GPSR regulation: EU responsible person must be listed on product packaging

The EU General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (EU GPSR Regulation) has been implemented. According to the regulation, all products sold to EU consumers through online platforms or other remote means must provide the mailing address, electronic address, warning and safety information of the EU manufacturer or importer (or authorized representative of overseas companies in the EU).

In addition, for products sold in the EU market, unless subject to specific EU coordinated legislation, the product label must also include the mailing address and electronic address.

In November 2024, the European Commission released an official Q&A document emphasizing that product packaging must list the "responsible person" located in the European Union. This requirement also applies to products sold remotely and provided online. An electronic address refers to a form of direct communication, such as an email address or a contact form on a website. It does not include static websites or phone numbers. QR codes and other QR codes are not allowed to replace mailing and electronic address information.

The EU GPSR regulation further emphasizes that all products sold or offered in the EU market must ensure their safety. Manufacturers must conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of all relevant aspects of the product, including its physical, mechanical, cybersecurity, and chemical properties, before launching it onto the market. They must also take into account the special needs and potential risks of children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

It is recommended that companies exporting consumer goods to the EU ensure that they have established or designated an EU based company as their authorized representative in the EU as soon as possible, and check whether product labels and websites contain all necessary information, while conducting a thorough safety assessment of the products.