GPSR Compliance in Germany
Germany is the largest EU ecommerce market and has some of the most active product safety enforcement in Europe. Here's what online stores need to know about GPSR compliance for the German market.
€100,000
Max fine per violation
#1 market
EU ecommerce rank
62 million
Online shoppers DE
Dec 2024
GPSR in force since
Who enforces GPSR in Germany?
GPSR enforcement in Germany is split between multiple authorities depending on the channel.
Online marketplaces
Bundesnetzagentur
Supervises platforms like Amazon and Zalando. Can order product listings to be removed and impose fines on marketplace operators for non-compliant sellers.
State-level product safety
Marktüberwachungsbehörden
Each of Germany's 16 federal states has a market surveillance authority. They conduct product testing, random checks, and can issue recall orders.
Policy coordination
BAUA
The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health coordinates product safety policy and manages the RAPEX/Safety Gate notification database.
Imports at the border
Zoll (Customs)
German customs authorities check products at the border for compliance documentation. Non-compliant imports can be seized and destroyed.
German fines are per violation, not per incident
Under Germany's Product Safety Act (ProdSG), the €100,000 maximum applies per individual violation. A store with 50 non-compliant products could theoretically face fines on each. Criminal prosecution is also possible for violations involving products that cause bodily harm.
Germany-specific compliance requirements
These requirements apply in addition to the general GPSR rules — some are specific to German law.
German-language product information
CRITICALAll safety warnings, usage instructions, and manufacturer contact details must be available in German for products sold to German consumers. This includes product page content, not just physical packaging.
Manufacturer or responsible person details
CRITICALName, registered business address (Firmenanschrift), and an electronic contact (E-Mail or Kontaktformular) must be visible on each product page. For non-EU companies, an EU-based responsible person must be named.
Product traceability identifier
CRITICALA model number, batch number (Chargennummer), or serial number must be displayed on each product page to enable traceability back to the manufacturer.
Impressum (legal notice)
CRITICALGerman law requires a full Impressum — company name, address, legal representative, commercial register number (if applicable), VAT ID, and contact details. This is a separate, stricter requirement from the GPSR manufacturer info.
GPSR safety reporting channel
IMPORTANTConsumers must be able to report product safety concerns. A clearly accessible contact method (email or form) with the purpose "product safety" is required. It should be easy to find from any product page.
Right of withdrawal notice (Widerrufsrecht)
IMPORTANTUnder German consumer law (§§ 355–361 BGB), a clear withdrawal notice and withdrawal form must be included in the order process and in order confirmation emails. This predates GPSR but remains a compliance requirement.
The EU Responsible Person for non-EU sellers
If your business is based outside the EU (UK, US, China, etc.) and you sell physical products to German consumers, GPSR Article 4 requires an EU-established responsible person. This is one of the most important — and most missed — requirements.
Importer
An EU-based company that buys from you and resells in the EU. The importer takes on the responsible person role automatically.
Authorised representative
A company or individual you formally appoint to act as your EU responsible person. They must have a signed mandate.
Fulfilment service provider
An EU-based fulfilment warehouse can act as responsible person if they physically handle the products. Common for FBA-style setups.
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Frequently asked questions
Who enforces GPSR in Germany?
GPSR in Germany is primarily enforced by the Bundesnetzagentur for online marketplaces, and by state-level market surveillance authorities (Marktüberwachungsbehörden) for individual products. The BAUA coordinates policy at the federal level.
What are the fines for GPSR violations in Germany?
Fines under Germany's Product Safety Act (ProdSG) can reach €100,000 per violation. Serious violations involving dangerous products can result in criminal prosecution. Fines apply per violation, not per enforcement action.
Does GPSR require German-language product information?
Yes. GPSR requires product safety information in a language easily understood by consumers. For the German market, safety warnings, instructions, and contact details must be in German.
Do I need a German responsible person for GPSR?
You need an EU-based responsible person — they don't have to be specifically German. An EU-registered importer, authorised representative, or fulfilment provider in any EU member state qualifies.