EU GPSR New Rules for Jewelry & Eyewear: Key Impacts

Introduction

The EU's revised General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) No. 2023/988 will take effect on July 1, 2026, mandating non-EU manufacturers of jewelry, eyewear, and watches to appoint an EU Authorized Representative (EU REP) and generate a Digital Product Passport (DPP) for each item. With a 90-day preparation window, this regulation directly impacts export-dependent industries, particularly those in China, requiring immediate attention to compliance and supply chain adjustments.

Event Overview

From July 1, 2026, the GPSR revision requires:

• Non-EU manufacturers to designate an EU REP for market access
• Unique DPPs containing material composition, compliance declarations, and sustainability data
• Full traceability for jewelry, eyewear, and watches entering the EU market

Impacted Sub-Sectors

1. Export Manufacturers

Directly affected by DPP system integration costs and EU REP selection. Production timelines may extend by 15-30 days for compliance documentation.

2. Component Suppliers

Must provide verified material data sheets to downstream manufacturers for DPP generation, potentially requiring third-party certification.

3. Logistics Providers

Customs clearance processes will require DPP verification, necessitating system upgrades for digital document handling.

Key Action Points

1. EU REP Selection Criteria

Prioritize representatives with:

• Proven GPSR compliance experience
• Multi-country coverage in key EU markets
• Technical capability for DPP data management

2. DPP System Integration

Allocate resources for:

• Product data digitization (material origins, test reports)
• ERP system upgrades for DPP generation
• QR code/UHF RFID labeling implementation

3. Compliance Timeline

Critical milestones:

• Q2 2026: Finalize EU REP contracts
• Q3 2026: Complete pilot DPP generation
• Q4 2026: Full supply chain testing

Industry Perspective

From an industry standpoint, this regulation:

• Accelerates digital transformation for physical products
• Creates new compliance service markets (EU REP agencies, DPP platforms)
• May reshape competitive landscapes favoring early adopters

Conclusion

The GPSR revision represents a strategic shift toward product digitalization in the EU market. While compliance requires upfront investment, it establishes a framework for future product traceability standards across consumer goods sectors.

Sources

• EU Official Journal: Regulation (EU) 2023/988
• European Commission Product Safety Database
• Pending: Final DPP technical specifications (expected Q1 2026)