New GPSR Legislation for EU and Northern Ireland

From December 13, 2024, the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) will come into effect, introducing significant changes for businesses selling Jewellery, watches, and related consumer goods in the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland. These regulations replace the older General Product Safety Directive (GPSD), enhancing product safety, transparency, and traceability for consumers.

Whether your business operates within the EU or exports to the region from countries like the UK, India, the United States, or China, compliance with the GPSR will be mandatory.

 

Why Was the GPSR Introduced?

Historically, the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) was the standard framework for product safety. However, as global supply chains expanded and consumer demand for transparency grew, the need for stricter regulations became apparent. The General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) aims to provide consumers with a direct and reliable way to address safety concerns while ensuring businesses take immediate corrective actions for unsafe products.

For Jewellery businesses, this means:

1. Greater traceability of products across supply chains.
2. Appointment of an EU Responsible Person to act as a safety and compliance point of contact.
3. Clearer labelling, documentation, and safety measures for online and offline sales.

 

Key Updates and Compliance Requirements

1. Appointment of an EU Responsible Person:
   • Businesses must appoint an EU-based Responsible Person who will serve as the key contact for product safety and regulatory compliance. This role cannot be filled by someone based in the UK.
   • The Responsible Person must have access to technical documentation and be able to liaise with authorities when safety issues arise.
   • A list of organizations providing this service includes:
     • Authorized Rep Compliance Ltd (Ireland)
     • Westwood Sourcing (Netherlands)
     • Global Regulatory Services (UK-based with EU branches)
     • EU Compliance Partner (Estonia)

2. Product Traceability:
   • All Jewellery products must include identifying information such as batch numbers or serial numbers. If labelling on the product is impractical, the information must be included on the packaging or accompanying documents.
   • This measure ensures that authorities can quickly trace and recall products if safety issues occur.
3. Online Selling Requirements:
   • For businesses selling Jewellery online, platforms like Amazon or eBay will require your EU Responsible Person’s contact details to be visible on product listings.
4. Record-Keeping and Documentation:
   • Businesses must maintain records demonstrating compliance with GPSR safety standards. These records include risk assessments, manufacturing details, and traceability documentation.
5. Exemptions:
   • Jewellery items manufactured before December 13, 2024, are not affected by the GPSR. However, businesses must provide evidence of the manufacturing date if challenged.
   • Antique Jewellery (over 100 years old) is also exempt.

 

What Does This Mean for Jewellery Businesses?

The GPSR brings both challenges and opportunities for Jewellery businesses. On one hand, compliance requires proactive preparation to meet the new standards. On the other, businesses that adapt quickly will position themselves as leaders in product safety and transparency, earning greater trust from EU consumers.

Steps to Take Now:

1. Identify whether your products are sold in the EU or Northern Ireland.
2. Appoint an EU Responsible Person as soon as possible.
3. Update your product labels, packaging, and online listings with the required contact details.
4. Ensure all traceability information (e.g., batch numbers) is readily available and documented.
5. Perform regular risk assessments and maintain safety records for your products.

 

How Diatrace can help

At Diatrace, we specialize in traceability and transparency solutions tailored for the Jewellery industry. Our platform ensures that your products meet the highest traceability standards, seamlessly aligning with the new GPSR requirements. From batch tracking to documentation management, our tools provide everything you need to remain compliant and competitive in the evolving EU market.

Stay ahead of regulatory changes with Diatrace — ensuring your Jewellery products are safe, transparent, and trusted.

 

Start Preparing Today

Compliance with the GPSR is not optional, and delays could result in products being removed from the market. Take the necessary steps now to safeguard your business and maintain uninterrupted access to the EU and Northern Ireland markets.

For further guidance, visit official resources such as the Trader Support Service and consult with trusted EU Responsible Person service providers.

Stay compliant, and stay competitive — with Diatrace by your side.