GPSD General Product Safety Directive
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As a full-service compliance partner, Certification Experts is here to guide you through the complexities of the GPSD and ensure your products meet the necessary safety requirements to enter the European market.
What is the GPSD?
The GPSD EU, or General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC, is a crucial piece of legislation that sets out the general safety requirements for consumer products sold within the European Union (EU). It applies to products that are not covered by specific EU directives or regulations regarding safety.
Why is the GPSD important?
The general product safety directive is designed to guarantee the safety of products that do not fall under the CE marking process. It requires manufacturers to only place safe products on the market and inform consumers about any potential risks associated with the use of their products.
Understanding the GPSD Directive
The GPSD directive outlines the following key requirements for companies:
- Ensure the safety of all products before they are placed on the market.
- Inform consumers about any risks associated with the use of their products.
- Ensure that products that pose a risk can be traced and removed from the market.
Challenges with the GPSD
Navigating the GPSD can be complex, as it requires a thorough understanding of product classification, relevant regulations, and the specific conformity assessment procedures. This is where Certification Experts can provide invaluable guidance and support.
How Certification Experts can help with the General Product Safety Directive
Our team of experts at Certification Experts can assist you with the following GPSD compliance services:
- Product classification and identification of applicable regulations
- Guidance on the conformity assessment procedure
- Technical documentation and risk assessment support
- Testing and inspection services
- Quality management system implementation
- Authorized representative services for non-EU companies
Find out more about what our experts can do for you to reach compliance with the EU General Product Safety Regulations:
| Block 1: Compliance Certifications Experts will help you enter the European Market with your products. We offer complete certification guidance and expert services in order to ensure your product is compliant with the CE marking legislation. Consultancy and advice on problem solving Stipulate route to compliance Determine the applicable standards, directives and regulations Guiding the conformity assessment procedure (with accredited third-party) Perform product testing On-site inspections Design review Support with technical documentation Perform risk assessment | Block 2: Route to Compliance For every market, Certification Experts can provide a practical compliance roadmap. We offer guidance on cost and time efficiency regarding certification to be able to access the European market. Classification of relevant standards, directives, and regulations Determining how the applicable product legislation applies to your product Selecting (harmonised) standards Setting up test procedures Describing the steps of the conformity assessment procedure Determining roles and responsibilities of the parties involved | Block 3: Engineering Review Certification Experts can review your designs and assist you through the developmental phase to ensure that all critical safety standards are met. Design Review Pre-compliance testing Consultancy and advice on problem solving |
| Block 4: Risk Assessment Carrying out a Risk Assessment is required for CE Marking. If you are unsure of how to carry out a risk assessment, Certification Experts can support you and provide full guidance toward your risk assessment. Verification of the existing risk assessment Guidance in performing a risk assessment Training in risk assessment and use of Safexpert software Safexpert risk assessment software (TÜV certified). | Block 5: Inspection In order to check your product, Certification Experts can conduct inspections at your location. Based on the inspection our experts will provide advice on the product compliance. Conduct inspection on-site or digitally Checking overall safety | Block 6: Testing In order to ensure absolute compliance of your products with the applicable legislation, the products should be tested. Certification Experts can carry out the required tests and advise you on potentially required modifications. Electronics (EMC, LV, RED, RoHS) Machinery Toys Medical devices Personal protective equipment Construction products Measuring instruments Pressure equipment In-house testing Accredited testing Advice on non-conformities |
| Block 7: Technical File In order to demonstrate the compliance of your product, a technical file is required. Certification Experts review the documentation necessary for the technical file and guide you in composing it. Evaluating, guiding and providing instructions for use. Evaluating, guiding and preparing risk assessment. Assemble technical file Assessing technical file Drafting the Declaration of Conformity (DoC) template Review user information | Block 8: Quality Management System (QMS)Certification Experts can set up, implement, review and maintain a Quality Management System (QMS) for your organisation. We provide an appropriate QMS based on your situation and wishes. ISO 9001 ISO 13485 Article 10 Quality Management System MDR | Block 9: Authorised Representative (AR) AR Experts (part of Certification Experts) offers Authorised Representative (AR) services for companies located outside of Europe. Verifying the Declaration of Conformity, user manual, CE logo and the technical documentation Retainment of technical documentation + Declaration of Conformity at the disposal of qualified authorities Provide all necessary information and documentation to qualified authorities at their request Immediate notification of the manufacturer in the event of complaints and reports |
| Block 10: Expert Consulting Certification Experts provides consultancy on every aspect of CE marking. Electronics (EMC, LV, RED, RoHS) Machinery Toys Medical devices Personal protective equipment Construction products Measuring instruments Pressure equipment Advice surrounding applicable product legislation Contra expertise Contact authorities Legal support |
The future of the GPSD
The European Commission has proposed to reform the EU GPSD through a new regulation, the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR). This proposal aims to address the evolving safety challenges posed by new technologies and the growth of online sales. While the current general product safety directive is still in effect, Certification Experts can help you navigate the upcoming changes and ensure your compliance.
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All the answers you might need!
The GPSD is the current directive in place, while the GPSR (General Product Safety Regulations) is a proposed reform by the European Commission to update the legislation and address new challenges.
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 GPSD applies to consumer products that are not covered by specific EU directives or regulations regarding safety, ensuring the general safety of these products before they can be placed on the European market.