The General Product Safety Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2023/988, applies to consumer products placed on the EU market, including clothing, where more specific EU safety rules do not cover the same risks. It replaced the older General Product Safety Directive and applies to products sold online as well as in shops. For a brand outside the EU, one of the most practical consequences is the requirement for an economic operator established in the EU who is responsible for certain tasks for the product.

The EU responsible person

Under the regulation, a product covered by it may only be placed on the market if there is an economic operator established in the EU responsible for those tasks. Depending on the set-up, that can be the manufacturer if it is in the EU, an importer, an authorised representative appointed by the manufacturer, or a fulfilment service provider where none of the others is established in the EU. The responsible person's name and contact details must be indicated on the product, its packaging, the parcel or an accompanying document. This is why marketplaces ask for it.

Product identification and your details

Products need a type, batch or serial number or other element allowing identification, and manufacturers need to give their name, registered trade name or trade mark, and postal and electronic address. For apparel, this is usually placed on a label, swing tag or packaging. Plan it with your other label content so it is legible and does not crowd out required information.

Safety and documentation

Manufacturers must ensure products are safe and keep technical documentation, including an internal risk analysis. For tees and hoodies, the obvious risk points are things like drawcords on children's clothing, small detachable parts, and chemicals in dyes, prints and trims. Keep your test reports, specifications and supplier declarations organised by style so the responsible person can provide them on request.

Online listings

When selling at a distance, product listings must show certain information, including manufacturer details, the responsible person if different, product identification and any warnings or safety information. Check your product page templates for each EU market.

Other EU rules still apply

GPSR does not replace textile-specific rules. Fibre composition labelling still follows Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, and care symbols under ISO 3758 are widely expected. Check language requirements per country.