EU GPSR: Exxos, do you have an EU point of contact?

[stephen_usher]

Looks like small businesses trying to sell into the EU may be stuffed from the 13th December: https://x.com/jamesrbuk/status/1863890987749114209

Untitled.jpg

[Steve]

Isn't the magic word here: 'Sold in the EU'. Surely there is a difference between items sold outside of the EU and then posted to the EU, ie; when a customer buys something and has it shipped (In other words, Exxos's shop)

The EU can't stop European citizens from buying stuff online and having it delivered to their door. This guy's just trying to cause drama imo.

[Steve]

I don't think this effects Exxos at all. So let's investigate that?

[exxos]

First I heard about it...

A lot of these rules, at least in the past anyway, didn't really seem to apply to products which were effectively repairing old products.. But who the hell knows any more. But indeed, I really don't want any more drama as I cannot cope with all the drama I have now.

If it's something simple, then I could do it, but if they are going to want some regulations testing (which costs, or just generally a lot of hassle) then I just will pull out of EU sales all together. It be a great shame. But if the EU pen pushes wants to kill off trade even more, then that's a sure-fire way of going about it.

Ironically, this is the type of BS which Trump and Musk are trying to avoid. To many rules and regulations killing businesses off. Pretty much everything these days is illegal anyway. I'm sure the EU pen pushers have "good reasons" for doing what they are doing, but for me personally, if they are going to generate more friction, then I really don't care. I can pull out of the EU, it will impact my sales, but will also reduce my workload a fair bit as well. At the end of the day, the EU citizens are the ones which will suffer in all this.. I'm sure certain Polish people will be more than happy if this happens...

Again this is also another good reason why I have sponsorship funding for the forum, wiki and server these days. It's a backup for when I simply can't run my store anymore. That day is always coming... Been saying for literally years now about all the struggles.. I was saying to my girlfriend just yesterday in fact, that the past month has been rather pitiful sales wise compared to previous years.. Sign of the times...

[exxos]

The EU’s new General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) come into force on 13th December 2024, replacing older safety rules to ensure that all consumer products sold in the EU meet modern safety standards.

One important update is the requirement for all sellers to have a Responsible Person or representative based in the EU if you offer products for sale into the EU or Northern Ireland. If you’re a seller based in Northern Ireland that can be yourself – but if you’re a seller based outside the EU or Northern Ireland, you have to appoint an Authorised Representative located in the EU/NI to be that responsible person. This person acts as a compliance contact and ensures your products meet EU requirements.

The new regulations apply to all products placed or made available on the market whether new, used, repaired or reconditioned, with certain exceptions listed here. ‘Product’ means any item intended for consumers or likely to be used by consumers, whether in return for payment or free of charge. So even if you do not see yourself as a manufacturer making products, or you send something you have made for free to a customer based in the EU or Northern Ireland, these regulations still apply to you.

https://blog.folksy.com/2024/11/26/gpsr ... -on-folksy

So screw EU then basically. I guess I will have to announce that is the last week I'll be up to ship to EU countries.

[stephen_usher]

Of course this doesn't only apply to those outside the EU trying to export to the EU, it's internal trade as well, the only difference being that an external entity will require someone in the EU to take the can if someone complains about a "product".

This is likely to kill all small repair shops and makers in the EU as they will need to have a full risk assessment and environmental and safety documentation set for every item type that they sell and keep that documentation for 10 years and give full warranty service and recallability of all products. As old equipment, such a retro computers, haven't been certified to the current safety standards and hence aren't CE market etc. and don't come with the complete manufacturer's safety documentation they will technically be illegal to sell within the EU... Unless it's sold as broken and in need of repair.

Indeed, this will even catch any artefacts which are less than 100 years old and not of sufficient historical importance which doesn't have complete documentation of all the chemistry of the paints etc. Even antiques over 100 years old may fall foul, having read some of the sub-clauses.

The repercussions haven't been thought through by the the bureaucrats unfortunately.

[exxos]

....
The repercussions haven't been thought through by the the bureaucrats unfortunately.

I presume Uk buying from EU remains simple ? Not seen anything said. Assuming so, people can buy from EU, just not sell to EU without all the BS.. Sounds about right. I haven't bought anything from EU for along time, at least not directly.

Big companies will love all this new regulation. As usual, the little guys get the fallout of it all. Then when nobody has any money to buy big companies goods anymore... then what..

Not everyone can afford (or wants) to buy new stuff every 2 years. That's what "the powers that be" seem to assume and fail to understand. We all not rich like they are. The little guys only matter when governments wants our money. Rinse and repeat.

I've worked out 33% of my sales come from EU. Its survivable, but a huge blow. But I've expected this for a long time and talked about it all before anyway.

[stephen_usher]

Yes, EU to UK hasn't changed.

UK to Northern Ireland has, as that's covered by the directive due to the Northern Ireland peace agreement and the subsequent agreements between the UK and EU to allow an open border between Eire and NI.

[chronicthehedgehog]

It's just insane. Just flabbergasted that anyone thought it was a good idea.
It will affect all small sellers/businesses in and out of the EU.
Obviously, within the EU nominating a rep is easier but you'd still have all the compliance.

[stephen_usher]

It's just insane. Just flabbergasted that anyone thought it was a good idea.
It will affect all small sellers/businesses in and out of the EU.
Obviously, within the EU nominating a rep is easier but you'd still have all the compliance.

Indeed... reading the document it sounds like something draughted by big businesses with the idea of putting small businesses, especially repair shops, out of business. I guess that it was wrapped in the standard, "Think of the children! We need to keep them safe." spin.