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GPSR defines ‘safe product’ as any product which, under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use, including the actual duration of use, does not present any risk or only the minimum risks compatible with the product’s use, considered acceptable and consistent with a high level of protection of the health and safety of consumers.

The requirement, practically speaking, is to conduct an internal risk analysis and compile the necessary technical documentation to be able to demonstrate that safety. There is a high probability that brands already selling in domestic regulated markets (US, Japan, Canada etc.) have such documentation anyhow to follow local requirements (in case of the UK, the standards are generally the same). The EU (and UK) safety laws rely on the presumption that products are declared to be safe.

Technical documentation is a comprehensive term that includes various documents, which can differ depending on the product. Generally, the higher the risk associated with the product, the more extensive the documentation required. This may include a risk assessment, a declaration of conformity, test reports, instructions for use, and more.

However, for lower-risk products, such as a plain t-shirt, the technical documentation may simply consist of a product description and high-level risk analysis, and there is typically no need for external assessments or conformity declarations in such a case.

If your product is already being made available in the EU, then you might already have an "Economic Operator" (EO) established in the EU (for example, marketplaces, or even yourself directly by way of your own manufacturing, stores or other EU sales channels such as distributor/re-sellers). This entity will take on several tasks in relation to those products, including the responsibility for their safety. Think of the EO as your brand’s local representative in the EU. They’re responsible for handling all the roles of the EO, including verifying necessary documentation has been drawn up and communicating (as needed) with European authorities to ensure your products meet safety standards.

In this case, you probably don’t need another EO like Global-e to handle compliance for the products sold through Global-e.

Global-e can take on the role of responsible person in the EU through appointment as an Authorized Representative (AR) for e-commerce activities through Global-e.

The AR serves as the point of contact for EU market surveillance authorities, helps maintain compliance documentation, and assist your brand in case of regulatory issues.

It is important to stress that when acting as the brand’s AR, we will rely on your statements in regards to the safety of the products, and will expect full cooperation in that regard, mainly if there is a safety incident or regulatory review.

Global-e will not charge for acting as the AR as long as the sale to the EU are carried through Global-e.

As your AR, Global-e will:

First, we will need a written mandate from you, setting out the responsibilities Global-e will take on. Formally, our Irish Global-e entity will be the nominated AR.

Then, we will need you to confirm that the following documents are readily available and can be furnished promptly when we ask for them (at the request of the authorities):

It is important to understand that import clearance process (for e-commerce) does not change by virtue of the GPSR.

Taking into consideration the nature and purpose of the legislation and the inherent safety and low risk of the brand’s products – the market anticipates gradual uptake, with some focus on the targeted audience of the GPSR (marketplaces or massproduct importers).