EU product identification · GPSR Reg (EU) 2023/988
What identification must be on your product?
Under the General Product Safety Regulation, manufacturers and importers must put their identification details on a consumer product — or its packaging, or an accompanying document. Pick your role and find out exactly what is required and where.
Identification verdict
Importer identification required
As the importer, you must add your own identification details to the product — in addition to the manufacturer's. See the elements and placement below.
Identification elements to show
- NameThe legal name of the manufacturer or importer.
- Registered trade name or registered trade markThe registered business name or brand, where you have one.
- Postal addressA single point at which you can be contacted by post.
- Electronic addressAn email address or website where you can be reached electronically.
Where it goes
On the product itself. Make the details visible, legible and durable.
Key identification facts
- Four elementsName, registered trade name or registered trade mark, a single postal address and a single electronic (email or website) contact address (Regulation (EU) 2023/988, Art 9 + Art 11).
- Where it goesOn the product itself where possible; where size or nature does not allow it, on the packaging or in a document accompanying the product.
- Both operatorsThe importer adds its own identification in addition to the manufacturer's — so a consumer can identify and contact both EU-traceable operators.
- Applies from13 December 2024 across the EU, replacing the old General Product Safety Directive.
Source: Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR), Art 9 + Art 11 — applies from 13 December 2024.
The rule, in one line
Under the General Product Safety Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/988), applicable from 13 December 2024, manufacturers must indicate their name, registered trade name or trade mark, postal address and electronic address on the product — or, where that is not possible, on its packaging or in a document accompanying the product. Importers must add the same identification details. Distributors add nothing of their own but must check that the manufacturer's and importer's details are present before selling.
Official sources:
- Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR), Art 9 + Art 11 — EUR-Lex
- European Commission — General product safety
- EUR-Lex summary — applies from 13 December 2024
- Four elementsName, registered trade name or registered trade mark, a single postal address and a single electronic (email or website) contact address (Regulation (EU) 2023/988, Art 9 + Art 11).
- Where it goesOn the product itself where possible; where size or nature does not allow it, on the packaging or in a document accompanying the product.
- Both operatorsThe importer adds its own identification in addition to the manufacturer's — so a consumer can identify and contact both EU-traceable operators.
- Applies from13 December 2024 across the EU, replacing the old General Product Safety Directive.
GPSR identification rules last reviewed June 2026. — GPSR identification rules verified against Regulation (EU) 2023/988 and the European Commission (2026-06-14). Informational, not legal advice; importer marking per the EU New Legislative Framework and product-specific rules.
What this tool is — and isn't
This checker restates the GPSR (Regulation (EU) 2023/988) identification and placement rules for the role you pick. It is an estimate and orientation, not legal advice, and it does not cover sector-specific labelling (CE-marked products under Regulation (EU) 2019/1020, food, cosmetics) or language requirements. Verify against the linked official sources.
How the determination works
1. Your role
Manufacturers and importers each put their own identification on the product. Distributors add nothing but must verify those details are present.
2. The four elements
Name, registered trade name or trade mark, postal address, and electronic address — the importer's in addition to the manufacturer's.
3. Where it goes
On the product where possible; otherwise on the packaging or in a document accompanying the product. The GPSR applies from 13 December 2024.
Frequently asked questions
- What details must an importer show?
- Name, registered trade name or registered trade mark, postal address and electronic address — on the product or, where not possible, on the packaging or an accompanying document.
- Does the manufacturer's label suffice?
- No. The importer must add its own identification details in addition to the manufacturer's, so a consumer can identify and contact both.
- What if there's no room on the product?
- Where the details cannot physically go on the product, they go on its packaging or in a document accompanying the product.
- I'm only a reseller — do I add my details?
- No. A distributor adds no identification of its own, but it must check that the manufacturer's and importer's details are present before making the product available, and not sell if they are missing.
- When did the GPSR start applying?
- The General Product Safety Regulation applies from 13 December 2024, replacing the old General Product Safety Directive.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. This tool restates the GPSR identification and placement rules for your role. It is orientation, not legal advice, and does not cover sector-specific labelling or language rules. Verify against the linked official sources.