EU GPSR Compliance for Gaming Peripherals: What Brands and Manufacturers Need to Know

If you sell gaming peripherals in the European Union, there's a new regulation you need to know about: the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR). Adopted in 2023 and taking full effect on December 13, 2024, GPSR replaces the older General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) with significantly stricter safety requirements, enhanced market surveillance, and new obligations for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and online sellers.

For gaming peripheral brands and manufacturers, GPSR is not just another regulatory checkbox—it's a fundamental shift in how products are designed, tested, documented, and sold in the EU. Non-compliance can result in product seizures, fines, market access restrictions, and reputational damage. And unlike some regulations that primarily affect high-risk products, GPSR applies to all consumer products sold in the EU—including gaming headsets, keyboards, mice, controllers, and accessories.

After manufacturing gaming peripherals for over a decade and helping clients navigate EU regulatory requirements (CE, RoHS, REACH, WEEE, and now GPSR), I can tell you that GPSR is the most significant product safety regulation to come out of the EU in years. This guide explains what GPSR is, what it requires, how it affects gaming peripherals, and what brands and manufacturers need to do to comply.

What Is GPSR?

The Basics

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) — officially Regulation (EU) 2023/988 — is an EU regulation that establishes safety requirements for all consumer products placed on the EU market. It replaces the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD, 2001/95/EC), which had been in effect since 2001.

GPSR was adopted by the European Parliament and Council on May 10, 2023, and published in the Official Journal of the European Union on May 24, 2023. It applies from December 13, 2024, replacing the GPSD entirely.

Why GPSR Was Introduced

GPSR was introduced to address several perceived gaps in the old GPSD:

1. Digital economy and online sales: The GPSD was written before the rise of ecommerce and online marketplaces. GPSR introduces specific requirements for online sellers and marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, etc.).

2. Market surveillance gaps: The old system had inconsistent market surveillance across EU member states. GPSR strengthens market surveillance and information sharing between authorities.

3. Product traceability: The GPSD had limited traceability requirements. GPSR introduces stronger traceability requirements, including unique product identifiers and responsible person requirements.

4. Recall effectiveness: Product recalls under the old system were often ineffective, with low consumer response rates. GPSR introduces stronger recall requirements and remedies for consumers.

5. Emerging risks: New technologies (AI, IoT, connected devices) and new product categories raised safety concerns not addressed by the old directive. GPSR is more technology-neutral and forward-looking.

Key Differences Between GPSD and GPSR

Aspect	GPSD (Old)	GPSR (New)
Legal form	Directive (transposed into national law)	Regulation (directly applicable in all EU member states)
Scope	All consumer products	All consumer products, with specific provisions for online sales
Responsible person	Manufacturer, importer, distributor	Manufacturer, importer, distributor, fulfillment service provider, online marketplace
Traceability	Basic requirements (name, address, batch number)	Strengthened requirements, including EU responsible person for non-EU manufacturers, unique product identifiers
Risk assessment	Recommended but not explicitly required	Explicitly required — manufacturers must conduct a risk assessment
Accident reporting	Voluntary reporting to Safety Gate	Mandatory reporting of serious accidents to Safety Gate within required timeframes
Recalls	Manufacturers encouraged to recall	Mandatory recall requirements with specific remedies (repair, replacement, refund)
Online marketplaces	No specific provisions	Specific obligations for online marketplaces and fulfillment service providers
Penalties	Member state-defined (variable)	Minimum penalty levels across the EU, including fines of at least 4% of annual turnover

The key takeaway: GPSR is significantly stricter than GPSD, with more obligations for more actors, stronger enforcement, and higher penalties.

Who Does GPSR Apply To?

GPSR applies to all economic operators involved in placing consumer products on the EU market. For gaming peripherals, this includes:

1. Manufacturers

The manufacturer is the entity that designs and manufactures the product, or has the product designed and manufactured and places it on the market under its own name or trademark.

For gaming peripherals, the manufacturer is typically the brand owner (even if they outsource manufacturing to a contract factory like MONTON Cloud). If you're a brand selling gaming headsets under your own brand, you are the "manufacturer" under GPSR, even if you don't own the factory.

Manufacturer obligations under GPSR:

• Design and manufacture products that are safe
• Conduct a risk assessment
• Keep technical documentation for 10 years
• Ensure products have traceability information (name, address, batch/serial number)
• Register products in the EU Product Safety Network (as required)
• Report serious accidents to Safety Gate
• Take corrective action (including recall) for unsafe products
• Provide consumers with clear safety information
• Appoint an EU responsible person (if the manufacturer is established outside the EU)

2. Importers

The importer is the entity established in the EU that places a product from a non-EU country on the EU market.

For gaming peripherals sold by non-EU brands, the importer is typically the EU distributor, the Amazon EU seller, or the brand's EU subsidiary.

Importer obligations under GPSR:

• Import only safe products that comply with GPSR
• Verify that the manufacturer has conducted the risk assessment and has the required technical documentation
• Verify that products have the required traceability information
• Keep a copy of the technical documentation for 10 years
• Ensure products are accompanied by safety information in a language consumers can understand
• Report serious accidents to Safety Gate
• Take corrective action for unsafe products
• Ensure products are registered in the EU Product Safety Network (as required)

3. Distributors

The distributor is any entity in the supply chain (other than the manufacturer or importer) that makes a product available on the market.

For gaming peripherals, distributors include wholesalers, retailers, and online sellers (other than the importer or manufacturer).

Distributor obligations under GPSR:

• Verify that products have the required traceability information and safety information
• Not sell products that they know or should know are unsafe
• Cooperate with market surveillance authorities
• Inform the manufacturer or importer of any safety risks
• Keep records of products they have supplied (for traceability)

4. Fulfillment Service Providers (New Under GPSR)

This is a new category introduced by GPSR. A fulfillment service provider is any entity that provides warehousing, packaging, addressing, or dispatch services for products sold online, without owning the products.

For gaming peripherals, this includes Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), third-party logistics (3PL) providers, and fulfillment centers.

Fulfillment service provider obligations under GPSR:

• Verify the identity of the product seller
• Verify that products have the required traceability information
• Cooperate with market surveillance authorities
• Remove unsafe products from their fulfillment network
• Keep records of products they have fulfilled (for traceability)

This is a significant new requirement—previously, fulfillment providers had no specific product safety obligations. Under GPSR, they are actively involved in product safety compliance.

5. Online Marketplaces (New Under GPSR)

Another new category. An online marketplace is any service that allows consumers to purchase products from third-party sellers (e.g., Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Wish, Cdiscount, Otto).

Online marketplace obligations under GPSR:

• Verify the identity of sellers
• Require sellers to provide product safety information
• Remove unsafe products from the marketplace
• Cooperate with market surveillance authorities
• Provide a mechanism for consumers to report unsafe products
• Keep records of sellers and products (for traceability)
• Appoint a responsible person in the EU (if the marketplace is established outside the EU)

This is another significant new requirement—online marketplaces are now actively responsible for product safety on their platforms, not just passive intermediaries.

Key GPSR Requirements for Gaming Peripherals

Now let's dive into the specific requirements that affect gaming peripherals.

Requirement 1: EU Responsible Person (for Non-EU Manufacturers)

This is one of the most important new requirements for non-EU brands.

What it is: If the manufacturer of a consumer product is established outside the EU, the product must have an "economic operator established in the EU" who is responsible for ensuring compliance with GPSR. This is commonly called the "EU responsible person" or "EU authorized representative."

Who can be the EU responsible person:

• An EU-based importer
• An EU-based distributor
• An EU-based authorized representative (appointed by the manufacturer in writing)
• An EU-based fulfillment service provider (in some cases)

Responsibilities of the EU responsible person:

• Verify that the risk assessment and technical documentation are properly prepared
• Keep a copy of the technical documentation for 10 years
• Ensure products have the required traceability information
• Cooperate with market surveillance authorities
• Take corrective action for unsafe products (including recall)
• Report serious accidents to Safety Gate
• Be available to market surveillance authorities (with contact information on the product or packaging)

What this means for gaming peripheral brands:

• If you're a non-EU brand (e.g., a Chinese brand selling on Amazon EU), you MUST have an EU responsible person.
• The responsible person's name and contact information must be on the product, packaging, or accompanying documentation.
• You cannot sell products on Amazon EU without an EU responsible person (Amazon has been enforcing this requirement).
• You can use a professional EU authorized representative service (many companies offer this for a fee, typically €500-€2,000 per year per product category).

Practical tip: Many Amazon EU sellers use their importer of record (IOR) or a professional authorized representative service as their EU responsible person. Make sure the responsible person is clearly identified on your product packaging or user manual.

Requirement 2: Risk Assessment

What it is: Manufacturers must conduct a risk assessment for each product before placing it on the EU market. The risk assessment must identify and evaluate the product's safety risks, and the manufacturer must take measures to eliminate or reduce those risks.

What the risk assessment should cover for gaming peripherals:

• Electrical safety: Risk of electric shock, fire, overheating (for USB-powered and wireless charging products)
• Mechanical safety: Risk of injury from sharp edges, small parts (swallowing hazard for children), moving parts
• Chemical safety: Risk from hazardous substances (RoHS, REACH restricted substances, phthalates, lead, cadmium)
• Thermal safety: Risk of burns from overheating components (batteries, charging circuits)
• Acoustic safety: Risk of hearing damage from excessive volume (for headsets and earbuds)
• Battery safety: Risk of battery fire, explosion, leakage (for wireless products with lithium-ion batteries)
• Wireless safety: RF exposure from Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and other wireless technologies
• Ergonomic safety: Risk of repetitive strain injury, discomfort from prolonged use
• Software/connected device safety: For connected devices (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), risk of security vulnerabilities, data privacy issues

What the risk assessment should include:

• Identification of potential hazards
• Estimation of the severity and likelihood of each risk
• Evaluation of whether the risk is acceptable
• Description of measures taken to eliminate or reduce the risk
• Documentation of the assessment (kept for 10 years)

What this means for gaming peripheral brands:

• You must have a documented risk assessment for each product model.
• The risk assessment should be conducted by a qualified person (engineer, safety consultant, or testing lab).
• The risk assessment should be based on actual product testing and analysis, not just generic assumptions.
• The risk assessment must be kept for 10 years and made available to market surveillance authorities on request.

Practical tip: Many brands work with a testing lab (like TÜV, SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas) to conduct the risk assessment and prepare the required technical documentation. This is often more cost-effective and reliable than doing it in-house, especially for smaller brands.

Requirement 3: Technical Documentation

What it is: Manufacturers must prepare and keep technical documentation for each product, demonstrating that the product meets the safety requirements of GPSR (and any other applicable EU regulations, like CE, RoHS, REACH, WEEE, Battery Directive).

What the technical documentation should include for gaming peripherals:

• Product description and specifications
• Design drawings, schematics, circuit diagrams
• Bill of materials (BOM)
• Risk assessment
• Test reports (electrical safety, EMC, RoHS, REACH, battery safety, acoustic safety)
• List of applicable standards and regulations
• Description of manufacturing process and quality control measures
• User manual and safety instructions (in all EU languages where the product is sold)
• Labeling and packaging information
• Declaration of Conformity (for CE-marked products)
• Information about the EU responsible person

How long to keep it: 10 years from the date the product is placed on the market.

Who keeps it: The manufacturer must keep the original. The importer must keep a copy. The EU responsible person must keep a copy.

What this means for gaming peripheral brands:

• You must have complete technical documentation for each product model.
• The documentation must be in a language that market surveillance authorities can understand (English is usually acceptable, but some authorities may require the local language).
• The documentation must be made available to market surveillance authorities within a reasonable timeframe (usually 10 working days).
• If you're using a contract manufacturer (like MONTON Cloud), make sure they provide you with the required technical documentation (test reports, schematics, BOM, etc.) as part of your agreement.

Practical tip: Organize your technical documentation in a clear, structured format (e.g., a Technical File folder with numbered sections). This makes it easier to provide to authorities and demonstrates that you take compliance seriously.

Requirement 4: Traceability Information

What it is: Products must have traceability information that allows market surveillance authorities and consumers to identify the manufacturer, importer, and product batch.

What traceability information must be on the product or packaging for gaming peripherals:

• Manufacturer's name, registered trade name, or trademark
• Manufacturer's postal address (or the address of the EU responsible person)
• Product type, batch number, serial number, or other element allowing identification
• For products with CE marking: the CE mark, notified body number (if applicable), and Declaration of Conformity reference

Where to put it:

• On the product itself (if feasible)
• On the packaging
• In the accompanying documentation (user manual)
• If the product is too small, the information can be on the packaging and documentation

What this means for gaming peripheral brands:

• Your product packaging must include your brand name, address (or EU responsible person's address), and product identification (model number, batch number, or serial number).
• For Amazon EU sellers, Amazon requires the EU responsible person information on the product or packaging.
• Make sure the traceability information is clear, legible, and indelible (won't rub off).

Practical tip: Include the EU responsible person information on the back of the product packaging, along with the CE mark, RoHS symbol, WEEE symbol, and other required markings. This is the most common and accepted approach.

Requirement 5: Safety Information and User Manuals

What it is: Products must be accompanied by safety information and instructions that allow consumers to use the product safely. The information must be in a language that consumers can easily understand (determined by the EU member state where the product is sold).

What safety information should be included for gaming peripherals:

• Intended use of the product
• Safety warnings and precautions (e.g., "Do not expose to water," "Do not use while driving," "Take breaks to prevent hearing damage")
• Instructions for safe use, assembly, installation, and maintenance
• Information about maximum volume levels and hearing protection (for headsets)
• Battery safety information (for wireless products)
• Information about the product's lifespan and disposal (WEEE)
• Contact information for customer service and the EU responsible person
• Information about what to do in case of a safety issue or product recall

Language requirements:

• The safety information must be in the official language(s) of the EU member state where the product is sold.
• For products sold across multiple EU countries, you may need translations in multiple languages (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Swedish, etc.).
• For Amazon EU, you typically need safety information in at least English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Dutch.

What this means for gaming peripheral brands:

• Your user manual must include comprehensive safety information, not just setup instructions.
• The safety information must be translated into the languages of all EU countries where you sell.
• The safety information must be clear, understandable, and not buried in legal jargon.
• For headsets, you must include warnings about hearing damage and recommended volume limits.

Practical tip: Include a "Safety Information" section at the beginning of your user manual, with clear warnings and precautions. Use simple language and icons where possible. For Amazon EU, make sure the safety information is also included in the product listing (in the product description or images).

Requirement 6: Mandatory Accident Reporting

What it is: Manufacturers, importers, and distributors must report serious accidents caused by their products to the EU Safety Gate (formerly RAPEX) system.

What is a "serious accident":

• An accident that causes or could cause death, serious injury, or significant health impairment
• An accident that requires hospitalization
• An accident that causes permanent disability or disfigurement
• An accident involving a child that could cause serious harm

Reporting timeframe:

• Manufacturers and importers must report serious accidents to Safety Gate "without delay" (typically within 1-2 weeks of becoming aware).
• Distributors must inform the manufacturer or importer, who then reports to Safety Gate.

What to report:

• Product identification (name, model, batch number, brand)
• Description of the accident and injuries
• Number of consumers affected
• Measures taken or planned to address the risk
• Contact information for the reporting entity

What this means for gaming peripheral brands:

• You must have a process for receiving, evaluating, and reporting safety incidents.
• If a customer reports a serious injury caused by your product (e.g., a headset catching fire, a battery exploding, a child choking on a small part), you must evaluate whether it's a "serious accident" and report it to Safety Gate if required.
• Keep records of all safety incidents and reports.

Practical tip: Designate a person in your organization responsible for product safety and accident reporting. Create a simple process for customer service to escalate safety incidents to this person. Keep a log of all safety incidents, even minor ones, for trend analysis.

Requirement 7: Corrective Action and Recalls

What it is: If a product is found to be unsafe (either by the manufacturer, importer, distributor, or market surveillance authority), the responsible economic operator must take corrective action to eliminate the risk.

Types of corrective action:

• Marking or labeling changes: Adding safety warnings or correcting misleading information
• Software updates: For connected devices, updating software to fix safety vulnerabilities
• Repair: Repairing the product to eliminate the risk
• Replacement: Replacing the product with a safe version
• Refund: Refunding the purchase price to consumers
• Recall: Asking consumers to return the product for repair, replacement, or refund
• Withdrawal: Removing the product from the market (before it reaches consumers)

Recall requirements under GPSR:

• If a product poses a serious risk, the manufacturer must recall it from consumers.
• The recall must be effective—manufacturers must make reasonable efforts to reach all affected consumers.
• Consumers must be offered at least one of the following remedies: repair, replacement, or refund (at no cost to the consumer).
• The recall notice must be clear, understandable, and include: product identification, description of the risk, instructions for consumers, and contact information.
• Manufacturers must report recalls to Safety Gate and keep records of recall effectiveness.

What this means for gaming peripheral brands:

• You must have a process for evaluating product safety risks and taking corrective action.
• If a safety issue is found, you must act quickly to eliminate the risk—don't wait for a market surveillance authority to order a recall.
• You must be prepared to offer repair, replacement, or refund to affected consumers at no cost.
• Keep records of all corrective actions and recalls.

Practical tip: Create a product safety incident response plan that outlines the steps to take when a safety issue is identified. Include roles and responsibilities, communication templates, and decision criteria for when to issue a recall. Test the plan periodically with a mock recall.

Requirement 8: Online Marketplace and Fulfillment Provider Obligations

As mentioned earlier, GPSR introduces new obligations for online marketplaces and fulfillment service providers. While these obligations primarily apply to the platforms (Amazon, eBay, etc.), they indirectly affect sellers because:

• Online marketplaces are now required to verify seller identity and product safety information.
• Marketplaces may require sellers to provide additional documentation (risk assessment, technical documentation, EU responsible person information).
• Marketplaces have the authority to remove products that don't comply with GPSR.
• Fulfillment providers (like Amazon FBA) may require additional product safety information before accepting products for fulfillment.

What this means for gaming peripheral brands selling on Amazon EU:

• You must provide Amazon with your EU responsible person information.
• You may be required to provide risk assessment and technical documentation upon request.
• Your product listings must include accurate safety information.
• Amazon may remove your listings if you don't comply with GPSR requirements.

Practical tip: Proactively ensure your products and listings comply with GPSR before Amazon asks. Include the EU responsible person information on your packaging and in your seller account. Keep your technical documentation organized and ready to provide if requested.

GPSR and Other EU Regulations for Gaming Peripherals

GPSR doesn't replace other EU regulations—it works alongside them. Gaming peripherals sold in the EU must comply with all applicable regulations, including:

CE Marking

Most gaming peripherals require CE marking, indicating compliance with applicable EU directives/regulations:

• EMC Directive (2014/30/EU): Electromagnetic compatibility (for all electronic products)
• Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU): Electrical safety (for products operating at 50-1000V AC or 75-1500V DC; most USB-powered gaming peripherals may fall outside this range but should still be designed for safety)
• Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU): For wireless products (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz)
• RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU): Restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment
• REACH Regulation (1907/2006): Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals
• Battery Directive (2006/66/EC) / Battery Regulation (2023/1542): For products with batteries
• WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU): Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (recycling)
• ErP Directive (2009/125/EC): Ecodesign requirements (for some energy-using products)
• General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR): General product safety (the subject of this guide)

What this means: GPSR is an additional layer of safety requirements on top of CE marking. Even if your product has CE marking, it must still comply with GPSR.

Interaction Between GPSR and CE Marking

• CE marking demonstrates compliance with specific EU directives (EMC, LVD, RED, RoHS, etc.).
• GPSR is a "horizontal" regulation that applies to all consumer products, regardless of whether they require CE marking.
• For products that require CE marking, compliance with the applicable directives is presumed to satisfy most of GPSR's safety requirements—but GPSR adds additional requirements (risk assessment, technical documentation, EU responsible person, accident reporting, etc.).
• For products that don't require CE marking (e.g., some simple wired accessories), GPSR is the primary safety regulation.

Practical tip: Treat GPSR compliance as part of your overall CE compliance process. When you're preparing the technical file for CE marking, also prepare the GPSR risk assessment and documentation. This is more efficient than treating them as separate processes.

Practical Compliance Checklist for Gaming Peripheral Brands

Based on all of the above, here's a practical checklist for gaming peripheral brands selling in the EU:

Before Placing a Product on the EU Market

• Appoint an EU responsible person (if you're a non-EU manufacturer). Get a written agreement and include their contact info on packaging.
• Conduct a risk assessment for each product model. Document all identified risks and mitigation measures.
• Prepare technical documentation for each product model. Include test reports, schematics, BOM, risk assessment, user manual, labeling info.
• Ensure CE marking compliance (EMC, LVD, RED, RoHS, REACH, Battery, WEEE as applicable). Get the Declaration of Conformity.
• Verify traceability information on product and packaging (brand name, address/EU responsible person, model/batch/serial number).
• Prepare user manual and safety information in all required EU languages. Include hearing damage warnings for headsets, battery safety for wireless products.
• Verify packaging compliance (CE mark, RoHS symbol, WEEE symbol, EU responsible person info, traceability info).
• Register products in the EU Product Safety Network (as required by your product category).
• Set up a product safety incident response process (designate responsible person, create escalation process, prepare communication templates).

Ongoing Compliance

• Keep technical documentation for 10 years from the date the product is placed on the market.
• Monitor product safety (customer complaints, returns, reviews, industry reports).
• Report serious accidents to Safety Gate without delay.
• Take corrective action for any identified safety risks (including recall if necessary).
• Cooperate with market surveillance authorities (provide documentation within 10 working days, take corrective action as requested).
• Keep records of all safety incidents, corrective actions, recalls, and market surveillance interactions.
• Update documentation when product design, components, or suppliers change.
• Review compliance periodically (at least annually) to ensure ongoing compliance with updated regulations.

For Amazon EU Sellers

• Provide EU responsible person information in your Amazon seller account and on product packaging.
• Ensure product listings include accurate safety information and comply with Amazon's GPSR policies.
• Keep technical documentation ready to provide to Amazon or market surveillance authorities upon request.
• Monitor Amazon's GPSR enforcement and update your listings/packaging as required.
• Use Amazon's compliance tools (like the Manufacturer/Brand Owner dashboard) to manage your product compliance information.

Common GPSR Compliance Mistakes to Avoid

Based on our experience helping clients navigate EU regulations, here are the most common GPSR compliance mistakes we see:

Mistake 1: Not Appointing an EU Responsible Person

This is the most common mistake for non-EU brands. Many brands assume their importer or Amazon will act as the responsible person, but this isn't always the case. You must have a clearly designated EU responsible person with a written agreement, and their contact information must be on the product or packaging.

How to avoid it: Proactively appoint an EU responsible person (authorized representative service, importer, or EU subsidiary) before placing products on the EU market. Get a written agreement. Include their name and address on your product packaging.

Mistake 2: No Documented Risk Assessment

Many brands assume that because their product has CE marking or has passed EMC/RoHS testing, they don't need a separate GPSR risk assessment. This is wrong—GPSR explicitly requires a risk assessment, and it's separate from CE testing.

How to avoid it: Conduct a documented risk assessment for each product model, covering all potential safety risks (electrical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, acoustic, battery, wireless, ergonomic). Keep the risk assessment in your technical file.

Mistake 3: Incomplete Technical Documentation

Many brands have incomplete technical documentation—missing test reports, schematics, BOM, or user manuals. When market surveillance authorities request documentation, incomplete documentation can result in product seizure or forced recall.

How to avoid it: Prepare complete technical documentation for each product model, organized in a clear structure. Include all required elements (product description, drawings, BOM, risk assessment, test reports, standards list, manufacturing process, user manual, labeling, Declaration of Conformity, EU responsible person info).

Mistake 4: Missing or Incorrect Traceability Information

Many products have missing or incorrect traceability information—no brand name, no address, no batch/serial number, or incorrect EU responsible person info. This is one of the most common reasons for product seizure at EU borders.

How to avoid it: Verify that all products and packaging have the required traceability information (brand name, address/EU responsible person, model/batch/serial number). Make sure the information is clear, legible, and indelible.

Mistake 5: User Manuals Without Safety Information

Many user manuals focus on setup and features but lack required safety information (warnings, precautions, hearing damage warnings for headsets, battery safety for wireless products). This is a common GPSR violation.

How to avoid it: Include a comprehensive "Safety Information" section in every user manual, covering all potential risks and precautions. Translate the safety information into all required EU languages. For headsets, include specific warnings about hearing damage and recommended volume limits.

Mistake 6: No Process for Accident Reporting and Corrective Action

Many brands have no formal process for receiving, evaluating, and reporting safety incidents. When a customer reports a safety issue, it gets lost in customer service and is never evaluated or reported. This can result in delayed recalls and regulatory penalties.

How to avoid it: Create a formal product safety incident response process. Designate a responsible person. Create an escalation process for customer service to report safety incidents. Keep a log of all safety incidents. Report serious accidents to Safety Gate as required.

Mistake 7: Assuming CE Marking Equals GPSR Compliance

Many brands assume that because their product has CE marking, it automatically complies with GPSR. This is partially true—CE compliance satisfies most safety requirements—but GPSR adds additional requirements (risk assessment, technical documentation, EU responsible person, accident reporting, recall procedures) that aren't covered by CE marking.

How to avoid it: Treat GPSR as a separate but complementary regulation to CE marking. Ensure you meet all GPSR-specific requirements in addition to CE requirements.

Final Thoughts

The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is the most significant change to EU product safety regulation in over two decades. For gaming peripheral brands and manufacturers, it represents a fundamental shift in how products are designed, tested, documented, and sold in the EU. The requirements are stricter, the obligations are broader, and the penalties are higher.

But GPSR compliance doesn't have to be overwhelming. By understanding the requirements, planning ahead, and implementing systematic compliance processes, brands can ensure their products meet GPSR requirements and continue to sell in the EU market. In fact, GPSR compliance can be a competitive advantage—brands that demonstrate strong product safety practices build trust with consumers, retailers, and marketplaces.

The key areas to focus on are:

1. EU responsible person: Appoint one before selling in the EU.
2. Risk assessment: Conduct one for every product.
3. Technical documentation: Prepare complete, organized documentation.
4. Traceability: Ensure all products have the required information.
5. Safety information: Include comprehensive safety info in user manuals.
6. Accident reporting: Have a process for reporting serious accidents.
7. Corrective action: Be prepared to recall unsafe products.
8. Online marketplace compliance: Meet Amazon and other marketplace requirements.

At MONTON Cloud, we work with our clients to ensure their gaming peripherals meet EU regulatory requirements, including GPSR. We provide the required technical documentation (test reports, schematics, BOM, risk assessment support), ensure products have the required traceability information, and help clients navigate the complex EU regulatory landscape. We understand that compliance is not just a checkbox—it's an ongoing process that requires attention to detail and a commitment to product safety.

If you're a gaming peripheral brand selling in the EU, take GPSR seriously. Review your products and processes against the requirements in this guide. Identify gaps and address them proactively. Keep your documentation organized and up to date. And remember: GPSR compliance is not a one-time task—it's an ongoing commitment to product safety that benefits both your business and your customers.

The EU market is one of the largest and most lucrative consumer markets in the world. With proper GPSR compliance, your gaming peripherals can continue to succeed in this market for years to come.

Related Articles

• Gaming Headset Certifications Guide: CE, FCC, RoHS, BQB, REACH, UKCA, BIS Explained
• How to Choose a Gaming Headset Manufacturer in China: Complete Guide 2026
• Gaming Headset Cost Structure: Where Does the Money Go?
• Global Gaming Headset Market Forecast 2026-2030: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges