{"id":377354,"date":"2025-06-12T13:48:21","date_gmt":"2025-06-12T13:48:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/?p=377354"},"modified":"2026-03-16T11:38:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T11:38:36","slug":"product-labeling-rules","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/blog\/product-labeling-rules","title":{"rendered":"The GPSR and EU consumer product labeling rules for online sellers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span data-color=\"transparent\">Safety concerns presented by the popularity of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/blog\/marketplaces-for-online-stores\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>online marketplaces<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\"> and digital products are among the central pain points that the General Product Safety Regulation addresses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Emerging software and easy access to dangerous products through ecommerce platforms like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/blog\/the-guide-to-becoming-an-international-seller-on-ebay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>eBay<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/blog\/the-guide-to-becoming-an-international-seller-on-amazon\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>Amazon<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\"> can put vulnerable consumers at risk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">This EU legislation addresses these challenges by introducing stricter union-wide rules that economic operators must adhere to when placing products on EU marketplaces.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">The new labeling rules are part of the EU\u2019s wider consumer protection strategy that aims to ensure that all products available on the Union\u2019s marketplaces are safe for all consumer groups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Consequently, sellers on online marketplaces must verify that each product in their online store meets the labeling requirements and stop selling those that don&#8217;t immediately until they&#8217;re brought into compliance. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">In this article, we\u2019ll explain the EU&#8217;s labeling requirements and help you determine your obligations when placing new products on digital marketplaces in the EU.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul data-pm-slice=\"3 3 []\">\n<li><span data-color=\"transparent\">GPSR introduces mandatory labeling requirements for all consumer products sold on the EU market.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-color=\"transparent\">The manufacturer and, in some cases, importers bear the bulk of labeling responsibilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-color=\"transparent\">Online sellers who only distribute a product must check if the item\u2019s label is GPSR-compliant and add that information to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/blog\/ebay-listings-optimization-research\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>product listings<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\"> on online marketplaces.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-color=\"transparent\">Failing to meet the EU\u2019s labeling requirements can trigger a recall.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-color=\"transparent\">The label must be translated into the local market\u2019s language.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>The labeling obligations of online sellers under the General Product Safety Regulation<\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-377362\" src=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/tips-2025-1-48.png\" alt=\"A man standing next to a laptop with a barcode scanner in his left hand and a small car part in the right hand. Various products are on the shelves in the background. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/tips-2025-1-48.png 1024w, https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/tips-2025-1-48-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/tips-2025-1-48-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span data-color=\"transparent\">The obligations of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/blog\/gpsr-responsibilities-and-compliance-requirements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>economic operators under the GPSR<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\"> depend on their position in the supply chain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Consequently, two digital merchants who sell their products through an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/blog\/practical-sales-strategy-tips-for-cross-border-sellers-on-ebay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>ecommerce platform like eBay<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\"> may have to meet different labeling obligations depending on whether they manufacture products they offer in their stores, where their business is established, and other factors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">The product safety regulation places the bulk of product labeling responsibilities on manufacturers and, when applicable, importers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Article 12 of the document, which outlines distributors&#8217; responsibilities, doesn\u2019t explicitly mention labeling obligations, but it establishes that distributors must ensure compliance\u00a0with the regulation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Still, Article 12 clearly states that if a distributor possesses information that a product does not have appropriate labeling information, such as the serial number or the manufacturer\u2019s name, they shouldn\u2019t place that product on the market before it is brought into conformity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Moreover, distributors who offer their products through online marketplaces like eBay must ensure that product listings contain the labeling information, including the manufacturer\u2019s name and contact details, information about the EU Responsible Person, or safety warnings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Understanding the EU product labeling requirements<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-377369\" src=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Frame-285-1.png\" alt=\"A shopper holding a price tag of a shirt.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Frame-285-1.png 1024w, https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Frame-285-1-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Frame-285-1-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span data-color=\"transparent\">Assessing an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/safety-gate\/#\/screen\/pages\/obligationsForBusinesses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>online seller\u2019s labeling responsibilities<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\"> starts with determining their position within the supply chain.\u00a0Under the regulation, EU-based online sellers can be considered manufacturers if they produce or significantly alter the items they offer to consumers in their online stores.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">The GPSR states that any legal or natural person established in one of the member states that places a product from a third country on an EU marketplace can be considered an importer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Hence, online sellers who offer items manufactured outside of the EU can assume the responsibilities of an importer if the product they want to add to their store was previously unavailable on the specific EU market.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Still, most digital retailers are considered distributors under the GPSR, meaning that their responsibilities are limited to checking if a product complies with labeling and other GPSR requirements and adding the necessary information to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/blog\/keyword-research-on-ebay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>product listings<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">It\u2019s worth noting that a distributor must inform consumers, the manufacturer, or importer if they determine that one or more of the products they obtained from them don\u2019t have GPSR-compliant labels.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Creating GPSR-compliant labels for consumer products<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-377376\" src=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/tips-2025-1-50.png\" alt=\"A view of warning label showing the product's potential hazard and age suitability. \" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/tips-2025-1-50.png 1024w, https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/tips-2025-1-50-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/tips-2025-1-50-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span data-color=\"transparent\">Being familiar with the new consumer product labeling rules is beneficial regardless of your company\u2019s position in the supply chain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Even if you only distribute the products you offer on European online marketplaces, knowing the labeling rules will help you determine if an item you\u2019d like to feature in your store has a GPSR-compliant label.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Here\u2019s an overview of the labeling requirements all economic operators must meet before placing a product on the EU market.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Product\u2019s type, batch, and serial number<\/h3>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span data-color=\"transparent\">The EU\u2019s market surveillance authorities prioritize the easy identification of unsafe products. So, the manufacturer must ensure that each product created for the EU market contains the serial number, type, and batch, and that the information is clearly visible to consumers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">The GPSR doesn\u2019t offer guidelines regarding the format of the batch number, but this number should make it easy to check the item\u2019s production date, model, and manufacturing location.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Manufacturer\u2019s name, registered trade name, or trademark<\/h3>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span data-color=\"transparent\">Aside from the information about the product, the label should also contain the manufacturer&#8217;s name, registered trade name, or trademark.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">This information should be included on the product when possible. However, if this information cannot be added to the product, the manufacturer must adhere to the packaging labelling rules or include it in its technical file.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Manufacturer&#8217;s and EU Responsible Person\u2019s contact information<\/h3>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span data-color=\"transparent\">The GPSR introduces a new requirement that only economic operators established in the EU can place products on the Union\u2019s markets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Consequently, manufacturers established in one of the EU countries can act as an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/blog\/a-guide-to-choosing-an-eu-responsible-person-for-online-sellers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>EU Responsible Person<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\"> for their products.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Businesses from outside the EU must appoint a person responsible for each product they want to offer to European consumers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Online sellers from one of the EU member states who manufacture their products must include their postal address and electronic address, either website or email, on the product.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">In case they opt to serve as the EU Responsible Person for their products, they don\u2019t need to add such information twice to the product.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">On the other hand, manufacturers who aren\u2019t established in the EU must appoint an authorized representative and add the responsible person\u2019s name, address, and contact details to the product next to their company\u2019s information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Instructions for safe use and disposal<\/h3>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span data-color=\"transparent\">Consumer products should be accompanied by clear instructions for their safe use and disposal. The instruction should be available in the language most consumers on the specific market can understand.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">However, this requirement doesn\u2019t apply to products that can be safely used as the manufacturer intended.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Warnings<\/h3>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span data-color=\"transparent\">Warning markings such as &#8216; choking hazard\u2019, \u2018flammable\u2019, or \u2018for external use only\u2019 are among those that manufacturers may have to add to the products they\u2019re placing on an EU marketplace.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Nonetheless, the GPSR doesn\u2019t provide detailed information regarding warnings for such products. The document only states that the warning and safety information should be attached to the product, its packaging, or included in the accompanying documentation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">That\u2019s why manufacturers must consider other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/blog\/a-guide-to-the-european-unions-product-safety-standards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>regulations, directives, and product standards<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\"> when determining the exact format of the warning marking they should add to a product.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Age suitability<\/h3>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span data-color=\"transparent\">A product\u2019s label should clearly indicate the age group the product is suitable for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Children&#8217;s toys and other consumer products aimed at children must comply with the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/eli\/dir\/2009\/48\/oj\/eng\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>Toy Safety Directive<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\"> and product standards from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.en-standard.eu\/bs-en-71-1-2014-a1-2018-safety-of-toys-mechanical-and-physical-properties\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>EN 71 series<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">In addition to toys, products from video games and online content categories should also indicate the age group for which they are suitable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Language requirements<\/h3>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span data-color=\"transparent\">The GPSR mandates that all product labels be translated into the official language of the EU member state where a product is sold.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">In case the manufacturer or importer hasn\u2019t fulfilled this requirement, an online seller distributing a product must translate the label into the language most consumers on a marketplace can easily understand.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Checking if the label is correctly positioned on a product<\/h2>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span data-color=\"transparent\">The label should be affixed to a product, unless doing so is impossible due to the product\u2019s size or nature.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Manufacturers can optionally print the label on the item\u2019s packaging or include it in the instructions along with other technical documentation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Still, adding the label directly to the product is recommended whenever possible because it ensures easy access to information for consumers and market surveillance authorities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Businesses can use QR codes to supplement the information they include on an item\u2019s label or provide technical documentation to consumers, but they cannot use them to replace the physical label.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Hence, digital labeling can only serve as an additional source of information for consumers, but to be GPSR-compliant, products must have a physical label.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>The consequences of labeling products incorrectly<\/h2>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span data-color=\"transparent\">Placing products without a GPSR-compliant label on a European marketplace can have severe consequences for all economic operators involved in their production and distribution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">The market surveillance authorities can order an economic operator to bring the product into compliance by creating a new label.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">A non-compliant label can trigger a product recall, while in some cases it can serve as the basis for sales bans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/blog\/practical-sales-strategy-tips-for-cross-border-sellers-on-ebay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>Online sellers<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\"> who offer their products on eBay or other international ecommerce platforms must remember that their marketplace provider must remove the listings of non-compliant products from their platforms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">So, if a product in your store doesn\u2019t have a GPSR-compliant label, or you fail to include tracing and all other relevant information in the product listing, the marketplace provider must remove that product from their platform until you can bring it into compliance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Non-compliance with product safety requirements can negatively impact sellers by damaging their reputation and disrupting their operations.<\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Consequently, you shouldn\u2019t assume that products you receive from your supplier are GPSR-compliant. Instead, you should check if their labels contain the necessary information and generate a new GPSR-compliant label if they don\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>GPSR-compliant labels as a condition for entering the European Union\u2019s online marketplaces<\/h2>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span data-color=\"transparent\">The European Union is the world&#8217;s largest single market, but it is also one of the most heavily regulated markets in the world.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">As such, it offers considerable growth opportunities to online sellers capable of overcoming the regulatory hurdles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Adhering to the EU\u2019s labeling requirements is a mandatory step sellers on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/blog\/the-road-to-gpsr-compliance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>online marketplaces<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\"> must take when expanding to a new European marketplace or adding new products aimed at consumers in EU member states to their online stores.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Checking the labels of hundreds of products and generating a new GPSR-compliant label for each product that fails to meet the EU\u2019s labeling requirements requires considerable resources and time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/resources.webinterpret.com\/accelerate-now\/?_gl=1*v7auzj*_gcl_au*MTgzNzYyMzk0OC4xNzQ4MjUwMDA0*_ga*MTUxNTIxMjE4NC4xNzQwMDUzNjYy*_ga_KWWD0Y0CYM*czE3NDk2MzU5NDgkbzExNyRnMCR0MTc0OTYzNTk1OSRqNDkkbDAkaDEzNTQ5OTM0MjM.#ebay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>Book a call<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\"> to find out how Webinterpret can make this task effortless.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-color=\"transparent\">About Webinterpret<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Webinterpret supports merchants selling on eBay.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">Our AI-based solutions enable more effective selling through automated listing\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/solutions\/localisation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>localization<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\">,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/features\/advertising\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>advertising<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\">, and\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/features\/returns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>returns<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\">\u00a0and ensure all products placed on EU markets are\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/webinterpret.com\/en\/solutions\/gpsr-compliance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-color=\"transparent\"><u>GPSR-compliant<\/u><\/span><\/a><span data-color=\"transparent\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-color=\"transparent\">By giving your international customers a full, end-to-end local shopping experience, Webinterpret improves your conversion and helps establish your business globally.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Safety concerns presented by the popularity of online marketplaces and digital products are among the central pain points that the General Product Safety Regulation addresses.\u00a0 Emerging software and easy access to dangerous products through ecommerce platforms like eBay or Amazon can put vulnerable consumers at risk.\u00a0 This EU legislation addresses these challenges by introducing stricter union-wide rules that economic operators must adhere to when placing products on EU marketplaces.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The new labeling rules are part of the EU\u2019s wider consumer protection strategy that aims to ensure that all products available on the Union\u2019s marketplaces are safe for all consumer groups.\u00a0 Consequently, sellers on online marketplaces must verify that each product in their online store meets the labeling requirements and stop selling those that don&#8217;t immediately until they&#8217;re brought into compliance. \u00a0 In this article, we\u2019ll explain the EU&#8217;s labeling requirements and help you determine your obligations when placing new products on digital marketplaces in the EU.\u00a0 Key takeaways GPSR introduces mandatory labeling requirements for all consumer products sold on the EU market.\u00a0 The manufacturer and, in some cases, importers bear the bulk of labeling responsibilities.\u00a0 Online sellers who only distribute a product must check if the item\u2019s label is GPSR-compliant and add that information to product listings on online marketplaces.\u00a0 Failing to meet the EU\u2019s labeling requirements can trigger a recall.\u00a0 The label must be translated into the local market\u2019s language. The labeling obligations of online sellers under the General Product Safety Regulation The obligations of economic operators under the GPSR depend on their position in the supply chain.\u00a0 Consequently, two digital merchants who sell their products through an ecommerce platform like eBay may have to meet different labeling obligations depending on whether they manufacture products they offer in their stores, where their business is established, and other factors.\u00a0 The product safety regulation places the bulk of product labeling responsibilities on manufacturers and, when applicable, importers. Article 12 of the document, which outlines distributors&#8217; responsibilities, doesn\u2019t explicitly mention labeling obligations, but it establishes that distributors must ensure compliance\u00a0with the regulation. Still, Article 12 clearly states that if a distributor possesses information that a product does not have appropriate labeling information, such as the serial number or the manufacturer\u2019s name, they shouldn\u2019t place that product on the market before it is brought into conformity.\u00a0 Moreover, distributors who offer their products through online marketplaces like eBay must ensure that product listings contain the labeling information, including the manufacturer\u2019s name and contact details, information about the EU Responsible Person, or safety warnings. Understanding the EU product labeling requirements Assessing an online seller\u2019s labeling responsibilities starts with determining their position within the supply chain.\u00a0Under the regulation, EU-based online sellers can be considered manufacturers if they produce or significantly alter the items they offer to consumers in their online stores. The GPSR states that any legal or natural person established in one of the member states that places a product from a third country on an EU marketplace can be considered an importer.\u00a0 Hence, online sellers who offer items manufactured outside of the EU can assume the responsibilities of an importer if the product they want to add to their store was previously unavailable on the specific EU market.\u00a0 Still, most digital retailers are considered distributors under the GPSR, meaning that their responsibilities are limited to checking if a product complies with labeling and other GPSR requirements and adding the necessary information to product listings.\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s worth noting that a distributor must inform consumers, the manufacturer, or importer if they determine that one or more of the products they obtained from them don\u2019t have GPSR-compliant labels. Creating GPSR-compliant labels for consumer products Being familiar with the new consumer product labeling rules is beneficial regardless of your company\u2019s position in the supply chain.\u00a0 Even if you only distribute the products you offer on European online marketplaces, knowing the labeling rules will help you determine if an item you\u2019d like to feature in your store has a GPSR-compliant label.\u00a0 Here\u2019s an overview of the labeling requirements all economic operators must meet before placing a product on the EU market.\u00a0 Product\u2019s type, batch, and serial number The EU\u2019s market surveillance authorities prioritize the easy identification of unsafe products. So, the manufacturer must ensure that each product created for the EU market contains the serial number, type, and batch, and that the information is clearly visible to consumers.\u00a0 The GPSR doesn\u2019t offer guidelines regarding the format of the batch number, but this number should make it easy to check the item\u2019s production date, model, and manufacturing location. Manufacturer\u2019s name, registered trade name, or trademark Aside from the information about the product, the label should also contain the manufacturer&#8217;s name, registered trade name, or trademark.\u00a0 This information should be included on the product when possible. However, if this information cannot be added to the product, the manufacturer must adhere to the packaging labelling rules or include it in its technical file. Manufacturer&#8217;s and EU Responsible Person\u2019s contact information The GPSR introduces a new requirement that only economic operators established in the EU can place products on the Union\u2019s markets.\u00a0 Consequently, manufacturers established in one of the EU countries can act as an EU Responsible Person for their products. Businesses from outside the EU must appoint a person responsible for each product they want to offer to European consumers.\u00a0 Online sellers from one of the EU member states who manufacture their products must include their postal address and electronic address, either website or email, on the product.\u00a0 In case they opt to serve as the EU Responsible Person for their products, they don\u2019t need to add such information twice to the product.\u00a0 On the other hand, manufacturers who aren\u2019t established in the EU must appoint an authorized representative and add the responsible person\u2019s name, address, and contact details to the product next to their company\u2019s information.\u00a0 Instructions for safe use and disposal Consumer products should be accompanied by clear instructions for their safe use and disposal. The instruction should be<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":377355,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9672,9677,9674],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-377354","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-expanding-to-new-markets","category-marketplace-guides","category-tax-and-compliance"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.1 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Ecommerce, the GPSR, and product labeling rules in the EU<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The GPSR has changed the EU\u2019s product labeling rules. 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