The General Product Safety Regulation (“GPSR”) provides an updated compliance framework in the European Union related to the safety of consumer products. The GPSR takes effect on December 13, 2024, and seeks to improve both the flow of information related to product safety concerns and the marketwide responses to specific such concerns. To do so, the GPSR establishes certain obligations for various parties, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, and online marketplaces, with respect to the sale of certain consumer products.
At Whatnot, we share this commitment to safety, and have existing policies, reporting channels, and responsive measures in place related to product safety. In line with our commitment to safety and belief in transparency, we have provided additional information below regarding the GPSR, including considerations for sellers and a reminder as to how consumers can report product safety concerns to Whatnot.
For Consumers
Whatnot takes the safety of its community seriously, and encourages consumers to report product safety issues so we can respond appropriately. To report safety issues for products and sales subject to the GPSR, please use our in-app reporting feature, or send an email to gpsr@whatnot.com, and provide clear information on the product and safety concern.
For Sellers
Consider When the GPSR Might Apply
- The GPSR applies only to the sale of products in the EU and Northern Ireland.
- The GPSR does not apply to certain specific excluded product types or to product types which are regulated under existing laws.
- For example, the GPSR may not apply to products typically sold in the following Categories on Whatnot: Beauty; Car Parts; Antiques, Vintage & Ephemera; Food & Drink; Pet Supplies; Plants & Garden; Toys & Hobbies; Action Figures; Coins & Money; Arts & Handmade.
- Please note, the GPSR applies to both new and second-hand or used products.
Consider Compliance Measures
- If your sale may be subject to the GPSR, you must provide potential buyers with certain required information about the product.
- This includes, for example, manufacturer information (e.g., name, contact information), specific product information (e.g., picture, identifier), and existing product safety or warning information.
- The manufacturer is the entity that created and/or designed the product, or the authorized EU representative of that entity. The manufacturer is distinct from the various importers or distributors of the manufacturer’s product.
- When you sell a specific item on Whatnot, you can provide potential buyers with any required information in the Listing via the Description field and/or clear images of the specific product.
- If you determine it is not feasible to include some information in the Listing (for example, when making a large number of items temporarily available during a specific Livestream), you can provide additional details to potential buyers verbally and through a clear display of the product.
- The GPSR focuses on products which may pose a risk of harm to the health and safety of consumers, with particular emphasis on products with foreseeable risks of causing severe harm.
Note: Whatnot is unable to provide legal advice, and the content herein is for informational purposes only. For specific guidance on whether and how the GPSR applies to you and your sale of specific products, please review the legislation, additional information provided by the EU, and reach out to your legal counsel.