GPSR is probably something you have been hearing a lot about recently, especially if you live in the EU and regularly purchase from companies in the UK. Personally, I wish I had stayed ignorant of these new regulations but I am also relieved I have found out ahead of them becoming enforceable as it will make it very difficult for me to ship orders to those of you based in Europe.

These regulations are designed to ensure all products sold within the EU are safe for consumers to use. In theory this is such a good idea to ensure that customers are not put at risk by their purchases. However, it also imposes restrictions on how products are advertised and sold.

Some requirements will be very achievable for small businesses, other elements will be more challenging and expensive to work around. The regulations require all businesses to have an authorised representative in the EU. There are companies who will act as your representative but obviously they are charging big fees .

Obviously bigger businesses will not find it as challenging to set up an international office, for a micro business this is not something that can be organised quickly and many of us cannot afford the expensive fees to list our individual products.

I have spent far too long over the last week reading up as much as possible about the new regulations and I will not lie, I am still no closer to understanding how I can meet my new responsibilities without large financial penalties.

This is why for now I will need to pause accepting orders from the EU until I work out how and who to appoint as my authorised representative, all European orders will be paused fromSaturday 7th December.

Please know I am working hard to find a solution, as a small business owner I do not want to restrict anyone from ordering from me. I just need some time to find a fix for the situation, I am so sorry there is no quick solution but I am working on it.

So, if you are reading this from the EU and you have been pondering a purchase. Please do not hesitate, I do not know how quickly I will be able to find a cost effective way of opening up the market again. I am so so sorry. I promise I did not vote for the nightmare of Brexit……….

Jx