Have you ever thought about who is truly responsible when something goes wrong with a product you buy online? With the rise of e-commerce, it’s a question that’s becoming more important than ever. If you’re a manager or executive in a manufacturing or trading company, especially one that uses online marketplaces, then you’ll want to pay close attention to the new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). This regulation is changing the game for online marketplaces, making them much more accountable for the products sold on their platforms.
The new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), which fully applies from 13 December 2024, marks a significant shift in product safety in the EU. It repeals the old General Product Safety Directive (2001/95/EC) and parts of the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC). A key change is its focus on online marketplaces and their role in ensuring product safety. No longer are they just facilitators; they now share a direct responsibility. This is a big step towards protecting consumers in the digital age.
What’s new for online marketplaces?
Under the previous rules, online marketplaces often acted as mere intermediaries, holding limited responsibility for the safety of products sold by third-party sellers. The GPSR, however, brings them directly into the fold of product safety.
Online marketplaces, like Amazon, now have specific duties to ensure that products offered to consumers in the EU are safe and compliant. This includes taking action when they are notified of unsafe products. They must cooperate with market surveillance authorities and swiftly remove unsafe products. This means if a product sold on their platform is deemed unsafe, the marketplace itself has an obligation to act rather than just waiting for the seller to do so. This proactive role is a game-changer for online shopping safety.
What does this mean for your business?
If you are a manufacturer or a trader selling through online marketplaces, this new regulation offers both challenges and opportunities. For manufacturers, it means increased pressure on marketplaces to ensure compliance, which can be a good thing for reputable businesses. Marketplaces are likely to implement stricter checks and require more robust documentation from sellers.
For those operating online marketplaces, it’s time to review and update your internal procedures. You will need to establish clear processes for receiving and acting on safety notifications, collaborating with authorities, and ensuring rapid removal of hazardous products. This includes having systems in place to verify product compliance before products even hit your virtual shelves.
Think of it as creating a safer digital neighbourhood. When everyone, including the marketplace, takes responsibility, consumers can shop with greater confidence. This ultimately benefits all legitimate businesses operating in the online space.
Are you ready to adapt your strategies to the new reality of online product safety? It’s crucial to understand these changes to maintain smooth operations and trust with your customers.
