EU GPSR, Digital Services Act & Other 2025 Rules eCommerce Must Follow

As the eCommerce landscape grows, so does the complexity of regulatory compliance, especially in the European Union. 2025 brings with it a wave of new legal requirements that online sellers must navigate to remain compliant, competitive, and consumer-friendly. Key among these are the EU’s General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), the Digital Services Act (DSA), and several other directives designed to modernize digital commerce and protect EU consumers.

1. Overview of the Regulatory Shift in 2025

The EU’s regulatory overhaul aims to enhance consumer safety, increase platform responsibility, and build a digital single market that prioritizes trust and transparency. These new rules are especially important for any online business—whether based in the EU or selling to EU customers.

2. EU GPSR: General Product Safety Regulation

Effective from December 13, 2024, the GPSR replaces the outdated General Product Safety Directive (GPSD). This regulation affects all consumer products sold in the EU and imposes new responsibilities on online marketplaces, sellers, and fulfillment services.

2.1 Key Provisions of GPSR

• Product Traceability: Sellers must ensure traceability throughout the supply chain, from manufacturer to consumer.
• Mandatory EU Contact: Products must have a responsible person based in the EU to handle safety issues and compliance questions.
• Online Marketplace Responsibilities: Platforms must react quickly to unsafe product notices and implement better monitoring tools.
• Recall and Incident Management: A streamlined system for recalling unsafe goods, including direct consumer notification.

2.2 Who Must Comply?

Any business selling to EU consumers, even from outside the EU, must comply with the GPSR. This includes dropshipping stores, Amazon sellers, and D2C brands using fulfillment centers in Europe.

3. Digital Services Act (DSA)

Officially in force from February 17, 2024, the DSA introduces a comprehensive set of rules for digital services—especially online marketplaces, hosting providers, and social media platforms.

3.1 Key Compliance Areas

• Illegal Content Removal: Platforms must establish transparent and fast mechanisms for reporting and removing illegal content.
• Traceability of Traders: Marketplaces must verify the identities of sellers and display them clearly to consumers.
• Ad Transparency: Consumers must be informed if they are being shown paid ads, and why they’re targeted.
• User Control: Users must have tools to report harmful content and opt out of algorithmic content feeds.

3.2 Penalties for Non-Compliance

Fines can reach up to 6% of global annual turnover for serious violations. Smaller platforms may also face restrictions or suspension from operating in the EU.

4. Additional 2025 Regulations Impacting eCommerce

4.1 Omnibus Directive (Consumer Rights Modernization)

This directive strengthens consumer rights in the digital space and enforces stricter rules around fake reviews, price transparency, and personalized pricing.

• Clearly display the original price before any discounts
• Identify if pricing is algorithmically personalized
• Ban fake reviews and require proof of purchase for verified ratings

4.2 Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)

This emerging legislation will push eCommerce retailers toward sustainable sourcing, packaging, and recycling responsibilities. It applies especially to electronics and textiles.

5. How to Prepare Your Store for 2025 Compliance

5.1 Conduct a Legal Audit

Review product listings, seller info, return policies, and shipping documentation to ensure they meet all regulatory standards.

5.2 Use Compliant Platforms and Tools

Choose platforms that are proactively updating for DSA and GPSR compliance—like PrestaShop, Shopify EU, or BigCommerce with compliance modules.

5.3 Partner with EU-Based Representatives

If you’re a non-EU seller, appoint an Authorized Representative within the EU to handle safety and communication duties.

5.4 Train Your Staff

Customer service, fulfillment, and marketing teams must understand the new requirements, especially those related to returns, product safety, and advertising.

6. Tools and Services to Help You Stay Compliant

• Compliance Tracking Platforms: QIMA, SGS, Intertek
• Product Testing & Certification Labs (CE, RoHS, REACH)
• Automated Legal Auditing Tools: Legisway, OneTrust, TrustArc
• GDPR & Cookie Compliance Tools: Cookiebot, Iubenda, Osano

7. Conclusion: Treat Compliance as a Competitive Advantage

While new EU regulations may seem daunting, they offer an opportunity to build a more transparent, responsible, and customer-friendly eCommerce business. Early adopters who align their practices with GPSR, DSA, and other directives can stand out as trustworthy brands in a crowded market.

Keep a close eye on updates from the European Commission, join relevant industry groups, and work with experienced legal partners to stay ahead. In 2025 and beyond, compliance is no longer optional—it’s a key driver of growth and trust in the digital economy.