As an eCommerce, you surely know that overlooking at regulatory requirements can eventually put your business in deep waters. Achieving success is only possible when you are complying to compliance standards. And one such significant compliance that is reshaping how products are listed and sold in the EU and UK is the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR).
So, if you are a Shopify seller or other platforms operating on various marketplaces,here’s everything you need to know about GPSR compliance. With this comprehensive guide, learn how to align your business for compliance while optimizing your eCommerce operations.
What is GPSR?
While consumer safety is key, the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) ensures that all products sold in the EU are safe for everyone. The regulation, which came into effect on December 13, 2024, replaced older directives to address modern product risks and emerging eCommerce models more effectively. Businesses selling in the EU and UK, therefore, were imposed with requirements such as:
- Provide detailed product information.
- Conduct risk assessments.
- Ensure products meet compliance through testing and certification.
For Shopify sellers, this means re-evaluating product listings to include comprehensive details like safety warnings, batch numbers, and conformity documentation.
Selling in the EU and UK Under GPSR
Selling products in the EU and UK involves more than creating visually appealing listings. Businesses must:
- Appoint an Economic Operator:
- GPSR mandates that non-EU businesses selling products in the EU appoint an Economic Operator (EO) such as an authorized representative or importer. This EO ensures regulatory compliance and serves as a contact point for market authorities.
- Provide Technical Documentation:
- Sellers must upload or maintain records, including test results, risk analyses, and declarations of conformity.
- Label Products Properly:
- Compliance labels, warnings, and responsible party details are now required on the product and its packaging.
For Shopify sellers, using apps or services that integrate compliance workflows into your store can simplify meeting these requirements.
The Role of Economic Operators
Economic Operators act as the bridge between sellers and regulatory authorities. The key roles include:
- Verifying product documentation.
- Responding to inquiries from enforcement agencies.
- Taking corrective actions if necessary, including recalls.
Platforms like Euverify provide seamless EO services, ensuring that businesses selling in the EU and UK can easily meet these obligations.
Implications for Ecommerce Platforms
Shopify Sellers:
When it comes to platform implications, Shopify listings must include additional product information required by GPSR. Sellers can automate compliance tasks such as generating declarations of conformity (DoCs) and maintaining technical files with third-party tools.
Amazon, Etsy, and Other Marketplaces:
Other marketplaces such as Amazon and Etsy, now hold more responsibility to ensure seller compliance. GPSR can lead to stricter onboarding processes, listing suspensions for non-compliance, and increased fees to cover compliance checks.
The introduction of GPSR has forced many businesses to reevaluate their operations and invest in compliance processes. For some small sellers, these changes have posed challenges, including increased operational costs and the need for specialised knowledge. However, it also provides an opportunity to differentiate products by ensuring they meet the highest safety standards.
What Shopify Sellers Should Do
- Understand GPSR Requirements:
- Familiarize yourself with GPSR’s detailed requirements for your product categories.
- Identify any gaps in your current listings, such as missing safety labels or conformity documentation.
- Update Product Listings:
- Include all required product details, such as manufacturer information, safety warnings, and batch numbers.
- Ensure technical files are readily available for upload or inspection.
- Leverage Compliance Tools:
- Use Shopify apps or platforms like Euverify to manage compliance documentation, generate necessary certificates, and appoint Economic Operators.
- Communicate with Suppliers:
- Ensure your suppliers provide the required test reports and certifications.
- Work collaboratively to streamline compliance efforts.
- Train Your Team:
- Educate your staff about GPSR requirements and how to handle compliance inquiries or processes effectively.
How Euverify Can Help
Euverify, a compliance SaaS platform, empowers ecommerce businesses to:
- Create step-by-step compliance documents for GPSR and other regulations.
- Upload and manage technical files.
- Appoint Economic Operators for seamless EU and UK market entry.
- Integrate compliance into ecommerce platforms for effortless management.
Moreover, if you are a Shopify seller, Euverify can bridge the gap by offering apps that streamline compliance and enhance your listings, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.
Embracing Compliance for Growth
Selling and growing your eCommerce business is just one part of the journey—embracing regulatory compliance is an opportunity to build trust. By meeting GPSR requirements, you’re not only safeguarding your business but also strengthening your reputation with consumers and marketplaces.
At Sweans, as a trusted Shopify agency, we’re here to help you navigate these changes. Whether it’s optimizing your Shopify store for compliance or integrating tools like Euverify to simplify your workflow, we’re your partners in ecommerce growth.
If you’re ready to future-proof your business for GPSR compliance, get in touch with us today and let’s build a safer, more successful ecommerce operation together.
