Not everyone may be aware of the new GPSR law that is coming into play on the 13th December this year, & to be honest, it's only really just hit my radar too, thanks to other small businesses bringing it up. It seems to have crept up, despite it being an apparently huge stumbling block for all small businesses based outside of the EU, dealing with non-food products, who sell into the EU & Northern Ireland. ⁠
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I'll get the boring stuff out the way...GPSR (General Product Safety Regulations) will take over the current GPR (General Product Regulations) that currently exist, covering most non-food products for the EU on 13th December 2024. The changes mean more responsibility for makers & importers to be more transparent about the products they sell, but also more traceability and safety guarantees for consumers of those products. Which is great. However, for makers, this appears to mean, not only a huge increase admin & preparation, to ensure products comply with the new regulations, but also appointing an EU or NI based 'Responsible Person', a company that will be the contact for ensuring that consumer products sold in the EU meet safety standards and comply with EU regulations. ⁠
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Appointing this RP appears to be incredibly expensive & the cost & time involved for a small business/ sole trader seems to completely outweigh the benefits of selling. I'm hoping there will be a way to work with this soon, but, until I find a better way forward, it pains me to say, but I won't be able to ship to any countries within the EU or even Northern Ireland, after the 13th December this year.⁠
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If you've had your eye on something & want it delivered to the EU or Northern Ireland:

the 4th Dec will be my cut off date for any online orders from my website or any other online platforms that I sell through. ⁠
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Hopefully in the near future, there will be a way to work with this! ⁠
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L. X⁠
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