As a small, independent UK business, we’ve always prided ourselves on creating Formula 1 and motorsport-inspired merchandise that’s not just stylish but also deeply personal. We started out in 2022 on Etsy and quickly grew a very large following and loyalty from customers in the EU and UK including Northern Ireland.
Over the years we collaborated and partnered with some fantastic influencers in the EU and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us.
That’s why it’s with great sadness that we announce a significant change in how we operate: from 13th December 2024, Fifth Gear Garms will no longer trade with customers in the EU and Northern Ireland.
This decision hasn’t come lightly, and we want to explain why this step has become unavoidable, outlining the new General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) and how it impacts us and many other small UK businesses.
What Is the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)?
The GPSR replaces the previous EU General Product Safety Directive. It introduces updated rules for all consumer goods that aren’t covered by other regulations, such as food or medical devices. Its aim is to improve product safety across the EU, ensuring customers have access to safe, traceable, and well-documented goods.
This regulation applies to:
- All products sold to consumers, including online sales.
- New technologies, such as AI-driven or internet-connected devices.
- Businesses in all 27 EU countries and Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
What Are the New Requirements?
From December 2024, businesses must adhere to stricter rules, including:
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Appointing an EU-Based Responsible Person: UK businesses trading in the EU or Northern Ireland must appoint an EU-based representative to handle compliance, safety documentation, and communication with EU authorities. Their details must also appear on product labels or packaging.
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Enhanced Product Labelling: Clear, multi-language labelling is mandatory, including safety instructions and the Responsible Person’s contact details.
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Risk Assessments and Documentation:
- Businesses must conduct thorough risk analyses for every product.
- Safety documentation must be retained for 10 years.
- Complaints and traceability records must be kept for at least five years.
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Market Surveillance:
- EU authorities will actively monitor and enforce compliance, with significant penalties for breaches.
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Online Sales:
- Safety and compliance information must be displayed on websites.
- Online marketplaces must ensure sellers meet these requirements.
Why Are These Changes Unsustainable for Us?
The cost and administrative burden of complying with these regulations are simply beyond what a small business like ours can manage. Appointing an EU-based Responsible Person alone costs upwards of €1,500-€4,500 per year, with additional costs for labelling, compliance testing, and maintaining extensive documentation.
For a large business, these costs may be absorbed, but for us, it’s a barrier that makes continuing EU and Northern Ireland trade unsustainable. As a proudly independent brand, these changes feel like an immense obstacle to staying connected with our beloved EU and NI customers.
Countries Affected by This Regulation
This new rule applies to all 27 EU member states and Northern Ireland. The EU member states include:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
Unfortunately, this also includes Northern Ireland, as it follows EU rules for trade under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Common Questions
Can’t you just appoint an EU Responsible Person?
We’ve explored this option, but the costs are too high for us to sustain, particularly for the niche nature of our business.
What about customers in Northern Ireland?
The same rules apply under the Northern Ireland Protocol. Sadly, we’ll also be ceasing trade there.
Will this affect customers in Great Britain or other countries outside the EU?
No, this change only affects EU and Northern Ireland customers. We’re still here for our amazing customers in the UK, the US, and beyond.
Is this goodbye forever?
We hope not! If regulations or costs change in the future, we’ll be the first to revisit how we can reconnect with our EU and NI customers.
Our Message to Our EU and NI Customers
To our friends across Europe and in Northern Ireland: thank you. Your support has meant the world to us. We’ve loved being part of your motorsport journey, and this decision fills us with sadness.
If you’d like to discuss this further or share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’ll always value your feedback and support.
With heartfelt thanks,
Jordan & Zoe, Co-founders of Fifth Gear Garms