If you're involved in the fashion industry, you've likely heard about GPSR compliance, especially with the new EU product safety regulations taking effect. But what exactly does GPSR compliance mean for fashion brands, and why is it becoming such a crucial issue? This FAQ-style guide breaks down the essentials of the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) as it relates to fashion, textiles, and lifestyle products in Europe.

What is GPSR and Why Does it Matter for Fashion Brands?

Expert Answer:

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is an updated EU law effective December 13, 2024, that governs the safety of all consumer products sold in the European Union, including clothing, footwear, and accessories. It replaces the older General Product Safety Directive with more stringent safety standards to address modern risks, improve traceability, and enforce accountability.

Key GPSR Highlights For Fashion:

• Applies to all consumer products on the EU market, including fashion items.
• Introduces heavier penalties for non-compliance (fines up to €2 million or 5% of annual turnover).
• Increases responsibilities for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and online retailers.
• Mandates comprehensive risk assessments and detailed technical documentation.
• Requires the appointment of an EU-based Responsible Person for non-EU brands.
• Enforces new labelling and traceability rules.

Eco Fact:

Unsafe clothing can cause serious harm, like chemical exposure or fire hazards, which prompted the EU to ramp up regulations.

Which Safety Risks Must Fashion Brands Assess Under GPSR?

Expert Answer:

Fashion brands must conduct thorough risk analyses covering the entire lifecycle of their products. This breadth of assessment includes:

• Physical hazards: Sharp parts, drawstrings posing strangulation risks.
• Chemical risks: Restricted substances, toxic dyes, and treatments.
• Allergenic potential: Presence of skin sensitizers.
• Flammability: Fire safety compliance.
• Environmental impact: Packaging waste and recyclability.
• For smart textiles: Cybersecurity and data privacy risks.

Brands must document and update these assessments regularly to stay compliant.

What to Know:

Maintaining documented risk analyses ensures your brand proactively identifies hazards before products reach consumers.

What Are the Obligations for Non-EU Fashion Brands Under GPSR?

Expert Answer:

Non-EU brands must appoint an EU Responsible Person (EU RP). This designated entity or person acts as the compliance contact within the EU and must be named and reachable on product labels or packaging.

How to Check:

• Look for “EU Responsible Person” info on clothing labels.
• Confirm the name, address, and contact details are visible either on the product or its packaging.

This ensures authorities have a traceable contact for safety investigations or recalls.

What Labelling and Traceability Changes Does GPSR Introduce?

Expert Answer:

GPSR requires enhanced product labelling that includes:

• Unique Product Identifier: Such as SKU, style number, or barcode, allowing pinpointing of specific items.
• Manufacturer or Responsible Person Contact Details: Full name, physical address, and email.

These details must appear on the product, label, packaging, or inserts, enabling effective tracking and communication if safety issues arise.

Mini Callout — How to Check:

Verify product labels include traceability info. If you're a brand owner, update your care labels or packaging accordingly.

What Does GPSR Require Regarding Complaint and Incident Management?

Expert Answer:

GPSR mandates meticulous complaint tracking and safety incident management:

• Maintain a Complaints Register logging all safety-related feedback, even minor ones.
• Document any corrective actions taken to address issues.
• Report serious safety risks promptly to EU authorities via the Safety Gate/RAPEX system.
• Issue recalls quickly, alerting both customers and the public.

Such transparency and responsiveness build consumer trust and mitigate risks.

What Responsibilities Do Importers and Distributors Have Under GPSR?

Expert Answer:

• Importers must verify manufacturer compliance before market entry, refuse unsafe products, and cooperate with authorities.
• Distributors are responsible for checking visible compliance and facilitating recalls at the retail level.
• Online retailers must register with the EU Safety Gate, provide safety information to consumers, and maintain internal processes for handling safety alerts.

Each stakeholder plays a crucial role in the safety ecosystem under GPSR.

Takeaway: Why GPSR Compliance is Essential for Ethical and Safe Fashion

GPSR compliance isn't just a bureaucratic hurdle — it reflects a commitment to consumer safety, quality assurance, and responsible business practices in fashion. By understanding and implementing GPSR requirements:

• You safeguard your customers from potential harm.
• You protect your brand from legal risks and reputation damage.
• You contribute to a safer, more transparent fashion industry in Europe.

Empower your decision-making with GPSR: Prioritize safety, maintain detailed documentation, appoint your EU Responsible Person, and keep communication channels transparent. Compliance is not only a legal obligation but a core value for trustworthy fashion brands.

At Design Delight Studio, we believe clothing should be as kind to the planet as it is to your skin. Our apparel is certified by leading global standards like GOTS, OEKO-TEX®, and PETA-Approved Vegan — designed with transparency, comfort, and sustainability in every stitch.