Europe | From General Product Safety Directive to GPSR: transition to conclude on December 13, 2024

On May 23, 2023, the European Commission introduced Regulation (EU) 2023/988, known as the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), which will supersede the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) 2001/95/EC. This transition is set to conclude on December 13, 2024.

The GPSR reflects updates in response to various factors, including advancements in technology (such as interconnectivity, cybersecurity, and AI), the growth of online sales, alignment with harmonization and standardization legislation, improved product safety recalls, and the need for a more defined framework for products resembling food items, previously regulated under Council Directive 87/357/EEC.

The GPSR applies to all products placed or available on the European market, encompassing new, used, repaired, or reconditioned items. It covers a wide range of products, whether or not they are interconnected with others and whether they are intended for consumers or likely to be used by consumers under reasonably foreseeable conditions, even if not originally intended for them.

Key changes introduced by the new regulation include aspects related to: i) clear identification of economic operators, ii) online marketplaces, iii) enhanced safety requirements and iv) tools for National Authorities.