If you manufacture products like medical devices, machinery, or children’s toys, you're probably familiar with the UKCA and CE marks. Recently, the UK Government announced that Great Britain will continue using the CE mark, meaning that UKCA and dual marking are no longer needed. But let’s focus on the CE mark for now.
The CE mark shows that a product meets important safety, health, or environmental standards. It's necessary for selling certain products in Great Britain, the EU, and Northern Ireland.
However, the current EU rules for CE marking are specific to different product types. This has meant that some products don’t always fit perfectly into the system. Also, since the original safety rules were created (Directive 2001/95/EC), both consumer shopping habits and international trade have changed a lot. Because of this, the EU is introducing a new regulation called the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR).
This new regulation will apply to most manufacturers, importers, and distributors who want to sell consumer goods in the EU. It also includes online marketplaces like eBay that ship products to the EU, whether those products have a CE mark or not.
A key point to note is that the GPSR covers not only new products but also second-hand, repaired, reconditioned, or recycled items. It even applies to products originally meant for professionals but are likely to be used by consumers – something we see more of nowadays.
The responsibilities vary depending on your role in the supply chain, such as whether you're a manufacturer, importer, or distributor. However, manufacturers bear the biggest responsibility. The regulation also introduces the concept of an ‘economic operator,’ meaning that anyone involved in placing goods on the EU market – even if they don’t fit into a traditional role – will be affected. For example, companies that rebrand or modify finished goods are considered manufacturers and must follow the rules accordingly.
The GPSR will come into effect on 13th December. If you're not already prepared, now is the time to act. For instance, you may need to appoint an Authorised Representative (or Responsible Person) in the EU if you haven’t done so yet. The regulation is straightforward in its goal: to make sure more products meet high safety standards for consumers and ensure efficient product recalls when needed.
So, how can you get ready? How can you avoid delays at customs or problems with market inspections?
Tailored 1-2-1 Support for businesses in Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland
The Empowering SMEs in International Trade Programme, fully funded by Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub and delivered by the Global Trade Department, is designed to help you quickly:
- Identify if your products fall within the regulatory scope
- Understand your specific compliance obligations based on your role in the supply chain
- Determine any changes you need to make to products, processes, or documentation before 13th December.
To get started, simply book a 1:1 session with our global trade specialist at a convenient time for you. These sessions are impartial, confidential, and tailored to your business needs.
About the Empowering SME's in International Trade Programme
This fully-funded support programme, delivered by the Global Trade Department on behalf of Business Lincolnshire, offers dedicated 1:1 advice that is practical and tailored to your business. Instead of generic training modules or webinars, you’ll receive personalized guidance from a global trade specialist who will act as an extension of your team. Their goal is to help remove any barriers to international trade and accelerate your business’s revenue growth from overseas markets.
Says Andrea Collins, who delivers the programme on behalf of the Global Trade Department, "We understand that navigating international trade can feel overwhelming, but that’s exactly why I’m here to help. Our programme offers personalised, one-on-one support to make sure your business is fully prepared and confident in meeting international regulations. Whether you’re new to exporting or looking to expand further, I’ll work closely with you to break down any barriers and help your business thrive in global markets. Together, we can unlock new opportunities and ensure long-term growth for your business."
With no import or export challenge is too big or small, support is available for up to 30 hours per business, with minimal eligibility criteria – essentially, you must be an SME based in Greater Lincolnshire or Rutland.
Find out more about the Programme here.
About Global Trade Department:
Global Trade Department is a boutique business management consultancy specialising in International Trade, Regulatory compliance, Sustainability Planning, Business resilience and growth. We provide consultancy, hands-on support, and training in everything global trade; our first-hand experience gained from many decades of working across different industries, in both import and export-focused roles, enabling us to meet head-on any challenge or ambition a client presents.
More details can be found at https://www.globaltradedept.com/
