Bookshops left with uncertainty ahead of EU’s new GPSR law

The EU has introduced the new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), replacing the General Product Safety Directive, which is a policy aimed to keep products safe throughout the EU. The changes now mean a wider amount of products are part of the regulations including physical books, which now require authors and publications to meet a set of specific standards in order to keep being sold in the EU. The reason it could have an impact is because meeting these requirements means companies and authors must ensure that books meet these standards, which could lead to increased costs, supply chain delays, and potential restrictions on sales if the requirements aren’t met.

The key impacts include the requirement for every book sold in the EU to have an EU-based Responsible Person who ensures compliance with GPSR and addresses safety concerns. Books must also include detailed traceability information, such as a unique identifier (e.g. ISBN), batch details, and contact information for the manufacturer and the EU Responsible Person, all clearly displayed on the product or its packaging. Publishers and manufacturers are required to conduct safety assessments and maintain thorough records to address any potential issues. Additionally, online sales platforms like Amazon or eBay must display compliance information, including the details of the manufacturer and the Responsible Person, for books sold through their platforms. These changes aim to enhance consumer safety and transparency but may increase operational challenges for those managing their own supply chains.

As a result of these changes, it is unsurprising that many bookshops and publishers are having to consider whether the changes make it still practical to keep selling books in the EU

As a result of these changes, it is unsurprising that many bookshops and publishers are having to consider whether the changes make it still practical to keep selling books in the EU. Brett Kirchner, director of online bookshop Inkstone Books, has said that although not book producers, as a retailer “we still need an EU responsible person. There are vendors that offer this service, for a number of prices ranging from quite reasonable to exorbitant.” Many are frustrated by the change and are unsure where or how the necessary compliance information will be provided. Additionally GPSR doesn’t clarify whether booksellers or second-hand books are affected, leaving many worried about compliance with continued arguments over the Books not carrying the same risks as an electronic device and yet being subject to these changes. The uncertainty and confusion means many are questioning whether it remains practical to sell books in the EU due to the new GPSR requirements and are concerned about the large market that may be cut off.

Another concern arising from the GPSR is its potential impact on smaller, independent publishers and booksellers, who may struggle to absorb the additional costs and administrative burden associated with compliance. Unlike larger publishers with established operations across the EU, smaller entities may lack the resources to appoint an EU Responsible Person or adapt to the traceability and safety assessment requirements. This imbalance could lead to further consolidation in the publishing industry, with smaller players being pushed out of the EU market, reducing diversity in the types of books available to European readers.

While aimed at improving consumer safety, the regulations have sparked widespread concern and confusion

While aimed at improving consumer safety, the regulations have sparked widespread concern and confusion, particularly among smaller publishers and booksellers, due to unclear guidance and the financial burden of compliance. Many are questioning whether selling books in the EU remains viable, fearing potential market restrictions and the loss of diversity in the publishing landscape.