Product Safety and Compliance with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)

From 13 December 2024, a major update to EU product safety laws comes into effect. The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) will replace the previous General Product Safety Directive, and will apply to most businesses, with only limited exceptions.

This new regulation introduces stricter safety requirements and broader responsibilities for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and online marketplaces. It aims to better address risks associated with emerging technologies and the rapid growth of e-commerce.

Our Commitment to Compliance

At The French Antique Store, we are committed to full compliance with the GPSR. Our priority is your safety and peace of mind.

Key GPSR Requirements

1. Supply of Safe Products

All manufacturers and sellers must ensure that the products they offer are safe. They are also required to provide consumers with clear information to help them:

Assess any potential risks during use (especially if such risks aren’t obvious)
Take appropriate precautions against those risks

This means warnings and instructions must be clear, legible, and durable.

If your EU-based supplier is not adhering to the GPSR, they are operating illegally – and more importantly, disregarding consumer safety.

2. Product Traceability

Each product must include:

Name and address of the producer
A product reference or identifier (e.g., our format: TFAS_95712)

3. Scope: Vintage vs. Antique

Vintage items are included under the GPSR.
Antique items (typically over 100 years old) are exempt.

What You’ll See on Our Listings (From 13 December 2024)

All new listings after this date will include:

Safety Information
Details about potential risks, for example:
“This product is made of glass. Keep out of reach of children. This is not a toy.”
If relevant, any safety marks (like CE marks) will also be noted, though these are rare on older items.
Product Identifier
A unique SKU or stock number, e.g. TFAS_95712, will accompany each listing along with detailed images of the exact item.
Producer Details
If the original manufacturer is located outside the EU, we will include their name, address, telephone number, and email. This does not apply to many of our items due to their age.
Language Requirements
Information must be available in the language of the consumer’s country. Our website is automatically translated, and we will include this information in the package for all items first listed after 13 December 2024.
Record-Keeping
We will retain all safety documentation for each listed item for 10 years, as required.

Existing Listings

Products listed before 13 December 2024 under the existing directive may remain on the market and do not require updating.

New Listing Structure (From 13 December 2024)

Every new product listing will include:

“Safety Information”
Our assessment and advice of potential risks will be included in descriptions.
The SKU or stock number.
“Producer Details”
Included where applicable.

Important Note on Vintage & Antique Items

We specialise in vintage and antique pieces. While we make every effort to ensure their safety and quality, many were made before modern regulations and may not meet today’s standards. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’ll provide any additional information you may need.

Please note:

Items are sold as spares, props, or collectibles, and are generally intended for decorative purposes only.
They may contain materials not suitable for children or certain environments.
Customers should handle these items with care and keep them out of reach of children.
ALL Electrical items should always be inspected by a qualified electrician at the buyers own expense.

Hassle-Free Returns

All purchases come with a 14-day approval period after receipt of goods. Simply return it for a full refund. Postage return costs are at the buyers expense.

We understand that shopping online can be challenging. We encourage customers to read the product descriptions carefully and review all listing photos. We do our best to highlight any defects or wear.

Liability Disclaimer

The French Antique Store is not responsible for any injury or damage resulting from the use or misuse of our products. By purchasing from us, you acknowledge and accept these terms.

GPSR Contact Information

We act as our own authorised representative for GPSR compliance. For any questions or concerns, please contact:

GPSR Representative
The French Antique Store – Sharon Hehir
80 Avenue Bunau Varilla,
Carcassonne
France