What is product compliance?
Compliance is the set of rules that ensure that the products you sell are safe, legal, and comply with European requirements. If you sell on Amazon, eBay, TikTok, or your own online store, this issue directly affects you.
Understanding it helps you avoid penalties, customs blocks, and returns by platforms or distributors.
Why is it crucial for your business?
- It protects you from fines or legal problems.
- It allows you to import and sell products in Europe without hindrance.
- It reinforces your customers’ trust.
- It is required by law, even if you buy from Alibaba or an external manufacturer.
Key regulations you should know about
GPSR Regulation: General Product Safety
All products sold in Europe are affected by regulations, either by the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), mandatory since 2024, or by specific regulations, for example, those intended for children have their own regulations.
If you sell something that consumers use (home, children, electronics, etc.), you must ensure that it is safe and that you can prove it with documentation.
CE marking: not all products require it
The CE marking indicates that your product complies with certain technical and safety requirements. But beware: it only applies to regulated categories such as toys, electronic products, machinery, or protective equipment.
If your product requires CE marking and does not include it, it cannot legally be sold on the European market.
REACH Regulation: Chemical substances under control
The REACH Regulation controls the use of hazardous substances in products such as plastics, textiles, paints, inks, and adhesives. Even if you do not manufacture, if you import or sell under your own brand, you must ensure that the product complies with REACH.
What is the certificate of conformity?
The certificate of conformity (or EU declaration of conformity) is a document that declares that the product complies with all applicable regulations. It is issued by the manufacturer or importer, and many products require it, not just those bearing the European Conformity (CE) mark.
If a customs authority asks you for it and you don’t have it… you’ll have problems.
What if I don’t comply with these rules?
The consequences can range from:
- Withdrawal of products from the market
- Blocking of accounts on platforms such as Amazon
- Financial penalties
- Loss of brand reputation
On the other hand, if you take compliance seriously, you can sell with peace of mind, access new markets, and build a strong brand.
Where do I start if I have no experience?
You don’t need to be an expert in regulations or read a thousand pages of legal text. Here’s a starting point:
âś… Check if your product requires CE marking
‍✅ Ensure you have a valid certificate of conformity.
‍✅ Check whether the GPSR Regulation applies to you
And if you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. In this blog, we’ll explain it step by step, with clear examples and tools that will make it easier for you.
