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Compliance Checklist

GPSR (General Product Safety Regulation)
Pet Supplies
Spain ๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ

Complete checklist for compliance with the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR, EU 2023/988) for pet supplies on the Spanish Amazon marketplace. Covers requirements from the Ministerio de Consumo, AESAN regulations for pet food, and regional enforcement by the Comunidades Autonomas.

Overview

The EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR, Regulation EU 2023/988) has been in effect since December 13, 2024, replacing the previous General Product Safety Directive. For pet supplies on Amazon.es, this means comprehensive requirements for product safety, traceability, and documentation. In Spain, the Ministerio de Consumo (Ministry of Consumer Affairs) is the central authority for product safety, while AESAN (Agencia Espanola de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricion) is specifically responsible for pet food. The Comunidades Autonomas (Autonomous Communities) handle regional market surveillance. All product information, warnings, and labeling must be provided in Spanish (castellano). The Spanish pet market is growing steadily โ€” over 29 million pets live in Spanish households โ€” making Amazon.es an attractive but regulatory demanding sales channel.

Does this apply to my product?

This checklist applies to all economic operators (manufacturers, importers, distributors, fulfillment service providers) selling pet supplies via Amazon.es in Spain. This includes: pet food and treats (additionally regulated under Regulation 767/2009), toys and accessories for pets, grooming products (shampoos, brushes, etc.), carriers and leashes, beds, bowls and automatic feeders, aquarium and terrarium accessories, and pet clothing. Excluded are prescription veterinary medicines (under Directive 2001/82/EC) and certain biocidal products (under EU Biocidal Products Regulation 528/2012). For pet food, the additional requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 767/2009 on the placing on the market and use of feed apply.

Step-by-Step Guide

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1

Designate EU Responsible Person (Responsable en la UE)

According to GPSR Article 16, an EU-based responsible person must be designated for each product to serve as the point of contact for authorities and consumers. For the Spanish market, this person must be reachable in Spanish.

Estimated time: 1-2 weeks

2

Conduct Product Safety and Conformity Assessment

Under the GPSR, all pet supply products must undergo an internal risk analysis. For pet food, the additional requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 767/2009 and national AESAN guidelines apply.

Estimated time: 2-4 weeks

3

Ensure Product Labeling and Traceability

The GPSR sets strict requirements for product labeling and traceability. All information must be provided in Spanish (castellano) for the Spanish market.

Estimated time: 1-2 weeks

4

Configure Amazon.es Seller Central GPSR Attributes

Amazon.es has required specific mandatory GPSR attributes for all listings since December 2024. Missing information leads to listing suppression.

Estimated time: 3-5 days

5

Establish Notification and Recall Procedures

The GPSR requires functional processes for accident reporting, product recalls, and communication with authorities. For Spain, the Ministerio de Consumo and Safety Gate (RAPEX) are the central points of contact.

Estimated time: 1-2 weeks

6

Fulfill Packaging EPR and Additional Spanish Obligations

In addition to the GPSR, Spain has additional obligations through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging under Ley 7/2022 de Residuos y Suelos Contaminados. These are closely linked to the GPSR compliance process.

Estimated time: 1-2 weeks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing or incomplete Spanish translation of product labeling

Consequence: Suppression of Amazon.es listing and potential fines from the Ministerio de Consumo. Under Real Decreto Legislativo 1/2007, consumer protection violations can be penalized with fines from EUR 3,005 to EUR 601,012 depending on severity.

Prevention: All consumer-relevant information, warnings, and instructions must be professionally translated into Spanish (castellano). Use native-speaking translators and have the texts reviewed by a compliance expert.

No EU Responsible Person designated or not entered in Seller Central

Consequence: Amazon.es has been automatically suppressing listings without mandatory GPSR attributes since December 2024. Additionally, regulatory measures from the Ministerio de Consumo may follow, including sales bans and recall orders.

Prevention: Designate the EU Responsible Person early and correctly enter all contact details both on the product and in the Amazon Seller Central GPSR fields.

Selling pet food without registration as a feed business operator

Consequence: Violations of Regulation (EC) 767/2009 and Spanish feed law can lead to seizure of goods, sales bans, and fines from AESAN or the competent Comunidad Autonoma.

Prevention: Before the first sale of pet food on Amazon.es, check whether registration in the RGSEAA is required. When in doubt, consult AESAN or the competent regional authority.

Missing Ecoembes registration for packaging EPR

Consequence: Violations of Ley 7/2022 can lead to fines from EUR 1,001 to EUR 3,500,000 (depending on classification as minor, serious, or very serious violation). The Comunidades Autonomas are responsible for enforcement.

Prevention: Complete Ecoembes registration before market entry and submit the annual packaging volume declaration on time. Registration is possible online via ecoembes.com.

Using FNSKU as the sole traceability identifier

Consequence: The FNSKU is an Amazon-internal identifier and does not meet GPSR traceability requirements. During an inspection by the Ministerio de Consumo or the Comunidades Autonomas, the absence of a batch number on the product can be considered a violation.

Prevention: Each product must be physically marked with a batch number (numero de lote) or serial number that enables traceability throughout the entire supply chain โ€” independent of the Amazon FNSKU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1Does the GPSR also apply to handmade or self-mixed pet treats?

Yes. The GPSR applies to all consumer products made available on the EU market โ€” regardless of whether they are industrially or handcrafted. Handmade pet treats are additionally subject to Regulation (EC) 767/2009 if they qualify as feed. In Spain, the manufacturer must also be registered with the RGSEAA.

Q2Must warnings on pet toys be in Spanish even if the product has uniform EU-wide packaging?

Yes. Spain requires under Real Decreto Legislativo 1/2007 that all consumer-relevant information be provided in castellano (Spanish). Uniform EU packaging without Spanish is not compliant for the Spanish market. Adhesive labels (pegatinas) or inserts with Spanish information are acceptable.

Q3Is CE marking required for cat litter or dog beds?

No. CE marking only applies to products that fall under specific EU harmonization legislation (e.g., Toy Directive, Machinery Regulation). Most pet supply items such as cat litter, beds, or simple accessories do not fall under these. However, they are subject to the GPSR as the catch-all regulation for general product safety. Exception: Electrical products such as heated pet beds or automatic feeders may fall under the Low Voltage Directive and would then require CE marking.

Q4What happens if Amazon.es suppresses my listing due to missing GPSR attributes?

Since December 2024, Amazon.es suppresses listings where the mandatory GPSR fields are not filled in. To lift the suppression, you must add the manufacturer details, EU Responsible Person information, and safety warnings (in Spanish) in Seller Central. After completion, Amazon typically reviews the information within 24-48 hours. For repeated violations, Amazon may request additional evidence such as technical documentation or test reports.

Q5Can SpaceGoats assist with GPSR compliance for pet supplies on Amazon.es?

Yes. SpaceGoats, as an Amazon full-service agency, offers comprehensive support for GPSR compliance on the Spanish market. This includes facilitating an EU Responsible Person, coordinating Spanish translations and labeling, setting up mandatory GPSR attributes in Seller Central, Ecoembes registration, and advising on AESAN requirements for pet food. With experience across multiple EU marketplaces, SpaceGoats understands the country-specific differences and can manage the compliance process efficiently.

Q6Are there regional differences in GPSR enforcement in Spain?

Yes. Market surveillance and product safety enforcement in Spain falls under the 17 Comunidades Autonomas (Autonomous Communities) and 2 Autonomous Cities (Ceuta and Melilla). Each region has its own consumer protection authority (Direccion General de Consumo or similar) that can conduct inspections. While the basic GPSR requirements apply uniformly, inspection frequency and enforcement practices can vary regionally. Catalonia (Catalunya), Madrid, and Andalusia are considered particularly active in market surveillance.