need to Know
Digital products are now in scope
This is one of the most significant updates. Products like software, mobile apps, online tools, e-books, and digital training content must now be assessed for safety in the same way as physical goods.
You need to consider whether your digital product could cause harm to a person’s health, safety, or mental wellbeing. For example, an online course that gives incorrect advice or a fitness app that encourages unsafe activity could fall under the GPSR if sold in the EU or Northern Ireland.
You need an EU-based representative
If you’re based in the UK and want to sell into the EU or Northern Ireland, you must appoint an EU-based “responsible person”. This individual or business will act as your contact point for product compliance and must hold documentation proving your product’s safety.
Without one, you risk being blocked from selling into those regions.
Stricter documentation and labelling requirements
You’ll need to keep clear, up-to-date records showing your product is safe. This might include test results, usage guidelines, or product risk assessments.
Products also need to carry certain safety information, including the manufacturer’s name and address and any warnings or usage restrictions.
For digital products, this could mean including pop-up safety notices, clear terms of use, or disclaimers to flag limitations and risks.
What Are the Risks of Ignoring the GPSR?
Failing to comply with the new rules could lead to:
- Your product being removed from EU or Northern Ireland marketplaces
- Fines and enforcement action
- A loss of trust with your customers and partners
- In some cases, your website or sales channel being suspended
Even for small businesses, the risks are serious, especially if you’re unknowingly breaching the regulation with digital content.
How Can You Comply?
Assess your products
Look at all physical and digital products you’re selling to the EU or Northern Ireland. Do any pose risks? Could they be misunderstood or misused?
Review your documentation
Make sure you have product information, safety notes, and risk assessments stored and accessible.
Update your customer information
Review the warnings, disclaimers, and usage information on your website or in your product delivery emails.
Appoint a responsible person
If you’re not based in the EU, appoint someone who is. This could be a distributor, agent, or third-party representative.
Need help navigating the changes?
We’ve created an easy-to-follow affordable Guide to the Updated GPSR that breaks down what you need to do and how to protect your business.
And if you want to make sure your documents, disclaimers, and digital products are compliant, book a virtual consultation with us. We’ll explain what applies to your business and help you stay on the right side of the law without the stress.