Europe Nears Adoption of Finalized GPSR

With just few finalization steps left, the European Parliament and Council November 29 provisionally agreed on the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). It would become effective 18 months after adoption, which means likely in 2024. The Council highlighted (bit.ly/3ETvK3g) three areas as important:

• E-Commerce: Online platforms would need single points of contact for product safety, and they would have duties for keeping track of sellers. Regulators would have powers to order that products be delisted.

 

• Reporting and Recalls: Companies would have more obligations to inform regulators about unsafe products. Consumers would be due refunds, repairs, or replacements, preferably at least two choices if possible.

 

• Responsible Person: Companies would need responsible parties in EU nations where they sell. Duties would include ensuring proper documentations and safety information.

This attempt at a GPSR update began more than a year ago (PSL, 7/12/21). Legislative negotiations picked up speed last summer (PSL, 7/4/22 and 8/1/22).