Compliance Checklist

GPSR (General Product Safety Regulation)
Pet Supplies
France 🇫🇷

Complete checklist for compliance with the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR, EU 2023/988) for pet products on the French Amazon marketplace — including food, toys, beds, bowls, and accessories.

Overview

The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR, EU 2023/988) has applied since 13 December 2024 to all consumer products on the EU market — including pet supplies. For the French market (Amazon.fr), sellers must ensure that pet products such as toys, beds, bowls, and accessories meet general safety requirements. Pet food is additionally governed by Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 on the placing on the market and use of feed, with GPSR supplementing requirements for non-food pet items. France has particularly active enforcement authorities in the DGCCRF (Direction Generale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Repression des Fraudes) and the DGAL (Direction Generale de l'Alimentation) for feed safety. French-language labeling is legally mandated (Code de la consommation, Art. L.112-1). An EU-based Responsible Person is mandatory for every non-EU manufacturer.

Does this apply to my product?

This checklist applies to all pet products sold on Amazon.fr: pet toys, beds and sleeping accessories, food bowls and water dispensers, leashes, collars and harnesses, grooming products, carriers, and accessories. For pet food and treats, additional requirements under Regulation (EC) 767/2009 and French feed legislation apply (supervised by DGAL and ANSES). GPSR obligations apply equally to manufacturers, importers, distributors, and fulfilment service providers. Special attention is required for products that come into contact with food-contact materials (bowls) or that pose potential choking hazards (toys with small parts).

Step-by-Step Guide

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Product Classification and Regulatory Mapping

Determine which regulations apply to your pet product: GPSR alone (non-food products) or GPSR plus Regulation 767/2009 (feed products). Identify product-specific standards and French supplementary requirements.

Estimated time: 3-5 days

Determine product category and applicable regulationsRequired

Classify each product: pet toys, beds, bowls (potentially Food Contact Materials Regulation EU 1935/2004), accessories (GPSR), or feed products (Regulation 767/2009 plus DGAL registration). Check whether harmonised EN standards exist (e.g. EN 71 parts for toy-like pet products as guidance).

Product classification matrix mapping to applicable regulations

Identify French supplementary requirementsRequired

France has national requirements beyond EU rules: The Loi AGEC (Loi relative a la lutte contre le gaspillage et a l'economie circulaire) requires the Triman logo and Info-tri sorting instructions on packaging. The DGCCRF regularly conducts market surveillance on pet products. French-language usage and safety instructions are mandatory per Code de la consommation (Art. L.112-1).

Overview of French supplementary requirements for pet products

Conduct risk analysis and safety assessmentRequired

Per GPSR Art. 5, economic operators must conduct an internal risk analysis. For pet products, typical risks include: choking hazard (small parts in toys), chemical risks (plasticisers, heavy metals, AZO dyes), mechanical risks (sharp edges, breakage), and for feed: contamination, incorrect nutritional claims. Document the risk analysis systematically.

Internal risk analysis documentation per productTest reports (material tests, stress tests)

Establish EU Responsible Person and Traceability

Designate an EU-based Responsible Person per GPSR Art. 16 and establish a complete traceability system.

Estimated time: 1-2 weeks

Designate EU Responsible PersonRequired

Every non-EU manufacturer must designate an EU-based Responsible Person (personne responsable) per GPSR Art. 16. This person must: maintain technical documentation, cooperate with market surveillance authorities (DGCCRF, DGAL), be able to initiate corrective measures, and be listed on the product or packaging with name, address, and contact details. For Amazon.fr, RP information must also be registered in the Seller Central account.

Authorisation agreement with the EU Responsible PersonAmazon Seller Central RP registration (confirmation)

Build traceability systemRequired

GPSR Art. 18 requires full traceability: every product must be uniquely identifiable (batch number, serial number, or other identifier). The entire supply chain must be documented — from manufacturer through importer to end consumer. For pet food, additional traceability requirements under Regulation (EC) 178/2002 (food law, applicable to feed) apply. Retain all traceability data for at least 10 years.

Traceability matrix with batch and supply chain dataSupplier agreements with traceability clauses

French-Language Labeling and Packaging

Create fully French-language product labels that comply with both GPSR and French national requirements (Loi AGEC, Code de la consommation).

Estimated time: 1-2 weeks

Create product labeling in FrenchRequired

All consumer-facing information must be in French (Code de la consommation, Art. L.112-1): product name and description, safety and warning notices (avertissements de securite), instructions for use (mode d'emploi), material composition, name and address of manufacturer and EU Responsible Person, country of origin. For pet food additionally: composition, analytical constituents, feeding guidelines, best-before date (a consommer de preference avant), net weight.

French-language label print templatesProfessional translation certificates

Apply Triman logo and Info-tri sorting instructionsRequired

Per Loi AGEC and Decree No. 2021-835, all consumer products in France must display the Triman logo and Info-tri sorting instructions since 1 January 2022 (full enforcement since 2023). The Triman logo indicates the product or packaging is subject to sorting rules. The Info-tri gives consumers specific disposal instructions (e.g. 'bac de tri' for packaging). For pet products, this applies to both the sales packaging and any paper-based instruction manuals.

Packaging mockups with Triman logo and Info-tri

GPSR-compliant safety information on product and packagingRequired

Per GPSR Art. 9, the product or packaging must display: manufacturer name or trademark plus postal and electronic contact address, EU Responsible Person name and contact details (if different), product identification (model, batch, serial number, or other identifier), warnings and safety information in French. For pet toys, additional warnings about swallowing or choking hazard (risque d'etouffement) are required if small parts are present.

Final packaging print files with all mandatory information

Technical Documentation and Conformity Evidence

Create and maintain technical documentation per GPSR Art. 9 and product-specific conformity evidence.

Estimated time: 2-3 weeks

Compile technical documentation (Technical File)Required

The technical documentation must contain per GPSR Art. 9(2) at minimum: general product description and essential characteristics, risk analysis and safety assessment, applied standards and specifications, test reports (chemical tests for heavy metals, phthalates, AZO dyes; mechanical tests for breakage resistance and sharp edges; migration tests for food bowls where applicable), photos and technical drawings, declaration of conformity. Documentation must be retained for at least 10 years after placing on the market.

Complete Technical File per product/product familyAccredited laboratory test reports (ISO 17025)

Product-specific tests and certificationsRequired

Different tests are required depending on product category: Pet toys — mechanical strength, swallowable small parts, chemical analysis (REACH substances, phthalates); Food bowls — migration tests per EU 1935/2004 and EU 10/2011 (plastics); Beds and textiles — flammability test, chemical tests (formaldehyde, AZO dyes) per REACH; Pet food — nutritional composition analysis, heavy metal and pesticide residue analysis, microbiological tests per Regulation 767/2009 and DGAL requirements; Leashes and collars — tensile strength test, closure safety test.

Test reports for each relevant product categoryREACH declaration of conformity (SVHC testing)

Amazon.fr Listing Compliance and Seller Central Setup

Ensure your Amazon.fr product listings contain all GPSR mandatory information and meet Amazon-specific compliance requirements.

Estimated time: 3-5 days

Enter GPSR mandatory information in Amazon Seller CentralRequired

Since December 2024, Amazon requires for all products on EU marketplaces: manufacturer name and contact details, EU Responsible Person name and contact details (with postal address, email, and optionally phone number), product identification numbers. This information is entered in the compliance section of Seller Central. Missing GPSR data can lead to listing suppression. For pet food, the feed registration number and DGAL references must additionally be provided.

Screenshot of fully completed GPSR fields in Seller Central

Optimise French-language product pages and A+ ContentRequired

All Amazon.fr product pages must be entirely in French: product title, bullet points, product description, A+ Content, safety notices and warnings. Integrate GPSR mandatory information into the listing text (warnings in the safety section, Responsible Person data in the designated field). Ensure product images show French-language labeling. For pet food, feeding recommendations and composition details must appear in the listing.

French-language listing texts (title, bullets, description)

Market Surveillance, Reporting Obligations, and Ongoing Compliance

Establish processes for ongoing market surveillance, reporting obligations for safety issues, and continuous GPSR compliance.

Estimated time: ongoing (initial setup 3-5 days)

Establish reporting obligations and Safety Gate processRequired

GPSR Art. 9(7) obliges economic operators to immediately inform the competent authority when a product presents a risk. In France, these are the DGCCRF (general product safety) and the DGAL (feed). Notifications are made via the EU Safety Gate (formerly RAPEX) and in parallel to the French authority. Establish an internal process for: monitoring customer complaints and Amazon returns for safety issues, decision matrix for reporting obligations, recall procedure (rappel de produit) including consumer notification in French.

Internal procedure for safety notifications and recallsContact list of competent authorities (DGCCRF, DGAL, ANSES)

Regular compliance review and updatesRequired

Conduct at least annual reviews of: currency of technical documentation, changes in applicable standards and French regulations, new entries on the REACH Candidate List (SVHC) for materials used, updates to Loi AGEC requirements (the Info-tri sorting instructions are regularly updated), Amazon policy changes for the pet supplies category. Document each review and resulting actions.

Annual compliance review report

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing or incomplete French translation of safety notices

Consequence: The DGCCRF can impose an immediate sales ban and fines up to EUR 15,000 per violation for natural persons (EUR 75,000 for legal entities) per Code de la consommation Art. L.132-1. Amazon.fr may suppress the listing without prior notice.

Prevention: Commission professional translators with regulatory experience and have all texts proofread by a French native speaker before print approval.

No EU Responsible Person designated or not registered in Amazon Seller Central

Consequence: Listing suppression by Amazon since December 2024, no possibility to resume sales until correct registration. Additionally, regulatory measures by the DGCCRF may follow during inspections.

Prevention: Designate the EU Responsible Person before first placing on the market and enter the data in all Amazon listings immediately. Regularly verify that the data remains current.

Missing Triman logo and Info-tri on packaging

Consequence: Violation of Loi AGEC with fines up to EUR 15,000 for natural persons and EUR 75,000 for legal entities. CITEO (French EPR system for packaging) may additionally levy penalty fees.

Prevention: Integrate the Triman logo and component-specific Info-tri into packaging design from the outset. Use the CITEO guide for correct design of sorting instructions.

Selling food bowls without Food Contact Materials compliance

Consequence: Food bowls that come into contact with pet food may fall under EU Regulation 1935/2004. Missing migration tests can lead to product recalls and significant liability claims, particularly if harmful substances migrate.

Prevention: Have all food bowls and water dispensers tested for migration per EU 10/2011 (plastics) or relevant individual measures (ceramics, metals). Retain the Declaration of Compliance.

Selling pet food without DGAL-compliant labeling per Regulation 767/2009

Consequence: The DGAL (Direction Generale de l'Alimentation) can stop sales, seize batches, and impose fines. For health-endangering deficiencies, criminal consequences may follow. Amazon.fr may suspend the entire seller account for repeated violations.

Prevention: Ensure all feed labels fully meet the requirements of Regulation 767/2009: composition in descending order, analytical constituents, feed type designation, batch number, best-before date — all in French.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1Does GPSR apply to pet food or only to non-food products?

Pet food is primarily governed by Regulation (EC) 767/2009 on the placing on the market and use of feed, which contains specific safety, labeling, and traceability requirements. GPSR supplements these requirements for aspects not covered by the feed regulation (e.g. packaging safety). For non-food pet products (toys, beds, bowls, accessories), GPSR is the primary legal basis. In practice, sellers must observe both regulatory frameworks when offering a mixed pet product range on Amazon.fr.

Q2Do pet products need to bear a CE marking in France?

No, pet products generally do not require a CE marking. CE marking applies to products falling under specific EU harmonisation legislation (e.g. Toy Safety Directive for children's toys, Low Voltage Directive for electrical devices). Pet toys are not equivalent to children's toys and do not fall under Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC. However, electrical pet products (e.g. automatic feeders, heated beds) may fall under the Low Voltage Directive or other harmonisation legislation and then require CE marking.

Q3What happens if Amazon.fr suppresses my pet product listing due to missing GPSR data?

If Amazon.fr suppresses a listing due to missing GPSR mandatory information, you must add the missing data (manufacturer details, EU Responsible Person, product identification) in Seller Central and then request reinstatement. Processing time is typically 24-72 hours. For repeated violations or missing data across many ASINs, Amazon may temporarily restrict the entire seller account. SpaceGoats can assist with correct data entry and the reinstatement process to minimise revenue loss.

Q4How does compliance for pet food differ from pet accessories?

Compliance requirements differ significantly: Pet food falls under Regulation 767/2009 (Feed Regulation) and is supervised by DGAL and ANSES — with strict requirements for composition statements, analytical constituents, feeding guidelines, and best-before dates. Manufacturers and importers must be registered as feed business operators. Pet accessories (toys, beds, leashes) fall directly under GPSR and are supervised by the DGCCRF — here mechanical and chemical safety, labeling, and traceability are the focus. Both categories require French-language labeling and Triman/Info-tri on packaging.

Q5Do I need separate technical documentation for each individual pet product?

Not necessarily for each individual product, but for each product family or product type with different safety characteristics. Products from the same production line, using the same materials and with identical safety properties can be grouped in one Technical File (e.g. a range of dog collars of the same design in different sizes). Once materials, construction, or risk profile change, a separate Technical File is required. SpaceGoats recommends defining a clear product family structure to keep documentation efforts efficient.

Q6What role does ANSES play in pet product compliance in France?

ANSES (Agence nationale de securite sanitaire de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail) is France's national health safety agency. For pet products, ANSES assesses risks to animal health, publishes scientific opinions on feed safety and chemical substances in pet products, and advises the DGAL and DGCCRF on regulatory decisions. ANSES also operates the French nutrivigilance system for feed, through which adverse effects of pet food are reported. Sellers should follow ANSES publications for their product category, as these frequently form the basis for intensified inspections by the DGCCRF.

GPSR (General Product Safety Regulation)Pet SuppliesFrance 🇫🇷