Since 13 December 2024, a new European regulation on general product safety, GPSR for short, has been in force. This legislation has a direct impact on online shop operators in the Czech Republic, and its main aim is to ensure the safety of the products sold and to protect consumers. For Czech online shops it means new obligations.
Purpose of the GPSR
The regulation will continue to serve as the basic framework for ensuring the safety of non-food products with the aim of protecting customers. Specifically, the GPSR establishes:
- The basic obligation to place on the market only products that are safe.
- Specific safety requirements for goods sold online.
- Harmonised conditions for the safety of products offered online and in physical shops.
- The right of consumers to information from the relevant national authorities and from sellers.
- Remedies for consumers when a dangerous product is withdrawn from the market.
Availability of information
From that date, customers must have easy access to information about products, their safety and the manufacturer. The regulation applies to new as well as used, repaired or refurbished products that are distributed in the European Union free of charge or for payment. By contrast, the GPSR does not apply to products that already have their own specific legislation, such as food, medicines, live plants and animals, or antiques.
Mandatory information for Czech online shops
Czech online shops are required to state the following for their products:
- Unambiguous product identification, for example an EAN code, manufacturer part number (MPN) or another unique identifier.
- Contact details of the manufacturer of the goods, including name, address, e-mail address and website.
- Safety information, such as warnings, instructions for use or notices about risks associated with using the product.
All of this information must be easy to find on the product detail page.
Responsibility of online shops
Online shop operators are also required to actively monitor the goods they offer and, if risky products are identified, to withdraw them from sale without delay.
Enforcement in the Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, compliance with the regulation is ensured by a new law that sets out financial penalties for certain offences. However, the Czech supervisory authorities have not yet announced the exact date when they will begin actively carrying out inspections focused on GPSR compliance.
Responsibility for the information
Although the primary responsibility for providing safety information lies with the manufacturer, the online shop operator must ensure that this information is available to customers.
How to prepare for the GPSR
So how can online shops prepare for the GPSR?
- By adding any missing product information.
- By adding all the necessary safety information to the products on offer.