GPSR - EU General Product Safety Regulation

The EU’s General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) has come into effect on 13 December 2024, replacing the current General Product Safety Directive (GPSD). This new regulation introduces significant updates aimed at enhancing the safety of consumer goods sold both online and offline across the European Union. You will find the integrality of the new GPSR here.

Objectives:

ensuring the safety of all products, including those linked to new technologies
addressing challenges posed by the growth of online sales and in particular via online marketplaces;
ensuring a better enforcement of the rules and more efficient and even market surveillance;
improving the effectiveness of recalls of dangerous products in the hands of consumers.

What's new ?

Precautionary principle shall be widely applied by all stakeholders for product safety
Specific product safety obligations for both economic operators and providers of online marketplaces
Reinforced product traceability requirements
List of aspects to be taken into account when assessing the safety of products, including for new technologies
Accident reporting to authorities by businesses
Reinforced market surveillance rules
Specific rules on how to handle product safety recalls, including a mandatory recall notice template, and right to remedy for consumers

The GPSR aims to ensure a higher level of safety for EU consumers and includes several important updates:

1. Alignment with Online Sales Trends: GPSR accounts for the rapid rise of e-commerce, requiring that products sold online meet the same safety standards as those sold offline. Marketplaces and platforms are now expected to ensure compliance and may be held responsible for unsafe products sold through their channels.

2. Introduction of an EU Representative Requirement: Non-EU manufacturers (including UK-based exporters) must appoint an authorised representative based in the EU to act as the contact point for safety compliance. This representative will be responsible for providing the EU authorities with the necessary product documentation and ensuring safety obligations are met.

3. Enhanced Traceability: Businesses will need to ensure robust traceability systems, including clearly identifiable product information on packaging. This extends to supplying essential details of the manufacturer, importer, or EU representative to authorities and end consumers.

4. Market Surveillance: The GPSR introduces more stringent measures for market surveillance, including faster product recalls and improved information-sharing mechanisms for dangerous products. Businesses may face higher scrutiny from regulators.

5. Focus on New Risks: The regulation considers new and emerging risks, such as cybersecurity threats posed by connected devices (e.g., IoT products). Businesses must address these risks when designing and manufacturing products.

OOAK Products General Safety Information

Thank you for choosing OOAK handmade ceramic products. We prioritise your safety and strive to provide products that meet the highest standards of quality and compliance with the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR). Please read and follow the information below to ensure safe and proper use:

Usage Instructions

Intended Use:
- Our ceramic products are designed for serving and consuming food and beverages.
- Avoid using for non-food-related purposes, such as storage of chemicals or corrosive substances.
Temperature Resistance:
- Safe for use in microwaves and ovens up to 150C. OOAK products are safe for use in a microwave, meaning that the products will not shatter or break. Certain designs with soft metal on-glaze decoration are never safe for use in a microwave because of sparks caused by the microwaves reacting with the metal.
- Beware that ceramic conducts heat and can lead to burns if filled with boiling water or placed in a (microwave) oven, so handle with precaution.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes (e.g., moving from freezer to oven) to prevent thermal shock and cracking.
Cleaning:
- Dishwasher-safe, but handwashing with mild detergent is recommended to prolong the product's lifespan. Certain glazes, in particular wood-ash glazes are safe for occasional use in a dishwasher, provided you use a low heat setting and a cleaning product designed for a softer wash. However, the glaze is likely to fade or craze over an extended period of time.
- Do not use abrasive cleaning tools to avoid scratching the surface.
Storage:
- Always wash after use and before storing, to avoid proliferation of molds and bacteria.
- Store in a dry place to prevent moisture-related damage.

Material Safety

Food-Safety:
- All OOAK products intended for use are made out of food safe clays, unless otherwise specified.
- All OOAK products intended for use are coated with a food-safe, lead-free and cadmium-free glaze meeting regulatory standards for food contact.
Certain glazes, and in particular wood-ash glazes, can craze over time, sometime straight from the kiln. Crazing is the name for the fine network of superficial cracks appearing on the surface of some glazes, as can be seen on some fine antiques ceramic items. Although those cracks can stain if used with tea/coffee/heavily tanic food, they do not compromise the integrity of the product as the clay underneath is food-safe and vitrified. So providing you wash the item after use, this won't lead to any leaks or leaching.
Avoiding Damage:
- Inspect tableware regularly for cracks, chips, or other damage that may compromise safety. Discontinue use if any damage is present. Cracks and chips can lead to the development of bacteria and molds, so if you continue to use, make sure to wash and dry immediately after use.

Warnings

Handle with Care:
- Ceramic tableware can break if dropped or subjected to strong impact. Handle carefully and wear gloves to prevent injury from broken pieces.
Not for Open Flame:
- Do not use directly on stovetops or open flames, as this may cause breakage or pose a fire hazard.

Additional Information

Children's Use:
- Ensure that children are supervised when using ceramic tableware, especially if the pieces are heavy or fragile.
- Not suitable to be used as a toy.
Compliance:
- Our products comply with GPSR and meet safety requirements for consumer goods.
Outdoor use: not suitable for outdoor usage
Recycling and Disposal:
- Please dispose of broken or unusable ceramic items responsibly, adhering to your local recycling guidelines.

Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or further information about the safety of OOAK ceramic products, please contact us:

OOAK Creation

studio.ooakcreation@gmail.com

+44 (0) 7786 023 923

www.ooakcreation.com

EU Authorised representative

OOAK Creation France