A Guide for UK Small Businesses: Navigating EU GPSR Compliance

As the founder of a regulatory consultancy specializing in compliance for brands navigating the complex landscape of UK and EU regulations, I often encounter small businesses in the UK that feel overwhelmed by the intricacies of the European Union’s General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). To aid you in understanding these essential requirements, I’ve compiled this straightforward guide.

Understanding Product Compliance

For UK-based businesses venturing into the EU market, ensuring your products adhere to relevant EU safety standards is paramount. This includes regulations such as EN71 for toys and REACH for textiles. Your offerings must be safe for normal and foreseeable use, which necessitates rigorous testing and comprehensive risk assessments.

Key Labeling Requirements

When it comes to labeling, there are several critical elements that must be clearly displayed on your product or its packaging:

• Your business name, address, and contact information
• The name, address, and contact details of your appointed EU Responsible Person (EU RP)
• A unique product identifier, such as a serial number, model number, or batch number
• Any necessary symbols, including the CE Mark if applicable to your product category
• Safety warnings and instructions, which must be provided in the official language(s) of the EU country where the product will be marketed. For instance, products sold in France must have labels in French.

For additional guidance on safety warnings and language requirements, further resources are available.

Do Self-Explanatory Products Need Translations?

Under the GPSR, products that are self-explanatory, such as books or candle holders, may not need accompanying instructions or translations. The crucial factor is whether the average consumer can understand the product’s use and safety guidelines without additional clarification. If this is the case, no further instructions or translations are mandated. However, it’s wise to assess each product on a case-by-case basis, as erring on the side of caution by providing clear instructions in the relevant language(s) is advisable.

The Role of an EU Responsible Person (EU RP)

Appointing an EU Responsible Person is a significant step in your compliance journey. This individual serves as your legal representative within the EU and is responsible for:

• Maintaining compliance documentation, such as testing reports and technical files
• Ensuring that labeling and documentation fulfill EU standards
• Being the initial contact for European authorities in the event of compliance inquiries

Already Compliant with UK Standards?

If your products are