From December 13, 2024, Regulation (EU) 2023/988, known as the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), will come into force. It introduces uniform product safety standards across the European Union, covering all entities in the supply chain, including distributors. What are the obligations of distributors, and how can they adapt their operations to comply with the new regulations?
Who is a distributor under the new regulations?
Under GPSR, a distributor is defined as any entity that makes products available on the EU market without participating in their production or importation. This includes companies engaged in online sales, stores offering products from other EU countries, or businesses utilizing dropshipping models. Distributors play a crucial role in product safety and must comply with the new standards to avoid penalties.
Key responsibilities of distributors: What to focus on?
Distributors are vital players in the supply chain, and the GPSR clearly outlines their duties. Below are the most important obligations:
1. Verifying product compliance before sale
Every product must be assessed for:
- Full and legible details of the manufacturer and importer.
- Presence of user manuals, warnings, and labels in the language of the country where the product is sold.
- Compliance with applicable safety standards.
2. Ensuring proper storage and transport conditions
Distributors must ensure products are stored and transported according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. For instance:
- Cosmetics: Stored at appropriate temperatures.
- Electronics: Protected from excessive moisture or high temperatures.
3. Acting on detected issues
If a product does not meet GPSR requirements, the distributor must:
- Immediately cease its sale.
- Notify the manufacturer or importer about the identified issues.
- Take corrective actions, such as withdrawing the product from the market or recovering it from consumers.
4. Reporting incidents to relevant authorities
If a product causes an accident or poses a hazard, the distributor must:
- Promptly inform the manufacturer and supervisory authorities.
- Report the incident via the Safety Business Gateway platform.
- Collaborate with authorities during the product withdrawal or rectification process.
RCC supports distributors in meeting GPSR requirements
Adapting to the new regulations can be complex, but RCC provides comprehensive support:
- Product compliance analysis: We thoroughly examine documentation and product conformity with GPSR requirements.
- Procedure development guidance: We assist in creating and implementing procedures to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Team training: We conduct training sessions to help your employees understand and fulfill the new obligations effectively.
- Crisis management support: We assist with incident reporting and managing product withdrawal processes.
Why compliance with GPSR is essential?
Adhering to the GPSR is not just a legal obligation but also a significant advantage for your business:
- Enhance customer trust: Ensure your products meet the highest safety standards.
- Avoid penalties and reputational damage: Protect your company from potential sanctions.
- Build a strong foundation for growth: Align with EU standards to support long-term business development.
Trust RCC – Contact us today to align your operations with GPSR requirements. Your safety is our priority!
