How the New GPSR Regulations are affecting PPS

Important Update for Our EU & NI Customers

I have some unfortunate news to share with my wonderful customers in the European Union and Northern Ireland.

You may have heard whispers in the small business world about new guidelines coming into effect soon. Starting on 13th December, the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) will officially take force.

These new regulations aim to ensure all products sold in the EU meet modern safety standards. While I fully support the importance of product safety, the implementation process has been challenging for small businesses like mine.

One of the key requirements under GPSR is that any business selling to EU/NI must appoint an Authorised Representative based in those regions. This representative ensures compliance with the rules and acts as a local contact. Unfortunately, as a small business, I simply don’t have the resources to meet this requirement right now.

Regrettably, this means that until further notice, I will not be able to sell my patterns (paper or digital) to customers in the EU or Northern Ireland.

This is not a decision I take lightly. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and joy my EU/NI customers have brought to this little sewing business. Please know that I’m exploring options and taking the time to understand these new regulations better.

What this means for PPS

To say I am devastated would be an understatement. I’ve come to know and deeply value my European customers. The thought of no longer being able to provide you with my sewing patterns is gutting.

As a result of the new GPSR requirements, I’ll be updating the delivery settings on my website to ensure EU and NI orders cannot be placed. If an order does slip through for any reason, I’ll sadly have to refund and cancel it. The same will apply to my Etsy shop. However, since Etsy is a marketplace that supports small businesses, I’m hopeful they might implement a solution to help sellers navigate these new rules. If that happens, I’ll be sure to direct EU customers there.

I will stop taking orders from the EU and NI on 5th December, so if there’s anything you’d like to purchase, please do so before then.

This isn’t the outcome I wanted. I didn’t vote for Brexit and cherished being part of the European Union. I’ll be writing to my MP to ask them to step up and support small businesses like mine because we are so passionate about bringing creative resources to everyone.

I’m desperately hoping the terms and conditions of these new regulations will change, or that a clear path forward for small businesses like mine will emerge. Rest assured, I’ll keep you updated with any developments.

What Does This Mean for You, My EU/NI Customers?

You have until 5th December to place an order with me. After that date, I’m afraid I will no longer be able to dispatch orders to EU or Northern Ireland addresses.

If you have friends or family in the UK, you’re welcome to ask them to place orders on your behalf. I can send parcels to their address for you to collect later.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as I navigate this challenging change.

Becky x