GPSR Authorized Representative for Consumer Products
Your Gateway to the European Consumer Market
The General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 requires non-EU manufacturers of consumer products to have a responsible economic operator established in the European Union. As your GPSR Authorized Representative, we ensure your products meet all safety requirements and maintain continuous compliance with European consumer protection standards.
On This Page
What is the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)?
The General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988, commonly known as GPSR, is the new European regulation governing the safety of consumer products. It replaces the former General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC) and has been applicable since December 13, 2024.
GPSR establishes a comprehensive framework ensuring that only safe consumer products are placed on the EU market. It applies to all non-food consumer products, whether sold in physical stores or online, and introduces stricter requirements for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and online marketplaces.
A key requirement under GPSR is that every product covered by the regulation must have a responsible economic operator established within the European Union. For non-EU manufacturers without an EU presence, this means appointing an EU Authorized Representative who assumes specific product safety responsibilities and serves as the point of contact for market surveillance authorities.
The regulation significantly strengthens consumer protection by requiring more rigorous risk assessments, enhanced traceability, and improved cooperation with authorities on product recalls and safety issues.
Legal Basis: Regulation (EU) 2023/988
Legal Basis: Regulation (EU) 2023/988
Article 4 (Responsible Economic Operator)
The GPSR establishes that for each product covered by the regulation, there must be a responsible economic operator established in the European Union. This can be:
- An EU-based manufacturer
- An importer (if the manufacturer is outside the EU)
- An authorized representative designated by the manufacturer
- A fulfilment service provider (under certain conditions)
Article 16 – Authorized Representative Obligations
When a non-EU manufacturer appoints an authorized representative, the representative must be designated by written mandate and assumes the following responsibilities:
- Verify that the manufacturer has conducted the required internal risk analysis
- Ensure technical documentation is drawn up and available to authorities for 10 years
- Provide competent authorities with all information and documentation necessary to demonstrate product safety
- Cooperate with market surveillance authorities on any action taken to eliminate risks
- Inform the manufacturer immediately of complaints and reports concerning risks or accidents
- Terminate the mandate if the manufacturer acts contrary to the regulation
The authorized representative's contact details must be indicated on the product, its packaging, or an accompanying document.
Who Needs a GPSR Authorized Representative?
Manufacturers requiring EU consumer market access
If your company manufactures consumer products outside the European Union and wishes to sell to EU consumers, you are legally required to have a responsible economic operator in the EU. An authorized representative fulfills this requirement.
Non-EU Consumer Product Manufacturers
Required under GPSRAny manufacturer of non-food consumer products located outside the EU must ensure a responsible economic operator is established in the EU before placing products on the market. Appointing an authorized representative is the most direct solution.
Online Sellers to EU Consumers
E-commerce complianceE-commerce businesses selling consumer products directly to EU consumers from outside the EU must comply with GPSR. This includes sellers on online marketplaces who are responsible for ensuring their products meet EU safety requirements.
Private Label & OEM Manufacturers
Brand owner obligationsCompanies manufacturing products under private labels or as OEM suppliers for EU markets need GPSR representation. The entity placing the product on the EU market under their name assumes manufacturer responsibilities.
Companies Expanding to EU Markets
Market expansionManufacturers currently selling in other markets (US, Asia, etc.) who wish to enter the European Union consumer market must establish GPSR representation before product launch.
Products Covered by GPSR
Understanding the scope of the General Product Safety Regulation
GPSR applies to a broad range of consumer products. Understanding which products fall under this regulation - and which are excluded - is essential for determining your compliance obligations.
Products Covered by GPSR
GPSR applies to all products intended for consumers or likely to be used by consumers, including: household goods, furniture, textiles and clothing, toys and games (in addition to Toy Safety Directive), electronics and electrical appliances, sporting goods, DIY tools, garden equipment, and many more non-food consumer items.
→Products Excluded from GPSR
Certain product categories are excluded as they are covered by specific EU legislation: e.g. food and feed, living plants and animals, plant protection products, and aircraft. These products have their own regulatory frameworks.
→All Sales Channels
GPSR applies regardless of the sales channel - whether products are sold in physical retail stores, through e-commerce websites, on online marketplaces, or via social media platforms. Distance selling to EU consumers triggers GPSR obligations.
→Product Condition
The regulation covers new products as well as used, repaired, or reconditioned products that are made available on the market. However, antiques and products clearly marked as requiring repair before use are excluded.
→Our GPSR Authorized Representative Services
We provide full-scope GPSR Authorized Representative services that ensure your consumer products meet European safety requirements and maintain market access.
Market Surveillance Authority Liaison
We serve as your official point of contact for EU market surveillance authorities. We receive and respond to inquiries, coordinate inspections, and manage regulatory communications on your behalf.
- Official authority contact point
- Inquiry response management
- Regulatory correspondence handling
- Safety Gate portal communication
Technical Documentation Availability
We store your technical documentation and internal risk analysis, making them available to authorities upon request for a period of 10 years as required by GPSR.
- Secure document storage
- 10-year retention compliance
- Authority access on request
- Audit preparation support
Risk Analysis Verification
We verify that you have conducted the required internal risk analysis as mandated by GPSR Article 9. This analysis must assess product risks throughout the expected lifetime.
- Risk analysis review
- Gap identification
- Regulatory guidance
Product Recall Coordination
In the event of a product safety issue, we support recall coordination, consumer notification, and communication with market surveillance authorities through the Safety Business Gateway.
- Recall coordination support
- Authority notification
- Safety Gate reporting
Traceability & Labeling
We help ensure your products meet GPSR traceability requirements, including proper labeling with manufacturer and Responsible Person contact information.
- Labeling compliance review
- Contact information verification
- Traceability requirements guidance
- Documentation verification
Complaint & Incident Reporting
We receive and forward complaints and incident reports to you, ensuring you are immediately informed of any safety concerns or accidents related to your products.
- Complaint reception
- Incident report forwarding
- Manufacturer notification
- Authority communication
- Record keeping
GPSR Representation Process
A structured, transparent process from initial consultation to active representation—typically completed within 1-2 weeks.
- 1
Initial Consultation
1-2 daysUnderstanding your products and compliance status
We begin with a comprehensive review of your product portfolio, target EU markets, and current compliance documentation. Our experts identify specific GPSR requirements and provide a clear roadmap for representation.
- 2
Proposal & Agreement
1-2 daysTransparent scope definition and formal appointment
Based on our assessment, we provide a detailed proposal outlining services, responsibilities, and pricing. Once agreed, we formalize the Authorized Representative mandate per GPSR Article 16 requirements.
- 3
Documentation Review
1-2 weeksVerifying risk analysis and technical documentation
Our specialists review your internal risk analysis and technical documentation for completeness. We verify that documentation meets GPSR requirements and provide guidance on any gaps that need to be addressed.
- 4
Activation & Labeling
1-2 daysOfficial activation and labeling compliance
We provide our contact details for product labeling as required by GPSR. Your authorized representative designation is now officially active, and we begin serving as your EU point of contact.
- 5
Ongoing Compliance Support
OngoingContinuous monitoring and authority liaison
We serve as your permanent authority contact, manage complaint forwarding, monitor regulatory developments, and coordinate any required safety actions. Regular status reports keep you informed of your compliance status.