Importers placing home textiles, home décor, household accessories and other consumer products on the European Union market need to consider the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988, commonly called the GPSR. The regulation has applied since 13 December 2024 and establishes a general product-safety framework for consumer products, including products sold online. It works alongside product-specific EU legislation; it does not replace rules that apply to particular products or materials.

This guide is for buyers importing finished goods from India into the EU. It explains the practical questions to resolve before placing a product on the market. The exact legal obligations depend on the product, its risks, the economic operator’s role and other applicable legislation.

1. Identify the product and applicable legislation

Start with a clear product description, intended use, consumer group, materials, components, dimensions, warnings and foreseeable misuse. Determine whether product-specific EU rules also apply. A general safety review should not be treated as a substitute for textile fibre labelling, REACH restrictions, food-contact rules, toy safety rules or other category-specific requirements when those are relevant.

The GPSR applies to products intended for consumers, or likely to be used by consumers under reasonably foreseeable conditions, where a specific Union harmonisation law does not already cover the same risks in the same way. Multiple pieces of legislation may apply to one product.

2. Keep a product risk assessment and technical file

The manufacturer must carry out an internal risk analysis and draw up technical documentation under the GPSR. The file should identify the product, its essential characteristics, relevant risks, risk-control measures, test evidence and instructions or warnings where appropriate. The documentation should be retained for the period specified by the regulation.

For home textiles, risk review may consider flammability where relevant, small parts or cords, chemical residues, colour transfer, mechanical hazards, misuse and intended user. For décor and household products, consider stability, sharp edges, breakage, small components, heat or flame exposure, coating or chemical risks and foreseeable use. The appropriate assessment depends on the actual product and its intended use.

3. Importer obligations under Article 11

Before placing a product on the EU market, the importer must verify that the manufacturer has met the relevant requirements. These include ensuring that the technical documentation exists, that the product bears the required identification and manufacturer contact details, that required instructions and safety information accompany it in a language consumers can understand, and that the importer’s own name and contact details are indicated as required.

If an importer has reason to believe that a product is dangerous or non-compliant, it must not simply continue placing it on the market. The importer has duties to take corrective action, including preventing further supply and informing relevant parties or authorities as required by the regulation.

4. Ensure an EU-established responsible economic operator

For products covered by the GPSR, Article 16 requires an economic operator established in the EU to be responsible for the product safety tasks specified in the regulation. Depending on the circumstances, this may be the manufacturer established in the EU, the importer, an authorised representative with a written mandate, or a fulfilment service provider in the cases provided for by law. A non-EU exporter in India does not by itself satisfy the EU-established operator requirement.

Record the responsible operator’s identity and contact details and ensure that the product and online offer contain the information required for the sales channel. An online product listing should not be treated as a substitute for the product’s physical traceability and safety file.

5. Online offers and marketplace product information

For products offered online or through other distance sales, the GPSR requires key information to be visible in the offer. This includes product identification, manufacturer details, the responsible person where required, and relevant warnings or safety information. The marketplace seller and the relevant economic operators should agree who supplies, checks and maintains the information.

6. Build a SKU-level compliance record

Product specification, drawings, intended use and risk assessment.
Manufacturer name, address, production site and product or batch identification.
Test reports and evidence supporting the safety assessment.
Instructions, warnings, traceability details and translated consumer information.
EU responsible operator details and written mandate where applicable.
Complaint, incident, corrective-action and recall procedures.

How Vanguard Sourcing can support supplier-side records

Within an agreed scope, Vanguard Sourcing can coordinate factory document collection, sample and test follow-up, supplier communication, production controls and inspection reports in India. The EU importer and responsible economic operator must determine which GPSR and product-specific obligations apply, assess the evidence and complete any required regulatory action. Vanguard Sourcing does not provide legal opinions or appoint an EU responsible person unless a separate and legally valid arrangement has been expressly agreed.

EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR): An Importer Guide for Home Products