Navigating the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR): what it means for Community in print, and for you

I’m so proud of what we’ve built together at Community in Print. From my studio in Plymouth, I’ve worked to craft beautiful, sustainable illustrations that bring joy to homes and support our local community here in the South West, as well as developing a programme of creative workshops for everyone to be able to access the arts. Every sale of my ethically made products helps fund free or heavily subsidised creative workshops. My mission is simple: to ensure everyone, no matter their background, can access the arts in a sustainable eco-friendly way.

Thanks to your incredible support, I’ve been able to share sustainable arts practices with people who might otherwise not have the chance to engage. Every purchase you make means so much, not just to me, but to the community we’re building together.

Since launching in 2022, I’ve shipped my work across the UK and Europe, and as of December 13, 2024, new updates to the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) are coming into effect. These changes aim to ensure that all consumer goods meet rigorous safety standards, promoting transparency and customer protection.

While I’m thrilled to say that Community in Print products already meet these standards (product safety has always been a priority!), this new legislation brings some additional behind-the-scenes paperwork and processes that I’ll need to adapt to as a small business owner.

What is the GPSR?

The General Product Safety Regulation is designed to make sure that every product sold is safe to use. While it applies to a wide range of goods—everything from toys to electronics—it also affects handmade and craft items like prints, stationery, and gifts.

For me, as a local maker, this means:

• Material safety: Ensuring all materials in my prints and crafts meet specific safety standards.

• Documentation: Keeping detailed records of production processes and materials to verify compliance.

• Customer information: Providing clear labeling, instructions, or warnings where necessary.

How I’m adapting

The good news? Most of these practices are already part of my process. As a sustainable business, I’ve always prioritized using safe, eco-friendly materials and ethical suppliers. That said, the documentation and verification processes under GPSR are more complex, especially because I prioritize working with local brands instead of big-name suppliers.

Here’s how I’m stepping up:

1. Enhancing transparency:
   I’m reviewing all my suppliers and processes to ensure they align with GPSR requirements. From the sustainably sourced paper to the eco-friendly inks I use, you can feel confident knowing every detail has been carefully considered.

2. Improving labeling:
   I’ll be providing even clearer product descriptions and safety information on all items. Whether you’re purchasing a print for your home or attending one of my workshops, you’ll know exactly what to expect.

What does this mean for you as a customer?

These changes ultimately benefit you! Here’s how:

• Safer purchases: You can trust the quality and safety of every product.

• Sustainability assurance: Compliance ensures that every step of the process is aligned with sustainable practices.

• Better communication: You’ll have clearer information about how to use and care for your items.

Supporting local makers in a changing market

For small makers like me in the South West, adapting to regulations like GPSR is no small task. But I believe it’s an opportunity to reinforce what makes Community in Print special: a commitment to care, sustainability, and supporting local community.

With this new legislation in mind, I’ve made the decision to focus my shipping within England, Scotland, and Wales for now. This reduces the miles (and carbon footprint) my products travel and strengthens my connection to you as a local customer.

When you choose Community in Print, you’re investing in more than just a product. You’re supporting a craft that’s rooted in local pride, sustainable practices, and a vision for a more creative and inclusive world.

Have any questions about how these changes affect your favorite prints or the creative process? I’d love to hear from you—drop me a comment or message anytime! Together, we’ll continue to grow and thrive in this ever-changing world of craft and creativity.

Thank you for being part of this journey!