Navigating the New GPSR: What It Means for Our Customers in the UK and Ireland

With the introduction of the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) in December 2024, we understand that our customers may have questions about how these changes will affect their business. Whether you’re crafting candles, blending perfumes, or formulating cosmetics, our priority is to ensure you can continue sourcing the high-quality chemicals you rely on, with confidence.

Here, we’ve answered some of the key questions you might have about the GPSR and its implications for our Northern Ireland-based operations.

What is the GPSR, and why is it important?

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is a new EU framework designed to enhance consumer safety and accountability in the supply chain. It replaces the previous General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) and introduces updated standards for product safety, traceability, and compliance.

For those of you selling products to the EU, this regulation ensures your goods meet stringent safety standards—an essential aspect of building trust with customers.

Will the GPSR affect my ability to purchase from Mistral in the UK?

No, it won’t! Because we’re based in Northern Ireland, our products already meet EU standards under the GPSR. Thanks to the UK government’s commitment to unfettered access for Northern Ireland goods, we can continue supplying our customers in England, Scotland, and Wales without any additional hurdles.

This means there’s no change in how we supply you and you can rest assured we’ll deliver as usual.

Will the GPSR affect my ability to purchase from Mistral in Ireland?

No, it won’t! Because we’re based in Northern Ireland we are subject to the GPSR just like you are.  This means that we will work to ensure our products are compliant and will be continue to supply to Ireland completely as normal.

Do I need to worry about compliance when selling into the EU?

If you’re exporting your finished products (like candles, perfumes, or cosmetics) to Ireland or elsewhere in the EU, compliance with EU standards, including the GPSR, is essential. As your supplier, we ensure that the chemicals and raw materials you purchase from us meet all necessary EU regulations.

However, if your business is based outside the EU (including Great Britain) and you sell into the EU market (including Northern Ireland), you may also need to appoint an EU Authorized Representative. This representative acts as your point of contact for EU authorities and is responsible for ensuring compliance with safety standards for your finished goods.

If you appoint an EU Authorized Representative, we’ll provide them the necessary safety documentation and compliance details for the materials you use.

Unfortunately the burden and costs involved with appointing Authorized  Representatives will pose a significant barrier to entry for small and craft businesses in the UK.  We expect that many businesses will focus on the internal GB market and simply no longer export to the EU, to the great detriment of Northern Irish and Irish customers especially.

What about UK-specific regulations like the Product Safety and Metrology Bill?

The Product Safety and Metrology Bill was proposed in the King's Speech as a potential way to bring the UK leglislation more into line with the new EU GPSR legislation.  This may impose requirements on EU suppliers sending goods into the UK.  However this bill is currently in the early stages and so we will monitor any developments on this as it progresses.  It would be our intention however to comply with any further requirements of the UK bill in order to continue unfettered access for our UK customers.

How will you support customers with compliance?

Compliance is our responsibility, and we’re fully committed to supporting you. Here’s what we’re doing:

• For UK Customers: We’ll continue to meet the standards that make our products safe and effective for your candle, perfume, and cosmetics creations.
• For Irish and EU Customers: We are ensuring all products comply fully with the GPSR and related EU regulations like REACH and CLP.
• For Everyone: We’re staying ahead of regulatory changes, so you don’t have to.

Do I need to change anything in my business?

There are some specific considerations which craft and fragrance business will need to take based on the new regulations:

1. Selling in the EU:

• Appointing an EU Representative: If you sell your finished products (such as candles, perfumes, or cosmetics) into the EU and your business is not based in the EU or Northern Ireland, you may need to appoint an EU Authorized Representative. This representative acts as your point of contact for EU market surveillance authorities, ensuring compliance with GPSR and other applicable EU regulations.
• Documentation Support: Your EU representative will require access to technical documentation, safety assessments, and product labels. We can support you by providing compliant information for the chemicals and materials you source from us.

2. Selling in the UK:

• For our UK-based customers selling domestically, the need for an EU representative does not apply. You can continue to operate under existing UK product safety regulations without additional representation.

3. Labelling and Documentation:

• Regardless of where you sell, ensure that your products include accurate labeling and traceability information. This is crucial for compliance with both the UK’s and EU’s safety frameworks.

4. Staying Proactive:

• Monitor whether your supply chain or customer base includes EU countries. If so, proactively establish the necessary representation and documentation to avoid disruptions.

The Bottom Line: You’re in Good Hands

At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to making things simple for you. The introduction of the GPSR is an opportunity to strengthen product safety and consumer confidence, and we’re well-prepared to meet its requirements.

For our UK customers, it’s business as usual. For our Irish and EU customers, we're committed to compliance with the new regulatory regime. You can continue crafting candles, perfumes, and more with complete peace of mind, knowing your materials meet the highest safety standards.

If you have any questions about how the GPSR might affect your specific needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help.

Happy creating, and thank you for trusting us as your supplier!