GPSR directive - what does it mean for the e-commerce industry?

‍

The new regulations cover all sales channels, including e-commerce, and require online retailers to provide detailed product information, including:

• contact information for the manufacturer or importer, such as mailing address, email address and optional phone number,
• product safety information, including approvals, certificates and warnings
• Additional documents, such as manuals or warranty cards.

Failure to comply with these requirements can result in hefty financial penalties, so it is important to start preparing now.

What does GPSR cover?

The GPSR regulation is broad in scope and applies to almost all consumer products placed on the EU market. In particular, the following product groups should be noted:

• Toys - they must be accurately described in terms of the materials used, risk warnings (e.g., small parts) and indications of the child's age,
• chemical products - including cleaning products, cosmetics or paints, which require detailed information about ingredients, potential hazards and how to use them safely,
• children's products - such as strollers, car seats and feeding accessories, which must meet certain safety standards and contain appropriate markings,
• Electronic equipment - requires comprehensive instructions for installation, use and warnings about electrical hazards,
• Clothing and textiles - must include information on material composition, potential allergens and care instructions,
• construction, sports or decorative products - which also require detailed instructions and certificates.

What products are excluded from the GPSR directive?

Some products are excluded from the GPSR regulation because other regulations already govern them. This includes:

• medicinal products (for humans and animals),
• food and feed,
• Antiques and products that require repair before use,
• means of passenger transportation operated by the service provider (e.g., aircraft),
• crop protection products.

What are the challenges facing the e-commerce industry?

Online retailers will have to guarantee customers access to complete product information analogous to that available in stationary commerce. Implementation of the new regulations will require e-tailers to thoroughly update their product databases, including manufacturer information and documentation proving compliance. It will also be crucial to enrich product sheets with detailed safety data and provide customers with easy access to the required technical documentation.

While GPSR compliance presents a significant organizational challenge, it also presents an opportunity to strengthen market positioning by building trust and increasing customer satisfaction. Transparent communication about product safety and origin can significantly influence consumer perceptions of a brand.

Shoper Supports vendors in meeting new requirements

In response to new regulatory requirements, the Shoper platform is introducing comprehensive solutions to make it easier for merchants to adjust their stores. Key functionalities include:

• Collective assignment of manufacturers to products - allows mass management of manufacturer data and quick assignment of manufacturers to the corresponding products,
• visibility of the manufacturer's contact information - data such as address, phone number and e-mail will be automatically displayed on the product card, facilitating GPSR compliance,
• posting of safety warnings and information about met standards and certificates - the information will be visible on the product card in a separate section from the standard product description. There is also an option to assign a certificate or warning to multiple products simultaneously.

"The scope of GPSR is very broad, but at the same time precise, which means that even minor oversights can result in non-compliance. Therefore, store owners should carefully review the regulations to make sure that every product in their offerings meets the new standards. It's also a good idea to keep their suppliers and manufacturers under review to ensure that products are properly labeled and documented," - says Nina Pankiewicz, ESG Specialist at Shoper.

About the company Shoper

Shoper is a leader in e-commerce solutions in Poland. The company provides the necessary infrastructure for e-commerce. In addition to software for running an online store, it also offers a range of services to support sales. These include online payments, Digital Ads, logistics services and business financing. Among others, brands such as Gym Glamour, WK Dzik, Irving and Doppelherz operate on the Shoper platform. Since July 2021, Shoper has been listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and has been part of the sWIG80 index since December 2021. Check out more information about the company at: www.shoper.pl 

‍