GPSR Responsible Person
Starting December 2024, the GPSR requires non-EU manufacturers to appoint a Responsible Person within the EU. Certification Experts offers:
- Compliance with General Product Safety Regulations (GSPR) (EU) No 1025/2012
- Act as your GPSR Responsible Person
- Reliable representation and support in the EU
Trust AR Experts to be your GPSR Responsible Person
From Directive to Regulation as from December 2024
As from December 2024, the new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) will be effective. Compared to the GPSD, there will be more focus on online sales and product traceability.
The major changes of the regulation are:
- Increased responsibilities for online platforms: online platforms such as Amazon and bol. Are being held more accountable for the products sold through their websites.
- Strict requirements for product traceability: all products sold must by easily traceable throughout the supply chain. The packaging should include the manufacturer, distribution parties and the final responsible party.
- Requirements for EU representation: Companies based outside the EU and wish to sell products within the EU are required to have a GPSR Responsible Person (RP) within the EU.
- More efficient recalls: meaning that products can be recalled faster once a product is unsafe or non-compliant, minimizing potential harm to customers.
Choose us as your GPSR Responsible person!
Why Appoint a GPSR Responsible Person?
Many online platforms as Amazon and Bol. are preparing for the new regulation and demand from manufacturers to already be prepared and sell products which are in compliance with the GPSR. However, they are reluctant to take the responsibilities of an RP due to the increased obligations and liabilities involved. Therefore, it is necessary for manufacturers outside of the EU, to have a third party involved to act as an RP.
In addition to the obligation by these third parties, appointing an RP is necessary because:
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure your products meet all GPSR requirements.
- Market Access: Gain seamless entry and maintain a presence in the EU market.
- Consumer Trust: Boost confidence in your product’s safety and compliance.
What are the responsibilities of a Responsible Person?
The responsibilities of a GPSR – RP include:
- Compliance verification: Ensure that the products comply with the relevant safety requirements
- Technical documentation: Maintain and provide access to the technical documentation that demonstrates the products’ compliance with safety regulations.
- Product tests: Verify that test reports and certificates from accredited laboratories are accurate and valid
- Corrective actions: Implement corrective actions if a product is found to be non-compliant or holds a safety risk
- Liaison with authorities: Act as the main point of contact between the manufacturer and regulatory authorities
- Labeling and instructions: Ensure that products are correctly labeled with al required safety information and warnings
By fulfilling these responsibilities, a GPSR Responsible Person plays a crucial role in ensuring that products are safe for consumers and comply with regulatory requirements, thereby protecting both the company and its customers.
What AR Experts can offer
AR Experts offers a comprehensive Responsible Person service to help you navigate the complexities of GPSR compliance. Our team of experts will:
- Act as the official contact point within the EU for all product-related regulatory matters.
- Maintain and provide access to technical documentation.
- Cooperate with EU authorities in case of product inspections or audits.
- Ensure proper labeling and information dissemination in accordance with GPSR.
- Manage product recalls and safety notifications if necessary.
Benefits of Choosing AR Experts
- Expertise and Experience: Our team has extensive knowledge of EU regulations and product compliance.
- Reliable Partnership: We are dedicated to ensuring your products comply with all necessary standards.
- Peace of Mind: Focus on your core business while we handle your regulatory responsibilities
EU Authorised Representative
EC REP
UK Responsible Person
UK Authorised Representative
Authorised Representative
An Authorised Representative (AR) can be of service for manufacturers based outside of the EU and the UK who want to sell their product on the EU and UK market. An Authorised Representative acts on behalf of the manufacturer and ensures that the products being sold on the market comply with the applicable product compliance legislations, meaning they provide you with Authorised Representative services. This concerns products that are sold either directly, via e-commerce (online), or through a fulfilment service provider.
Whether you want UK or EU Authorised Representative services, AR Experts has both the knowledge and the experience to fulfil this role for you.
- EU Authorised Representative (EU AR)
- EC Rep (EU AR for Medical Devices)
- UK Authorised Representative (UK AR)
- UK Responsible Person (UKRP for Medical Devices)
Swiss Authorised Representative (CH-REP)
To comply with the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD), it’s essential to prioritize consumer safety. Start by conducting a comprehensive safety assessment of your products, identifying potential hazards and assessing associated risks. Understanding your role as a manufacturer, importer, distributor, or retailer is crucial, as it determines your specific responsibilities under GPSD.
The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) 2023/988, effective from June 12, 2023, is designed to address evolving societal changes affecting consumer product safety. It adapts to increasing digitalization, technological advancements, and global supply chains. The aim is to ensure the safety of all consumer products on the EU market, both offline and online.
The regulation achieves this by:
- Considering factors like product evolution and interconnectivity in safety assessments.
- Improving product safety conditions between online and offline sales.
- Implementing specific safety requirements for online marketplaces to protect consumers from hazardous products.
- Extending the requirement for non-harmonized products imported to the EU to have a responsible economic operator in the EU.
- Empowering national authorities with enhanced enforcement capabilities.
- Ensuring effective product recalls by facilitating direct consumer contact and standardized recall notices.
Notably, Directives 87/357/EEC and 2001/95/EC are repealed, effective from December 13, 2024.
The GPSD is a European Union directive that sets out general safety requirements for consumer products. It does not require the use of the CE mark. Instead, it focuses on the general safety of consumer products placed on the market, emphasizing risk assessment, monitoring, and corrective actions in case of safety concerns. The GPSD is not limited to specific product categories and is applicable to a wide range of consumer goods.
The General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) does not specifically require a “Declaration of Conformity” in the same way that some other European Union directives and regulations do. The Declaration of Conformity is an official document associated with CE marking and strict adherence to specific directives and regulations. The GPSD makes use of the Declaration of Compliance, which underscores a broader perspective on consumer product safety.