January 28, 2025

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is a significant update aimed at ensuring consumer safety in the ever-expanding marketplace, particularly with the rise of online sales. This regulation places a duty of care on manufacturers to deliver safe products to consumers by conducting thorough risk assessments, providing detailed usage instructions and warnings, maintaining product traceability, and offering accessible contact details for consumer inquiries. While cosmetics are already regulated under the EU Cosmetic Product Regulation (CPR), the GPSR reinforces these safety measures and extends them to address challenges in the modern retail landscape.

Key Implications of GPSR for Cosmetic Products

Cosmetic products are already subject to rigorous safety evaluations under the CPR, which mandates a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR). This safety assessment aligns with the GPSR's objective of enhancing consumer protection. However, the GPSR introduces additional requirements, particularly for products sold online, ensuring consumers have access to safety warnings and manufacturer details directly on digital platforms.

Enhancements in Product Safety and Transparency

  1. Risk Assessments: Manufacturers must evaluate the safety of cosmetic products comprehensively before market placement. The CPSR conducted under CPR supports these evaluations, ensuring products meet stringent safety standards.
  2. Traceability: The GPSR emphasizes robust product traceability mechanisms, requiring detailed records of the product’s journey through the supply chain.
  3. Online Retail Requirements: The GPSR extends the need for safety information, warnings, and manufacturer details to online sales channels. This step ensures transparency and accountability in the digital marketplace.

Impact on Product Labeling Requirements

The GPSR outlines specific labeling requirements to ensure consumer safety and product traceability. These include:

Manufacturer Details

(a) The name, registered trade name, or trademark of the manufacturer, along with their postal and electronic address, must be clearly displayed on the product.

Responsible Person

(b) In cosmetics, the “Responsible Person” the individual or entity accountable for placing the product on the market must be identified. This role may be filled by the brand owner or an importer for products manufactured outside the EU.

Postal Address

(c) The CPR allows abbreviations for postal addresses to identify the “Responsible Person.” The GPSR mirrors this flexibility, ensuring consistency across regulations.

Electronic Address

(d) An electronic address, such as an email or company website, must be provided to facilitate consumer communication.

Non-EU Manufacturers

(e) If the manufacturer is based outside the EU, the details of the EU-based Responsible Person, including their name, postal, and electronic address, must be included.

Addressing Challenges in Online Sales

The GPSR aims to mitigate the risks associated with the increasing number of products available online. By requiring detailed safety information, usage warnings, and contact details to be displayed on e-commerce platforms, the regulation ensures that consumers can make informed decisions, even in a digital purchasing environment.

How Maven Can Help

Maven is your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of GPSR and CPR compliance. With extensive expertise in regulatory affairs and safety assessments, Maven provides end-to-end support for cosmetic manufacturers and importers. Here’s how Maven can assist:

  1. Risk Assessments and CPSR Preparation: Maven’s toxicology experts conduct comprehensive risk assessments and prepare CPSRs to ensure your products meet CPR and GPSR standards.
  2. Labeling Compliance: Our team ensures your product labels comply with the latest GPSR and CPR requirements, including postal and electronic address standards, and the accurate identification of the Responsible Person.
  3. Online Retail Compliance: Maven assists in adapting your product listings for e-commerce platforms by including mandatory safety warnings, usage instructions, and manufacturer details.
  4. Traceability Solutions: We help implement robust traceability systems, ensuring your products remain compliant throughout the supply chain.
  5. Global Market Support: With a deep understanding of global regulations, Maven ensures your products comply with EU requirements and other international standards, enabling seamless market entry.
  6. Regulatory Intelligence and Updates: Our experts monitor regulatory changes, keeping you informed and prepared for upcoming compliance requirements.

Why Choose Maven?

At Maven, we combine regulatory expertise with a client-centric approach, ensuring your products meet all safety and compliance standards. Our comprehensive services include:

  • Formulation reviews and toxicological assessments.
  • Labeling and claims substantiation.
  • Compilation of Product Information Files (PIFs).
  • Support for product registration and market launch.

In a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, Maven is your strategic partner, enabling you to deliver safe, compliant, and consumer-friendly products to the market.

Conclusion

The revised GPSR underscores the importance of safety, transparency, and accountability in the cosmetics industry, especially in the context of online sales. By aligning with the CPR and introducing additional measures, the regulation enhances consumer protection and trust. With Maven’s expert guidance, you can navigate these requirements seamlessly, ensuring compliance and market success. Contact us today to learn how we can support your regulatory and compliance needs.