Application of the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) and its effects on small and medium-sized enterprises in the cultural sector

Question for written answer E-001835/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Thierry Mariani (PfE)

The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) - due to enter into force on 13 December 2024 - is giving rise to growing concerns among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the cultural sector, especially those specialising in the sale of books, CDs, DVDs and video games. With much of their business coming from sales of old or second-hand products, they are faced with disproportionate requirements, especially as regards traceability and labelling, for items that do not pose any appreciable safety risk for consumers.

As a result, many SMEs are worried that they will not be able to comply with the new rules and might have to close down, resulting in a less diverse cultural offer in Europe.

In view of this, does the Commission plan to amend the GPSR to exclude cultural products from its scope, or restrict its application to products placed on the market after 13 December 2024, in order to protect these businesses while meeting consumer safety goals?

Submitted: 26.9.2024