Impact of the General Product Safety Regulation on SMEs/VSEs selling online

Priority question for written answer P-001787/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nadine Morano (PPE)

From 13 December 2024, during the Christmas shopping period, the General Product Safety Regulation will be applicable in all Member States.

This Regulation, which aims to provide more certainty and transparency to consumers when shopping online, raises concerns among many SMEs/VSEs in the distance sales sector about the significant increase in administrative burdens that might result from its application. Both competitiveness and jobs in the sector are at stake, as well as the purchasing power of consumers.

The application of the Regulation by certain SMEs/VSEs which sell online and have very many listings but few items per listing, particularly for cultural products, seems likely to create a significant workload, particularly in the area of labelling and traceability.

Article 17 of the Regulation requires the Commission to inform economic operators of how the legislation is to be implemented.

In this context:

• 1.What measures has the Commission taken and what action will it take to comply with this obligation to provide information, in particular with regard to SMEs/VSEs?
• 2.What arrangements does the Commission intend to put in place to support SMEs/VSEs which encounter difficulties in complying with the Regulation? Has provision been made for exemptions or accommodations?

Submitted: 23.9.2024