What is the scope of the GPSR?

First of all, the GPSR applies only to products that are sold or made available in the European Union. If the products are intended to be sold in the US, UK or Australia, the rules of the GPSR do not apply.

The GPSR applies to consumer products for which there are no other specific regulations. Or if there are specific regulations, but the GPSR has additional requirements that are not included in those specific regulations, the additional requirements of the GPSR apply. For example, toys are regulated by a specific regulation: the EU Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC). However, the requirement in the GPSR to conduct a risk assessment still applies to toys.

The regulation applies to products that are intended to be used by consumers. So almost everything we might purchase and use at home. Also products that may not be intended for consumers, but are likely to be used by consumers are in the scope. Industrial products like heavy machinery are not in the scope of the GPSR.

If products are provided as a part of a service, they are also covered by the GPSR. For example, an internet router that is provided free of charge as a part of the service contract is covered.

It does not matter if the products are given away for free, or whether you have to pay for them.

It also does not matter whether the products are new or used, or repaired or reconditioned. The GPSR applies to new and second-hand, refurbished and repaired products. Only products that are specifically sold or made available as product that are to be repaired or reconditioned before use, and which are clearly marked as such are not covered.