The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), Regulation (EU) 2023/988, has applied since 13 December 2024. One requirement catches out non-EU sellers more than any other: every applicable consumer product must have an economic operator established in the EU — commonly called the Responsible Person (RP).
Who needs a Responsible Person?
If you are a manufacturer or seller based outside the EU and you place non-food consumer products on the EU market, you cannot be your own RP from abroad. You need an EU-established manufacturer, importer, authorised representative, or fulfilment service provider to take that role.
What the Responsible Person actually does
- Verifies technical documentation and declarations exist.
- Acts as the contact point for market surveillance authorities.
- Ensures the product carries the RP's name and contact details.
- Takes corrective action if a product turns out to be unsafe.
How to appoint one
- Choose a qualified EU-based operator willing to act as RP for your product categories.
- Sign a mandate defining responsibilities and record-keeping.
- Add the RP's name and EU address to the product, packaging or accompanying documents.
- Update your Amazon listings with the RP information Amazon requests.
What happens if you don't
Amazon has been removing listings that lack RP details, and market surveillance authorities can order products off the market. The practical cost of ignoring GPSR is lost Buy Box, suppressed listings, and stranded inventory.
Not sure if your product is in scope? Start with the free GPSR Compliance Checker to get a quick gap analysis you can act on.
GPSR scope and obligations depend on your specific product. Confirm your position with a qualified adviser before relying on it.