What products are covered by the GPSR?

The General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR) covers most consumer products made available in the EU, whether sold online or offline, and whether new, used, repaired, or refurbished. It also covers products not intended for consumers but likely to be used by consumers under reasonably foreseeable conditions. Below, you will find what is in scope, what is mainly handled by other EU rules, and a quick checklist to classify your product.

What products does the GPSR cover in the EU?

The GPSR covers consumer products placed on or made available on the EU market, including products sold through distance sales channels such as online marketplaces. It applies to products that are new or second-hand, and it can also apply to products designed for professional use if consumers are reasonably likely to use them.

The GPSR is a “horizontal” product safety regulation, meaning it sets a general safety framework across many product types. Where a product is also subject to sector-specific EU harmonisation legislation (for example, CE-marking legislation for certain product groups), those specific rules typically address defined risks for that product category, and the GPSR complements them by covering general consumer safety expectations.

Applies regardless of sales channel: retail, brand webshops, and online marketplaces
Applies to individual units made available in the EU, not just a product model
Focuses on the core rule: only safe products may be made available in the EU

Which products are excluded or mainly covered by other EU rules?

Some product categories are excluded from the GPSR or are mainly governed by other EU safety frameworks. In practice, many businesses meet product-specific requirements first, then check whether any remaining consumer safety aspects fall under the GPSR.

At a high level, products commonly excluded or primarily regulated elsewhere include:

Food and feed
Medicinal products
Medical devices
Cosmetics
Plant protection products
Certain transport equipment categories covered by specific EU rules

Where specific EU legislation exists, it generally prevails for the risks it covers. The GPSR can still matter for risks or consumer-facing aspects not addressed by the specific regime—for example, general warnings, foreseeable misuse, or the quality of safety information—depending on the product and applicable laws.

How can you tell if your product is a consumer product under the GPSR?

You can usually determine GPSR scope by checking intended use, foreseeable consumer use, and whether the product is made available to EU consumers. If the answer is “yes” to the core questions below, the GPSR is likely relevant, and you should also confirm whether any product-specific EU rules apply.

GPSR scope checklist

Consumer use: Is it intended for consumers, or could consumers reasonably be expected to use it (even if marketed for professional use)?
EU availability: Is it placed on the market or otherwise made available in the EU (including distance sales targeted at EU Member States)?
Online selling: Is it offered via an online marketplace or webstore where EU consumers can buy it?
Accessories and components: Are you selling parts, accessories, or bundles that can affect safety when used together?
Second-hand and refurbished: Is it used, repaired, or reconditioned and still being made available to consumers?
Digital elements: Do software, connectivity, or cybersecurity features affect safe use (for example, updates that change behaviour)?
Economic operator in the EU: If you are a non-EU seller, do you have an EU-based economic operator fulfilling the responsible person requirement under the Market Surveillance Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 (MSR)?

If you sell from outside the EU directly to EU consumers, the MSR requirement for an EU-based responsible person is often the practical “gate” for continued listings, especially on marketplaces that request traceability and compliance information.

How does EARP help with GPSR product scope and compliance?

At EARP, we help you confirm whether your products fall under the GPSR, identify any overlapping EU product rules, and set up the EU-based responsible person role required under the MSR so you can keep selling with clear documentation and a reliable EU contact point.

GPSR scope assessment for your product range, including consumer versus professional use questions
EU responsible person services for non-EU manufacturers and sellers
Documentation presence and completeness checks, plus structured storage and retrieval for authority requests
Liaison support with national market surveillance authorities when information is requested
Practical support for online marketplace compliance workflows and traceability expectations

Review our services, or contact us to discuss your product scope and the fastest path to GPSR-aligned market access.