GPSR: the “EU responsible person”, simply explained

The principle

A consumer product can only be placed on the EU market if an economic operator established in the EU is responsible for certain tasks: keeping documentation at hand, cooperating with the authorities and informing them when there is a risk.

Who can take this role?

• The manufacturer, if it is established in the EU.
• An importer established in the EU.
• An authorised representative appointed in writing by the manufacturer.
• A fulfilment service provider established in the EU, when none of the above exists.

Practical cases

You are in France (or elsewhere in the EU) and make your products yourself

You are the manufacturer established in the EU: your own details are enough.

You resell products made outside the EU

You need to identify the importer or an authorised representative in the EU and show their details.

You are outside the EU and sell to European customers

You must appoint an operator established in the EU. Authorised-representative services exist; compare them carefully.

Where to show it

• On the product, its packaging or an accompanying document.
• On the online listing: Etsy’s dedicated fields for sales to the EU, and the description or custom fields on Shopify.

See also: the full GPSR guide · the free checklist.

FAQ

Does an EU-based handmade seller need to appoint someone?

Generally no: if they are the manufacturer and established in the EU, they are the responsible operator themselves.

Can the responsible person be in the United Kingdom?

Not in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales): the person must be established in the EU. Northern Ireland, where the GPSR also applies, is a special case.