Introduction

The European Union’s General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) has introduced new compliance requirements for all consumer products sold within the EU (which now includes Northern Ireland), for items introduced after December 13, 2024. At Casestry, we’re committed to supporting our sellers in navigating these changes to ensure their products meet the updated safety standards. Some areas are still evolving and may require future clarification or updates.

Here’s what you need to know about the GPSR and how Casestry is here to help.

What Is the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)?

The GPSR replaces the older General Product Safety Directive (GPSD), bringing stricter rules to ensure that all consumer products in the EU are safe for use. The regulation applies to all consumer products, whether sold online or in physical stores, and focuses on several key areas:

• Product Safety Standards: Ensuring products meet general safety requirements.
• E-commerce Compliance: Addressing challenges of online sales.
• Consumer Protection: Providing clear labeling, instructions, and warnings.
• Traceability: Introducing stricter requirements for product traceability and supply chain transparency.

This regulation officially came into force on December 13, 2023, with a full compliance deadline of December 13, 2024.

What Does This Mean for Casestry Partners/Sellers?

As a Seller – whether you sell on your own standalone Website (for example, a Shopify e-commerce store) or sell on a third party Marketplace (for example, Etsy), it’s your responsibility to ensure that all products you sell in the EU comply with GPSR.

While we cannot provide legal advice at this time, our understanding is that you would be considered a ‘Trader’ when selling Casestry Print on Demand products, and thus, Casestry is the Manufacturer.

Here are some of the key requirements, who needs to take them, and our thoughts along with what we can provide and what changes Sellers will need to manage:

• Ensure Product Safety (Sellers):

All products must be safe under normal and foreseeable use. This includes verifying materials, designs, and functionality. We’re partnering with accredited laboratories to perform rigorous safety tests on all our products, including phone cases, AirPod cases, and watch bands. You can trust that the products you sell meet the highest safety standards.




• Include Clear Labeling (Casestry): Each product must have:

- The name and address of the manufacturer or importer.

- Batch numbers or other identifiers for traceability

- Clear warnings and instructions for safe use.




• Comprehensive Labeling: Casestry product packaging will now include:

- Batch numbers or unique identifiers for traceability.

- Clear warnings and usage instructions to ensure compliance with GPSR labeling rules.




• Maintain Product Documentation (Sellers): Sellers must have access to safety test reports, risk assessments, and certifications proving product compliance. We maintain all necessary documentation for GPSR compliance, including:

- Test Reports

- Material Certifications

- Risk Assessments




• Provide Transparent Product Listing Information (Sellers): Online listings must include accurate product descriptions, materials used, the name/postal and electronic address of the Responsible Person, and any relevant safety warnings.

We’re providing sellers with detailed product descriptions, including material details and safety warnings, to help you create transparent and compliant listings for your online stores. You can find that information [HERE]




• Prepare for Traceability Requirements (Casestry): Ensure that all products can be traced back through the supply chain with detailed records.

Our products are now equipped with batch numbers or unique identifiers to meet the GPSR’s traceability requirements. This makes it easier to track products through the supply chain.

Summary: What You Need to Do as a Seller

To align with the GPSR and ensure a seamless experience, here’s what we recommend:

• Update Your Listings: Ensure your product descriptions, materials, and warnings are accurate and up-to-date. You can find our safety information for product listings [HERE]
• Request Documentation When Needed: Contact us for access to compliance documentation for your records or audits.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with EU regulatory updates to ensure ongoing compliance.
  
  Keep an eye on platforms like Printify and Etsy to see what additional guidance they may offer:
  
  Printify - How do I make my products compliant with the GPSR requirements?
  
  Etsy - Product Safety Essentials: Selling Consumer Products to Europe Under the GPSR

The Bottom Line

The GPSR is a significant step forward in ensuring consumer safety and transparency in the EU. While the new rules may seem challenging, Casestry is here to assist with making compliance easier for you. There are still areas that may require future legal clarification or rulings, and we encourage all partners to seek legal advice as needed to assist with ensuring their business or store is compliant.

Have questions or need assistance? Contact our team today, and let’s work together to ensure compliance with the GPSR!