Big changes are coming for Amazon sellers in the European Union! Starting December 13, 2024, the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) will be enforced. This game-changing EU regulation brings stricter safety rules, stronger traceability requirements, and hefty penalties for non-compliance.
If you sell on Amazon’s European marketplaces, now is the time to gear up for GPSR compliance. Let’s break down what these new rules mean for your business and how tools like the Inventory Data Quality (IDQ) score and Amazon’s compliance dashboard can keep your account thriving.
What is the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)?
The GPSR replaces the General Product Safety Directive, bringing more robust measures to regulate product safety in the EU. These updates reflect the increasing complexity of global trade and e-commerce.
Key objectives of GPSR:
- Ensure that all consumer products meet stringent safety standards.
- Enhance product traceability to identify and remove unsafe items swiftly.
- Penalize non-compliant businesses to protect consumers and fair competition.
Key GPSR Requirements for Amazon Sellers
If you sell in the EU, here’s what GPSR compliance entails:
1. Clear Product Identification
Each product must have a visible and traceable identifier, such as:
- Product name or reference number.
- Batch or serial number.
- Manufacturer/importer details.
This ensures quick identification of unsafe products and allows for efficient recalls.
2. Complete and Accurate Listings
Amazon sellers must:
- Provide accurate product descriptions.
- Include essential details like safety warnings and usage instructions.
- Use high-quality images that reflect the actual product.
3. Maintain Updated Safety Documentation
Sellers must maintain up-to-date documentation, including:
- Test reports and safety certifications.
- EU Declaration of Conformity.
- Records of safety assessments.
4. Ensure Accessibility for EU Marketplaces
Every product must meet specific safety standards for each EU country in which it is sold. This may require adapting your listings and documentation for different marketplaces.
Amazon’s Role in GPSR Compliance
Amazon has introduced several tools and policies to help sellers comply with GPSR, including:
1. Manage Your Compliance Dashboard
This Seller Central tool streamlines compliance management by:
- Tracking compliance status for individual ASINs.
- Providing ready-made templates for safety documentation.
- Sending real-time alerts for missing or outdated information.
2. Account Health Monitoring
Amazon integrates compliance metrics into the Account Health dashboard to:
- Reduce the risk of penalties and account suspensions.
- Improve listing stability and visibility.
- Alert sellers to potential violations in real time.
The Importance of the IDQ Score for GPSR Compliance
The Inventory Data Quality (IDQ) score plays a crucial role in ensuring GPSR compliance and boosting listing visibility. While Amazon doesn’t provide IDQ reports directly, third-party tools can help identify:
- Missing or incomplete product details.
- Inaccurate descriptions.
- Poor-quality images.
A strong IDQ score (90+ recommended) improves search rankings and enhances conversion rates by presenting clear, accurate, and engaging listings.
10 Tips for Ensuring GPSR Compliance on Amazon
- Keep Documentation Updated: Ensure test reports, certifications, and safety assessments are current.
- Regularly Review Listings: Audit all product listings to verify accuracy and completeness.
- Understand Marketplace Requirements: Adapt to specific compliance rules for each EU marketplace.
- Use Brand Registry: Protect your brand and enforce compliance using Amazon’s Brand Registry.
- Leverage IDQ Reports: Identify and address sub-par listings with third-party IDQ reports.
- Streamline Data Management: Use the Listings API to automate updates and reduce errors.
- Monitor Policy Changes: Stay informed about changes to Amazon’s reimbursement and compliance policies.
- Automate Compliance Alerts: Utilize tools to receive notifications for missing or outdated information.
- Optimize Listings: Use high-resolution images, concise bullet points, and relevant sub-categories.
- Keep Traceability Records: Maintain detailed logs of product safety and traceability documentation.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to meet GPSR standards can lead to:
- Fines and legal actions by EU authorities.
- Delisting of non-compliant products on Amazon.
- Negative impacts on Account Health metrics, affecting overall sales.
How to Prepare for GPSR Compliance Before December 13
To ensure you’re ready for the new GPSR requirements:
- Audit all current listings and update safety documentation.
- Conduct a compliance review using Amazon’s Manage Your Compliance dashboard.
- Generate IDQ reports to identify and fix weak spots in your listings.
- Educate your team about GPSR standards and update workflows to prioritize compliance.
Conclusion
The new GPSR requirements represent a significant shift for Amazon sellers in the EU, emphasizing safety, traceability, and accuracy. By understanding and implementing these measures, you can avoid penalties, enhance your Account Health, and build trust with EU customers.
Utilize tools like the Manage Your Compliance dashboard and prioritize your IDQ score to streamline compliance and listing optimization. With the right strategy, you’ll not only meet the GPSR standards but also position your products for success in the competitive EU market.
Are your listings GPSR-ready? Start your compliance journey today and secure your spot in the EU market.
