Product Safety · Hazloc Labs

GPSR (EU) 2023/988: What Hardware Brands Need to Know

The General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR) updates the EU framework for consumer product safety. If you place consumer products on the EU market — including many electronics and appliances that also carry CE marking — GPSR obligations sit alongside product-specific legislation.

Who feels GPSR first

• Manufacturers placing consumer products on the Union market
• Importers and distributors in the supply chain
• Fulfillment service providers and online marketplaces (new emphasis vs older GPSD practice)
• Authorized representatives / responsible persons where required for non-EU manufacturers

Core themes for product teams

Theme	Practical implication
Safety obligation	Only safe products; risk assessment appropriate to the product
Traceability	Type/batch/serial identification and economic-operator details
Information to consumers	Clear instructions and warnings in required languages
Accident / incident handling	Internal processes to investigate and notify when required
Online sales	Distance sellers and platforms face explicit duties

GPSR vs CE marking

CE marking shows conformity with applicable harmonization legislation (LVD, EMC, RED, toys, etc.). GPSR addresses general safety and market-surveillance mechanics for consumer products, including products that may not have a dedicated CE directive. Do not assume “we CE marked, so GPSR is automatic.” Run a dual checklist: product-specific acts + GPSR operator duties.

Documentation habits that help

1. Keep a living risk assessment for consumer use scenarios (misuse, children, foreseeable environment).
2. Align packaging and website claims with the technical file.
3. Maintain supplier change alerts for critical parts.
4. Define who in your org owns recall / Safety Gate communications.

FAQ

Does GPSR replace the Low Voltage Directive?

No. LVD (and other CE acts) remain. GPSR is complementary for consumer product safety and related obligations.

We only sell B2B industrial equipment — do we care?

GPSR targets consumer products. Purely professional equipment may fall outside, but borderline “prosumer” SKUs need a careful classification. Document your rationale.

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