GPSR Guidelines for Etsy Sellers:Complete Compliance Guide
The EU's General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is now in effect. If you sell to EU customers, you must comply — regardless of where your business is located. Here's everything you need to know.
📋Quick Answer: Do I Need to Comply with GPSR?
Yes, if you sell products to EU customers. GPSR applies to:
- • All non-food consumer products sold in the EU
- • Sellers based inside AND outside the EU
- • New and used products (with some exceptions for antiques)
- • Handmade items, vintage goods, and craft supplies
Exceptions: True antiques (100+ years old sold as collectibles), repair parts that don't affect product safety, and products already covered by sector-specific regulations.
What Changed with GPSR?
How the new regulation differs from the old directive
| Aspect | Old Directive | New GPSR |
|---|---|---|
| EU Coverage | Applied differently across countries | Same rules in all 27 EU states |
| Online Seller Rules | Unclear requirements | Clear obligations defined |
| EU Contact (Non-EU Sellers) | No requirement | EU responsible person required |
| Product Traceability | Limited requirements | Full supply chain traceability |
| Marketplace Liability | Minimal platform responsibility | Platforms must verify compliance |
| Incident Reporting | Varied by country | Standardized Safety Gate system |
The 5 GPSR Requirements Every Etsy Seller Must Meet
Core compliance obligations under the regulation
1. Product Safety Assessment
Ensure products are safe before selling. Document potential risks and safety characteristics.
2. Required Product Information
Display business name, address, product ID, and safety warnings on products and listings.
3. EU Responsible Person
Non-EU sellers must appoint an EU-based compliance contact.
4. Technical Documentation
Maintain product specs, risk assessments, test reports, and supply chain info for 10 years.
5. Incident Reporting
Report safety incidents through the EU Safety Gate system within required timeframes.
GPSR Requirements by Product Category
Key concerns and documentation needs for common Etsy categories
Handmade Jewelry
Examples: Rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, body jewelry
Pro Tip: Document nickel content, lead-free materials, and comply with REACH regulations for chemicals in prolonged skin contact items.
Clothing & Textiles
Examples: Handmade clothing, children's wear, accessories, home textiles
Pro Tip: Document fabric composition, dye safety, and flammability. Children's clothing has additional drawstring and safety requirements.
Candles & Home Fragrance
Examples: Scented candles, wax melts, reed diffusers, room sprays
Pro Tip: Fragrance products require CLP regulation compliance. Document fragrance oil safety data and include proper warning labels.
Children's Products
Examples: Toys, nursery items, children's clothing, educational materials
Pro Tip: Strictest requirements. Must document age-appropriateness, small parts risks, material safety, and may need CE marking under Toy Safety Directive.
Home & Living
Examples: Kitchenware, furniture, decorative items, storage solutions
Pro Tip: Food-contact items need specific material safety documentation. Furniture may need stability testing documentation.
Craft Supplies
Examples: Beads, fabric, yarn, tools, kits
Pro Tip: Generally lower risk, but still requires basic safety assessment. Items containing chemicals need REACH compliance documentation.
6 Steps to Make Your Etsy Shop GPSR Compliant
Your compliance roadmap
Audit Your Product Catalog
Review each product for potential safety concerns before anything else.
- • List all products you sell to EU customers
- • Identify potential safety risks for each product type
- • Check if any products are intended for children (stricter rules apply)
- • Note any products containing chemicals, dyes, or restricted materials
Appoint an EU Responsible Person (Non-EU Sellers)
If you're based outside the EU, this is mandatory.
- • Research responsible person services (€50-500/year typical cost)
- • Verify they're established in an EU member state
- • Confirm they can receive and respond to authority requests
- • Ensure their contact details can appear on your products/documentation
Create Product Safety Documentation
Document that your products meet safety requirements.
- • Write product descriptions and specifications
- • Conduct and document risk assessments for each product type
- • Collect material safety data (especially for chemicals, dyes)
- • Create usage instructions and safety warnings
Update Your Product Listings
Ensure all required information is visible to EU buyers.
- • Add business name and contact address to listings
- • Include product identification (batch or model number)
- • Add appropriate safety warnings in description
- • Specify materials clearly and note country of origin
Update Shop Policies
Add GPSR-related information to your shop policies.
- • Add a product safety commitment statement
- • Explain how customers can report safety concerns
- • Include EU representative contact information (if applicable)
- • Note any age restrictions on products
Set Up Record-Keeping System
Organize documentation for the required 10-year retention period.
- • Create folders for each product type's safety documentation
- • Store material safety data sheets
- • Keep batch/production records
- • Archive customer safety communications
GPSR: The Numbers
GPSR Compliance Best Practices
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌Don't Do This
- •Ignore GPSR hoping it won't affect you — it applies to all EU sales regardless of seller location
- •Copy other sellers' documentation — your assessment must reflect your actual products
- •Assume handmade means exempt — handmade items are fully covered by GPSR
- •Forget existing inventory — products already listed need to comply
- •Wait for complaints — proactive compliance is required, not reactive
- •Use your personal address without considering privacy implications — consider a business address or representative
- •Neglect incident reporting — you must report safety incidents through the Safety Gate system
✅Do This Instead
- •Start with highest-risk products — children's items, skin contact products, items with electrical components
- •Document everything — if you can't prove it's safe, authorities won't accept your word
- •Use clear, simple language for safety warnings in the destination country's language
- •Keep records organized and easily accessible for the 10-year retention period
- •Stay informed — GPSR regulations may be updated or clarified over time
- •Appoint an EU responsible person early (non-EU sellers) — don't wait for an inquiry
- •Include product identifiers — batch numbers or unique codes for traceability
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about EU General Product Safety Regulation compliance for Etsy sellers.
Related Guides
This guide provides general information about GPSR compliance. Regulations may be updated — always verify current requirements. For specific legal advice regarding your products and business situation, consult with a qualified professional. This guide does not constitute legal advice.
Focus on Compliance, Then Optimize
Once your shop is GPSR compliant, Insight Agent helps you optimize listings, track competitor pricing, and monitor performance — so compliance costs don't eat into your profits.