In This Article
- The EU Responsible Person is mandatory for many product categories entering the EU market.
- Platforms like Amazon, Shopify, and eBay now require Responsible Person details for listings.
- Failure to comply may result in product delisting or legal penalties.
- Appointing a third-party EU representative is a cost-effective compliance strategy.
- Leveraging compliance can act as a brand differentiator and accelerant for EU expansion.
Understanding the EU Responsible Person Mandate
What’s Changing in 2024
The EU Responsible Person Regulations have become an integral component of product compliance within the European Union. These rules, reinforced under the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), establish that businesses selling certain categories of goods in the EU must appoint a Responsible Person located within the Union. This representative is legally accountable for ensuring that products comply with European safety and labelling standards. In 2024, a significant shift is taking place: online marketplaces are increasingly enforcing this mandate at platform level, pushing sellers to demonstrate full regulatory adherence before product listings can go live.
Previously, many non-EU businesses could sidestep regulatory scrutiny due to limited enforcement across digital sales channels. This is no longer feasible. Authorities and marketplaces are now working together to safeguard consumers and level the playing field for compliant businesses. As compliance becomes mandatory, sellers must understand their obligations and take prompt action. Ignoring this mandate risks product delisting, fines, or even legal liability.
Why You Need a Responsible Person to Sell in the EU
Legal Requirements Under GPSR
Under the updated GPSR, a product entering the EU market must have someone who can be held accountable for its safety: the Responsible Person. This entity — either a legal person or natural person within the Union — assumes full responsibility for product conformity, documentation maintenance, and engagement with EU market surveillance authorities. The scope encompasses CE-marked goods, cosmetics, electronics, toys, and countless other product types that pose potential risks to consumers. Without a declared Responsible Person, such products are considered non-compliant and cannot be legally traded in the EU marketplace.
This legal framework addresses a growing concern: cross-border eCommerce allows substandard goods to enter the EU without sufficient traceability. By requiring a Responsible Person, EU regulators can now hold identifiable parties accountable for corrective actions or recalls. For non-EU businesses, appointing such a representative is no longer optional — it is a prerequisite to legal market access.
“Appointing a Responsible Person is no longer a bureaucratic formality — it is your passport to the EU market.” — Regulatory Compliance Specialist
Top 7 Platforms Enforcing EU Compliance in 2024
As the EU Responsible Person Regulations take full effect, online platforms are under increased pressure to filter out non-compliant listings. The top 7 eCommerce platforms — Amazon, Shopify, eBay, Aliexpress, Etsy, Wish, and Discogs — are adapting robust compliance frameworks to align with the EU’s safety mandates. Sellers targeting the Union must now meet these platforms’ new requirements or lose access to one of the world’s most lucrative digital markets.
Amazon and Article 16 Enforcement
Amazon became an early adopter of regulatory enforcement in light of Article 16 of the Market Surveillance Regulation. This clause explicitly mandates that online marketplaces are jointly responsible for ensuring that products listed on their platforms comply with EU product safety rules. As a result, Amazon has introduced new compliance dashboards where sellers must upload Declaration of Conformity certificates and specify their designated EU Responsible Person.
Failure to comply with these measures results in automatic product removal from Amazon’s European domains. Moreover, Amazon requires the Responsible Person’s contact details to be included on product labelling or in accompanying documentation, reinforcing traceability throughout the distribution chain.
Sellers working with Amazon must act fast, as the platform increasingly deploys automated systems that flag and unlist non-conforming products. For international sellers Learn more about EU Responsible Person Compliance for E-commerce Platforms looking to safeguard their listings on Amazon EU marketplaces, securing representation is no longer an optional measure — it’s essential.
Shopify’s Product Listing Barriers and Compliance Options
Unlike Amazon, Shopify provides a decentralised sales platform without strict oversight of each product listing. However, that landscape is changing in 2024. Shopify has initiated a policy requiring merchants using Shopify Payments and Shipping within the EU to confirm the presence of a Responsible Person for affected product categories. The platform now integrates compliance plugins that prompt sellers to fill in Responsible Person data during their product onboarding process.
This move is designed to protect both consumers and platform reputation, as Shopify was previously criticised for permitting unregulated goods into the EU. Sellers without a local presence can now leverage third-party compliance solutions or appoint an authorised representative through reputable compliance firms.
Furthermore, the Shopify App Store now features tools to help merchants assess product readiness under EU Responsible Person Regulations seamlessly. Businesses using these tools gain a competitive advantage by ensuring that EU-focused product listings remain active and optimised.
eBay Implementation of EU Safety Mandates
eBay has also aligned with the 2024 implementation phase by launching the “Product Compliance Centre”, a dedicated portal where EU-focused sellers must submit Responsible Person details. These are particularly necessary for regulated goods such as electronics, cosmetics, and toys, categories where eBay enjoys significant cross-border trade volumes.
Sellers who fail to provide a Responsible Person may find their product visibility restricted within EU marketplaces. Additionally, eBay is introducing automated audits that scan listings for missing compliance data, including lack of CE marking or address of responsibility.
Because eBay attracts many small and medium-sized sellers, the impact is far-reaching. For sellers exporting from the UK or anywhere outside the Union, appointing a Responsible Person is an unavoidable compliance task. For those unsure of how to proceed, Read a related article offers step-by-step advice on eCommerce regulatory compliance.
Aliexpress and Cross-Border Seller Alignment
Aliexpress, one of the largest global marketplaces serving European consumers, is aggressively revamping its seller compliance infrastructure. While the platform was slower than others to adapt, it is now enforcing GPSR-related mandates by requiring a Responsible Person for specific product groups, particularly electronics and domestic appliances.
International sellers must now upload technical compliance documents during product listing or agree to third-party Responsible Person services provided through the platform. Aliexpress also applies algorithmic listing reviews to detect non-compliant items, further reinforcing accountability for overseas vendors.
The platform has seen improved consumer trust as a direct outcome of its policy shift. Sellers embracing this change will not only preserve access to EU buyers but also benefit from increased credibility and fewer returns due to non-compliance issues.
Etsy and Handmade Goods Regulations
Although Etsy primarily caters to handmade and artisan markets, it is not exempt from EU Responsible Person obligations. Many Etsy sellers produce cosmetics, candles, toys, and other goods that fall under GPSR scope. Because these are often small-batch or boutique items, sellers may mistakenly assume exemption — which is a costly oversight.
Etsy has added new prompts for product safety documentation and EU representation information as part of its seller resources. Without a Responsible Person, these sensitive product categories risk removal or a sales ban within EU regions.
Etsy’s support centre now provides guidance on when and how to appoint a Responsible Person. Additionally, industry directories and third-party services help microbrands establish representation even without a physical European entity. By adapting early, Etsy sellers gain a compliant foundation for business expansion in the EU.
Discogs, Wish and Niche Marketplace Readiness
Discogs and Wish, while more niche, have both instituted compliance protocols to reflect GPSR actions. Discogs now requires vinyl and physical media sellers to affirm format labelling and packaging safety, invoking responsible labelling where applicable. Wish, historically home to numerous non-compliant listings, launched its “EU Product Compliance” programme mandating Responsible Person documentation upload for regulated goods.
Both platforms are implementing regional restrictions on listings lacking valid compliance credentials. Sellers must act swiftly to ensure they meet Responsible Person disclosure obligations before 2024 deadlines go into full effect.
How to Find an Authorized EU Representative
Finding the right EU Responsible Person is a pivotal step. Businesses have three main options: appointing an importer or distributor already based in the EU; establishing a legal entity themselves in Europe; or hiring a third-party representative service. The third option is particularly popular with SMEs and online sellers looking to enter the EU quickly and cost-effectively.
Highly regarded compliance consultants provide annual or per-product representation contracts, which include name and address disclosure, ongoing compliance monitoring, and documentation archiving services. Businesses must ensure the chosen representative is fully versed in EU Directives applicable to their product category to reduce legal exposure.
We recommend carefully vetting potential partners. Partnering with the right EU Responsible Person can dramatically streamline your entry into multiple EU marketplaces and help you avoid unnecessary regulatory friction. Many reputable firms also offer bundled services like labelling reviews and conformity declarations — General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) requirements offers a directory of trusted compliance providers.
Conclusion: Turning Compliance Into a Competitive Edge
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The EU Responsible Person Regulations are no longer just a formality; they are a non-negotiable part of doing business in Europe. Complying with these obligations helps businesses build long-term resilience and transparency. More importantly, embracing accurate and verifiable compliance opens new sales channels, reduces refunds or bans, and builds consumer trust. Whether you’re listing on Amazon, Shopify, or Etsy, the right preparation ensures your products stay listed and competitive in this evolving regulatory environment.
Great guide on top-7-platforms-that-require-an-eu-responsible-person-in-2024 – Community Feedback
What are the requirements for GPSR compliance?
GPSR 2024 requires manufacturers to ensure product safety, proper risk assessment, and appoint an EU Responsible Person for certain products sold via digital marketplaces.
Which products are exempt from GPSR?
Some products are exempt from GPSR, including antiques, products to be repaired or reconditioned before use, and certain foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals.
How to get a GPSR certificate?
To obtain GPSR certification, brands must ensure their products meet EU safety standards, complete risk assessments, provide proper labelling, and may work with compliance partners offering certification services.
What is Article 16 of the GPSR?
Article 16 states that products sold in the EU/Northern Ireland must have an established Responsible Person in the EU or NI to fulfill required compliance and safety tasks.
