91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ

What is the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)?

GPSR requires that certain consumer products placed on the NI market be safe and establishes specific obligations for businesses to ensure that safety. For products regulated by GPSR to be placed on the market, a ‘responsible economic operator’ (REO) must be in place to ensure compliance tasks are fulfilled.

The regulations also introduce certain requirements with respect to product labelling, traceability and documentation, as well as clarifying that online marketplaces are in scope of the regulations.

What this means for businesses

There are various ways to meet the GPSR, and most UK businesses that sell goods in NI are likely to have sufficient arrangements in place as the rules in many cases formalise the reality of how businesses are already operating in the UK in order to be able to sell goods into the EU.

Where changes may be required, more detailed guidance should provide clarity to businesses as to how to come into compliance. In line with the , enforcement continues to be proportionate, risk-based and intelligence-led, with a focus on helping bring businesses into compliance where possible before considering other forms of enforcement action.

If businesses have any concerns about compliance or supplying products to Northern Ireland, contact OPSS.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

Scope of the GPSR

GPSR applies to certain consumer products, but in practice does not introduce substantive new obligations where there is product-specific regulation already in place. It includes a series of exemptions, as detailed in the guidance (including, but not limited to, human and veterinary medicines, food and feed, and antiques).

GPSR updates the requirements on manufacturers, importers and distributors of products, and introduces new obligations on providers of online marketplaces and fulfilment service providers. 

Businesses should note that, in accordance with Article 51 of GPSR, the regulation applies only to products placed on the market from 13 December 2024. No action needs to be taken for products that have already been placed on the market in NI before 13 December 2024 and which comply with relevant pre-existing product safety legislation.

Responsible economic operators under the GPSR

For products regulated by GPSR to be placed on the NI market, there must be a REO established in NI or the EU to ensure compliance tasks are fulfilled and to inform relevant authorities of any product safety incidents. This obligation already exists for many products, but is now being extended to consumer products captured by GPSR.

‘Established’ means having a presence in NI or the EU. This can be a registered office, headquarters or any permanent place of business (e.g., retail outlet, distribution centre, or other function) in that country. For an individual, this can be the place where you are resident.

The REO’s contact and other details must be indicated on the product or on its packaging, the parcel, or an accompanying document. Accompanying documentation may include, though is not limited to, a store receipt or other despatch or shipping documentation that is provided alongside a product and does not need to be within the same packaging as the product itself as long as it accompanies the product.

Labelling and traceability

Manufacturers will need to ensure a product can be identified by consumers in an easily visible and legible way. This includes batch or serial number or any other identifying element. If the size and/or nature of the product does not allow this, the information should be provided on the packaging or in accompanying documentation (as described above).

Where a product is not compliant, an importer or distributor may bring the product into compliance, for example by adding the necessary instructions or information without returning the product to the manufacturer.

Online marketplaces

The obligations on providers of online marketplaces are set out in the business guidance and include requirements to designate contact points, to have processes in place to comply with the GPSR, and to cooperate with market surveillance authorities.

For clarity, the GPSR does not create a new obligation for online marketplaces to pre-emptively identify and remove products from their platforms which were placed on the market before 13 December 2024.

Neither is the GPSR intended to amount to a general obligation on online marketplaces to monitor the information which they transmit or store nor is it intended to require online marketplaces to actively seek facts or circumstances indicating illegal activity.

Enforcement

In line with the Regulators’ Code, enforcement continues to be proportionate, risk-based and intelligence-led, minimising disruption to compliant UK businesses. Businesses are obliged to cooperate with Market Surveillance Authorities and comply with any actions taken by a Market Surveillance Authority.

Authorities continue to have an initial focus on providing effective advice and 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ for UK businesses, helping them to understand and meet any new obligations they may have, and applying their discretion as businesses adapt.

Further information

Guidance

A selection of explain whether and how businesses may need to comply with the GPSR to place products on the NI market. These examples aim to clarify the requirements, but they don't cover every possible situation in detail.

For more information on GPSR regulations and how they apply to goods placed on the Northern Ireland market, refer to the .

If businesses have any concerns about compliance with GPSR contact OPSS.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

If you have general queries about the changes to the way goods move in and out of NI, sign up for the Trader Support Service.

Producers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers each have a responsibility to ensure that products are safe. You should:

• consider safety at every stage, from initial design through to selling
• check whether there are any specific regulations or safety standards applying to your product and that you meet them

Safety concerns in the early stages of design

Taking into account the safety aspects of your products from the outset of design can help limit your liabilities as you may find it easier to comply with current and future legislation if your products are easier to produce, use, maintain and dispose of.

Focusing on the research and design of your products during the early stages of development may also boost your competitiveness in a number of ways, such as:

• efficient use of raw materials and resources
• improved product quality
• reducing or removing hazardous materials from your processes
• better preparation for the end of your product's lifecycle
• increased market share and better customer relationships

While you are creating your product, check that no harm will be caused to makers and consumers by any of the materials or finishing techniques used.

Once a sample of your product is ready for use, check that:

• it is strong enough to 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ any loads involved
• it can't produce any toxic, harmful or adverse effects on the user or consumer
• the materials used are suitable for the purpose and safe for users
• all hazards have been sufficiently controlled, eg electrical insulation, moving parts, folding components, noise and poor ergonomic design

When you dispose of a product, check that the parts and materials can be dismantled without causing harm or releasing toxic or harmful substances. Ensure that the recycling of any parts or materials will not release toxic or harmful substances.

Prevent safety problems for suppliers

To prevent safety issues, suppliers must:

• give customers any safety information provided by the producer
• investigate safety complaints, and tell the manufacturer
• co-operate with Environmental Health Officers

Think about ways to protect yourself if you are sued such as by purchasing product liability insurance to cover damages and legal costs. See Product liability insurance.

Manufacturers and importers placing products on the UK market need to demonstrate that they comply with relevant safety requirements. This process involves:

• minimising the risks associated with the product at the design stage
• generating and keeping records of associated technical documentation
• ensuring factory production controls are implemented
• placing appropriate labelling on the product
• providing instructions on how to use it safely

Using agreed standards covering aspects of the product or its production process – where these exist – is one way to demonstrate compliance.

If your business sells consumer products in the UK, you must not sell products that you know – or should have known – are unsafe.

You need to keep records identifying the suppliers of the products you sell to allow their origins to be traced.

When informed of any safety risks or consumer incidents related to a product you’ve sold, you have a legal duty to report these to the manufacturer, supplier or your local Environmental Health Department. If you don’t do this, you could become liable in the event of harm to a person or damage to property.

Read more about product compliance when placing certain goods on the Northern Ireland market.

Businesses that make, import, distribute or sell consumer products in the UK are all responsible for their safety.

For example, if a manufacturer discovers that a product it has sold represents a safety risk, it must take action to remedy the issue. These steps could include issuing new instructions, modifying the product, or requiring consumers to stop using the product and return it for a refund. The manufacturer must contact all the consumers it knows are affected to alert them to the issue and tell them what they should do.

Businesses must place only safe products on the market and warn consumers of any risks. Effective processes and good product design usually prevent problems, but occasionally things can go wrong.

If you discover that a product you have sold represents a safety risk, you must take action to remedy the issue. These steps could include:

• issuing new instructions
• modifying the product
• requiring consumers to stop using the product and return it for a refund - known as a product recall

The manufacturer must contact all the consumers it knows are affected to alert them to the issue and tell them what they should do.

Plan for product recalls

Product safety problems can risk public health and damage your business' reputation. To minimise these risks, you should have a product recall plan. A plan outlines the process you will follow to carry out a product recall quickly and professionally.

Product recall advice

The provides best practice guidance on how businesses should prepare for and respond to product safety incidents. The Code also sets out the responsibilities and 91Ï㽶»ÆÉ«ÊÓƵ role of Market Surveillance Authorities such as The Environmental Health Department of your local council.

Manufacturers, and sometimes others involved in a product supply chain, are liable for their products under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

This Act means if the product is unsafe and causes personal injury or death to any person, or damage to private property, you could be sued for compensation.

For this reason, many businesses take out appropriate product liability insurance. Note this is not the same as general business or employers' liability insurance.

If a finished product contains a defect in a particular component, the product manufacturer and component manufacturer may be liable.

Other suppliers, such as wholesalers and retailers, are not liable unless they fail to identify the producer when requested by a person who has suffered harm. However, customers can sue retailers under laws on the sale of goods.

You should take positive action to monitor the safety of your products. You should also ensure you are covered by product liability insurance if you manufacture or repair products and possibly if you sell them.  contains advice if you need to recall a product.

Insurance will provide valuable protection for your business against any costs or compensation awarded. Although it's not a legal requirement to have this type of insurance, it could mean the survival of your business should a claim be made against you.

Local councils in Northern Ireland have enforcement responsibilities for safety-related issues with consumer goods. Local councils will:

• investigate complaints relating to unsafe goods
• carry out market surveillance of goods on sale in shops and online to ensure they are safe
• provide advice to manufacturers, importers and suppliers about their legal responsibilities
• sample and test consumer goods to ensure they meet the required standards of safety
• carry out surveys of targeted consumer goods to ensure they meet safety requirements
• respond to hazard warnings in relation to identified unsafe goods
• launch campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness of consumer safety issues

For further information, you can contact your local Environmental Health Office. Find your local council contact below.

Consumer protection contacts