The new EU Product Safety Regulation (PSR) will come into force on December 13, 2024. The aim of the regulation is to enforce uniform safety standards for products in the EU and create more transparency regarding risks and conformity. Online and offline retailers must adapt to new requirements in order to strengthen consumer protection and prevent legal consequences.
Who is affected by the PSV?
The regulation applies to all players who sell physical products in the EU:
Dealer: This includes both online stores and brick-and-mortar retailers that sell products directly to end consumers.
Manufacturer: Companies that manufacture products specifically for the European market.
Importers: Companies that import goods from third countries into the EU.
To which products does the regulation apply?
The PSV applies to all physical products sold in the EU. Particularly important categories include:
Toys: Electronic toys, dolls and other children's products.
Electronics: Smartphones, household appliances and smart home products.
Household goods: Furniture, kitchen utensils, lamps and the like.
Products that do not meet the prescribed safety standards or provide inadequate information may no longer be sold after December 13, 2024.
Important requirements of the PSV
The PSV requires retailers to ensure that:
Clear safety information: Customers must be informed about possible risks and the safe use of products.
Declarations of conformity: Products must meet EU standards such as CE markings or test reports.
Traceability: Retailers and manufacturers must document the supply chain in order to be able to react quickly in the event of recalls.
Digital transparency: Online stores must make this information easily accessible.
How retailers implement the requirements in practice
Expand product descriptions: Ensure that safety information and conditions of use are clearly stated for each product.
Provide documents: Upload certificates of conformity and test reports for customers to view.
Use automated processes: Tools for managing product information can help to maintain data efficiently and uniformly.
Consequences of violations
Retailers who offer products without the required safety information risk no longer being allowed to sell them. Violations of the PSV can lead to high fines and considerable reputational damage.
What should retailers do now?
It is advisable to ensure at an early stage that all product data and required documents are complete and correct before December 13, 2024. Companies should review their processes and, if necessary, use digital tools to implement the requirements efficiently. Anyone who is unsure should seek expert advice in good time.
The Product Safety Regulation represents an important step for consumer protection and at the same time gives companies the opportunity to strengthen the trust of their customers through transparent and secure processes.
For support in implementing the PSV, we recommend the GPSR Product Safety Regulation Professional Plugin for Shopware. It helps to efficiently manage the required information such as security data and certificates of conformity.