Which products does the GPSR actually cover?

The GPSR acts as a safety net: it applies to all consumer products for which no more specific safety rules exist. Products with their own harmonisation framework — such as toys, electrical appliances, or machinery bearing the CE mark — are primarily subject to their specialist rules, but the GPSR fills any gaps those rules leave. Food, medicines, medical devices, and living plants or animals are excluded. For the typical online shop selling clothing, household goods, cosmetics, décor, or hobby supplies, the default rule is: when in doubt, the GPSR applies. Cosmetics were the most conspicuous category in Safety Gate in 2023, with 1,084 reported dangerous products.