Introduction
It is important for every online business today to comply with the ever-changing regulatory requirements in e-commerce. The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) of the European Union will totally change the way PrestaShop stores do business. The regulation is a boon and a bane for merchants. 🇪🇺🛒
With time running out for compliance with GPSR, a lot of PrestaShop store owners are heavily baffled: How will new regulations affect my business? What should I do to comply with them? The rush into an adaptation without bothering about the operational smoothness usually gets on one’s nerves early. However, the GPSR aspect of your business will become easier with better guidance and tools.
Most important tips on compliance with EU GPSR for PrestaShop stores are encapsulated in this full-fledged guide-such things as basics of GPSR, features installation, and maintenance of compliance will be thoroughly discussed to ensure your online business survives under the new regulations. Let’s get to the major areas that will be responsible for turning GPSR compliance from a scary ordeal into a competitive edge for your PrestaShop store.
Understanding EU GPSR Compliance
All under one roof, hence in the European Union comes the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). It has, among other things, several key components such as those that e-commerce businesses have to understand and incorporate, including PrestaShopers.
- Product Safety Requirements
- Risk Assessment and Management
- Traceability Measures
- Incident Reporting
- Market Surveillance
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Safety Requirements | Ensuring products meet EU safety standards |
| Risk Assessment | Identifying and mitigating potential risks |
| Traceability Measures | Tracking products throughout the supply chain |
| Incident Reporting | Promptly reporting safety issues to authorities |
| Market Surveillance | Cooperating with regulatory bodies for compliance |
Impact on E-Commerce
The GPSR has great implications for ecommerce, and hence e-commerce firms will have to change their practices:
- Improved product information: Detailed descriptions, safety warnings, and usage instructions must be provided
- Tighter supplier vetting: E-commerce platforms need to ensure their suppliers comply with GPSR standards.
- More effective recall procedures: Efficient systems for product recalls and customer notifications are essential.
- Greater liability: Online marketplaces may be held responsible for non-compliant products sold on their platforms.
Importance to PrestaShop Users
The following reasons make the GPSR compliance necessary for PrestaShop users:
- Legal Compliance: GPSR regulation is mandatory for selling in the EU market.
- Consumer Trust: The commitment to product safety can instill confidence in the consumer.
- Brand Reputation: Compliance safeguards the brand from exposure to harm in safety incidents.
- Competitive Advantage: GPSR-compliant stores may, by default, outshine competitors with no compliance.
So, where should the user keep efforts for compliance?
- Update product information
- Robust traceability systems
- Improve customer communications channels
- Regular staff training in GPSR requirements
With all these measure, PrestaShop users will create a more conducive environment in which to shop and establish long-lasting customer relations environmental as well. All these proactive actions meet the compliance requirement, but they also put the e-commerce business as a responsible and trustworthy entity in the face of competition in the online marketplace.
Now that we have a clear understanding of GPSR compliance and its importance, let’s explore how to prepare your PrestaShop store for these new regulations.
Preparing Your PrestaShop Store for GPSR
Updating product information
To ensure GPSR compliance, it’s crucial to update product information in your PrestaShop store. This includes providing accurate and detailed descriptions, safety warnings, and usage instructions for each product. Create a comprehensive checklist to ensure all necessary information is included:
- Product name and description
- Materials and components
- Safety warnings and precautions
- Usage instructions
- Maintenance and care guidelines
- Intended age group (if applicable)
- Country of origin
- Manufacturer details
| Information Type | Importance | GPSR Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Safety warnings | High | Mandatory |
| Usage instructions | High | Mandatory |
| Materials | Medium | Recommended |
| Origin | Medium | Recommended |
Implementing safety features
Enhance your PrestaShop store’s safety features to meet GPSR standards:
- Age verification systems for age-restricted products
- Product authentication mechanisms
- Secure payment gateways
- SSL certificates for data encryption
- Regular security audits and updates
Implement a risk assessment process for each product category to identify potential hazards and mitigate risks effectively.
Enhancing traceability measures
Traceability is a key aspect of GPSR compliance. Improve your PrestaShop store’s traceability measures by:
- Implementing unique product identifiers (UPIs)
- Maintaining detailed supplier and manufacturer records
- Creating a product history log
- Establishing a clear supply chain documentation system
Utilize PrestaShop’s built-in features or third-party modules to streamline the traceability process and ensure compliance with GPSR requirements.
Adapting return and recall processes
Revise your return and recall processes to align with GPSR guidelines:
- Develop a clear and accessible return policy
- Create a step-by-step recall procedure
- Establish communication channels for customer notifications
- Implement a system for tracking and managing returns and recalls
- Train staff on handling returns and recalls efficiently
| Process | Key Components | GPSR Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Returns | Policy, tracking | Customer safety |
| Recalls | Procedure, communication | Rapid response |
Now that we have covered the essential steps for preparing your PrestaShop store for GPSR compliance, it’s time to explore the specific GPSR features available in PrestaShop and how they can be leveraged to ensure full compliance with EU regulations.
Essential GPSR Features in PrestaShop
The EU’s General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) mandates that online retailers ensure product safety, traceability, and clear communication with consumers. PrestaShop, being a flexible eCommerce platform, can be equipped with features to help merchants align with GPSR requirements.
Key GPSR features you should implement in your PrestaShop store:
- Clear Product Labeling: Include visible manufacturer/supplier information on all product pages.
- Responsible Person Module: Assign a responsible person within the EU to handle product safety issues. (View recommended modules)
- Hazard Warnings: Display safety instructions, age restrictions, or warning labels where applicable.
- Customer Notification System: Inform customers quickly in case of recalls or safety updates.
- Digital Product Traceability: Track product batch numbers or sources using custom attributes or third-party modules.
Customizing PrestaShop for GPSR Compliance
Customization is often necessary to fully align with GPSR obligations. Here’s how you can configure or extend your PrestaShop store for compliance:
- Add Custom Fields: Use modules or override product templates to include fields for “Manufacturer Address”, “Batch Number”, or “EU Responsible Person”.
- Modify Product Page Templates: Ensure safety info is prominently displayed and easy to update.
- Integrate Compliance Checklists: Use automation tools to check if all required data is included before publishing a product.
- Multi-language Safety Info: Provide safety and compliance details in multiple EU languages using PrestaShop’s multilingual features.
Training and Education for GPSR Compliance
Compliance isn’t just about systems—it’s about people. Proper training ensures your team understands the GPSR rules and responsibilities.
- Staff Training: Educate employees on spotting unsafe product listings or missing compliance info.
- Update SOPs: Create standard procedures for uploading product data, validating suppliers, and handling complaints.
- Use Online Resources: The EU Commission and industry groups offer free webinars and documentation on GPSR.
- Module-Specific Training: Train your team on how to use PrestaShop compliance modules efficiently.
Monitoring and Maintaining GPSR Compliance
Once your store is compliant, you’ll need a plan to maintain that status over time.
- Regular Audits: Schedule monthly reviews to ensure all products continue to meet GPSR standards.
- Automated Alerts: Use modules or scripts to notify you if product info is incomplete or outdated.
- Customer Feedback: Encourage product reviews and monitor complaints to catch potential safety concerns early.
- Stay Updated: Subscribe to EU regulatory updates and PrestaShop module changelogs.
Explore more on keeping your PrestaShop store optimized in our post on advanced ecommerce SEO strategies for 2025.
Conclusion
Compliance with the EU GPSR law isn’t optional—it’s essential. With PrestaShop’s open-source flexibility and the right modules, you can build a compliant, consumer-friendly ecommerce store that meets EU expectations.
By customizing your store, educating your team, and actively monitoring compliance, you’ll not only avoid penalties but also increase customer trust and retention.
