Mastering GPSR Compliance: Your Competitive Edge in European eCommerce

A bold new era is unfolding in European eCommerce, where safety, trust, and compliance aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the bedrock of tomorrow’s marketplace. The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) marks a groundbreaking shift, raising the bar for consumer confidence and challenging sellers to deliver nothing less than excellence. With its stringent standards and uncompromising accountability, GPSR is more than a regulation—it’s a wake-up call for businesses to innovate, adapt, and lead.

The question is: are you prepared to rise to the challenge and seize the opportunities this transformation brings? Let’s dive into what GPSR means for you and how to stay ahead in this dynamic landscape.

Understanding GPSR Compliance

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is more than a legislative mandate—it’s a paradigm shift for businesses operating in the European eCommerce ecosystem. At its core, GPSR is a powerful commitment to consumer protection, setting uncompromising safety standards for every product sold within the EU, whether sourced locally or globally.

Unlike its predecessor, the General Product Safety Directive, the GPSR leaves no room for uncertainty or inconsistency. By choosing regulation over directive, European eCommerce has ensured a unified approach across all member states, eliminating variations and setting a clear, firm standard for businesses to follow. Think of it as the “one ring to rule them all” of product safety—clear, powerful, and leaving no room for misinterpretation. This is more than compliance—it’s a call to action for sellers to lead with integrity and innovation.

This comprehensive framework addresses the safety of physical, digital, and IoT-enabled products, aligning with Europe’s commitment to innovation without compromising consumer well-being.

Key GPSR provisions include the requirement for manufacturers and sellers to identify foreseeable risks, even those stemming from improper use. Additionally, the regulation demands robust traceability systems, ensuring every product can be tracked from its origin to the end consumer. It’s a bold step toward a safer, smarter marketplace.

Impact of GPSR on eCommerce Norms

A New Benchmark for Product Safety

GPSR redefines safety as a non-negotiable aspect of product design and delivery. Whether it’s baby products or cutting-edge connected devices, sellers must now conduct rigorous risk assessments that go beyond physical hazards to include data privacy and cybersecurity. This elevated standard challenges businesses to innovate and prioritize consumer well-being at every step.

Greater Transparency in Operations

GPSR enforces a higher degree of transparency, requiring clear labeling, detailed product information, and multilingual documentation. This transparency not only aids compliance but also fosters trust among consumers, encouraging brand loyalty in an increasingly competitive market.

Marketplaces as Compliance Guardians

Online platforms face heightened responsibility. Marketplaces are now required to verify that all listed products, especially those sold by non-EU entities, meet GPSR standards. Failure to comply can lead to severe penalties, legal ramifications, or even bans from the European eCommerce market.

Supply Chain Overhauls

GPSR’s emphasis on traceability compels businesses to revisit their supply chain processes. This means stronger collaboration with suppliers, investment in digital tracking systems, and aligning inventory practices with compliance standards.

Note: There are a few marketplaces (operating in Europe) that are still in the process of finalizing GPSR. We will update the article once new requirements for these marketplaces become available. For these marketplaces, we are using TBDP (To Be Decided Phenomenon) for the sake of the piece.

Top European Marketplace and CedCommerce Integration

1. TikTok Shop

One of the fastest growing social commerce channels – To comply with GPSR on the channel through our TikTok Shop integration:

Category-Level:

• Click on the Add Template tab on the Category Template page.
• After filling out the required category details, you will see the GPSR requirement section.
• Here, add the Manufacturer and Responsible Person details, as required by the compliance.

Product-Level:

• Identify the product you want to edit.
• Click on the hamburger menu in the Actions Tab.
• Select Edit Product.
• Under the Attributes Mapping section, you can add and edit the Product Compliance section.

Through a CSV File: 

• Click on Export CSV under the More Actions tab on the Products Section of the app.
• In the pop that opens, select Product Compliance and click on Export CSV.
• Now, fill in the required GPSR details in the exported CSV file.
• Once the data are added, import the file to the app through the Import CSV option, which is available under the same heading.

Through Qualification Center: 

• Click on the Qualification Center tab, available on the left-hand side panel on the dashboard.
• Here you will get two options, Responsible Person and Manufacturer Information.
• Open the respective pages to view and add the details of both to complete GPSR compliance of the products.

2. Amazon: TBDP

3. eBay 

One of the biggest eCommerce marketplaces – To comply with GPSR on the channel through our integration: 

To Add GPSR Details: 

• Click on the GPSR tab, which is available under the Product tab of the app.
• On the page that opens, click on the Add GPSR Data tab
• From the dropdown menu, select the GPSR data section and input your details.

To Add GPSR Details for the Products:

• Navigate to the Products section and click on the Manage Products tab.
• Locate the product you want to update and click the Actions menu next to it.
• From the dropdown list, select Edit.
• In the editing page that opens, click on the GPSR tab.
• Choose your account and enter the required GPSR details for the product.

4. Miravia

A thriving eCommerce marketplace – To comply with GPSR on the channel through our Miravia integration app:

Category-Level:

• Click on the Profile tab
• Select a product category and click on the Edit option from the dropdown action menu.
• On the page that opens, scroll down to the Product Qualification Attributes (GPSR) section.
• Add the required details.

Product-Level:

• Click on the product that you wish to add GPSR
• Click on the Edit option from the dropdown action menu
• On the page that opens, scroll down to the Product Qualification Attributes (GPSR) section.

5. Fruugo

A Europe-based, growing marketplace – To comply with GPSR on the channel through our integration:

• Under the Product Edit section of the app, go to the Variants section.
• Next to your desired product, click on the Safety Info tab.
• In the window that opens, add all the required details and click on Save.

GPSR Compliance Data Fields:

To make their store GPSR compliance while operating in European marketplaces, sellers are required to address and fill in the following attributes:

1. Responsible Person:

   There must be a designated Responsible Person to ensure ongoing compliance with safety regulations. This individual or entity serves as the key point of contact for authorities and plays a critical role in safeguarding product safety and traceability throughout the product’s lifecycle. The Responsible Person must be clearly identified and authorized to act on behalf of the manufacturer. They may be the manufacturer themselves, an importer, a distributor who assumes these responsibilities, or any appointed representative established within the EU.

2. Manufacturer:

   The manufacturer must clearly state its full name or registered trade name to establish accountability and help consumers identify the product’s source. If the business operates under a specific registered trade name or trademark, this must also be displayed to maintain consistency in brand recognition. In addition to a physical address, an electronic means of contact, such as an email address or an official website, must be provided.

3. Regulatory Marking Or Label:

   Regulatory marking or labeling is essential to ensure transparency, traceability, and consumer safety. Manufacturers must provide clear, visible, and legible markings directly on the product. The label must include key details. Where applicable, products should bear conformity markings like the CE mark, signaling compliance with EU safety regulations.

4. Safety Warning:

   This ensures that consumer products placed on the EU market do not pose a risk to health and safety when used as intended or in reasonably foreseeable conditions. Manufacturers are obligated to design, produce, and market products that meet stringent safety criteria, reflecting a comprehensive approach to hazard mitigation and consumer protection. Clear and detailed instructions for use, as well as safety warnings, must accompany the product to guide consumers in safe handling. This information should be presented in a language easily understood by consumers in the country where the product is marketed.

5. Image Of Packaging:

   A visual representation of the product’s packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring product safety, compliance, and consumer protection. Packaging must clearly display essential information, including the manufacturer’s name, address, and product identification details if they cannot be directly marked on the product. It should also protect the product from damage during transport and storage, maintaining its integrity and safety.

Note: Different marketplaces require different combinations of these compliance attributes.

The Future of eCommerce in Europe Post-GPSR

The future of European eCommerce will be shaped by the delicate balance between groundbreaking innovation and robust regulation. With the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) at the forefront, the emphasis on safety and accountability isn’t just a mandate—it’s a catalyst for a more ethical, transparent, and consumer-focused marketplace. For businesses ready to embrace these changes head-on, the reward isn’t just compliance; it’s a powerful competitive edge in a market that values trust and integrity above all else.

Predictions for a Transformed Marketplace

1. Consumer Empowerment: Enhanced transparency will empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions, boosting trust in eCommerce platforms.
2. Increased Market Entry Barriers: Stricter compliance requirements will discourage subpar players, elevating the quality of products and sellers in the European eCommerce market.
3. Collaboration and Standardization: Businesses will need to foster greater collaboration with regulators, suppliers, and marketplaces to streamline compliance processes.
4. Sustainability Integration: As regulations evolve, sustainability considerations may become intertwined with safety standards, pushing businesses toward eco-friendly innovation.

In the GPSR-driven future, agility and adaptability will define success. By aligning with these norms early, businesses can position themselves as pioneers in a safer, smarter, and more sustainable eCommerce landscape.

Navigating the New Norms

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is more than a regulatory update—it’s a transformative leap toward reshaping European eCommerce ecosystem. By placing safety, transparency, and accountability at its core, GPSR paves the way for a marketplace driven by trust, innovation, and integrity. While achieving compliance may pose challenges, it also unlocks unparalleled opportunities for businesses to stand out, build unwavering consumer loyalty, and lead in a digital economy that’s evolving at lightning speed.

For eCommerce leaders, GPSR compliance isn’t just about following the law—it’s about embracing a future where customer-first values and cutting-edge technology intersect. Those who take bold, decisive action today won’t just survive the transition—they’ll dominate in the eCommerce arena of tomorrow.

Note: GPSR only applies to marketplaces operating in the EU or Northern Ireland.