GPSR for second-hand, refurbished and repaired products
Checked against the sources on 6 October 2026
The GPSR applies to products whether new, used, repaired or reconditioned (Article 2(3)). Businesses that sell second-hand goods to consumers have duties under it too.
Who is covered
Only supply in the course of a commercial activity counts (Article 3(6)). A business reselling used goods is covered; a private person selling their own belongings is not. Antiques are excluded altogether (Article 2(2)).
The exception: sold for repair
Products sold to be repaired or reconditioned before use are outside the GPSR, but only if they are clearly marked as such (Article 2(3)). An offer "for parts or repair" must make that unmistakable.
Resellers are distributors
A business that resells a used product without changing it is normally a distributor (Article 3(11)). Before selling, it must verify that the product carries the identification, the manufacturer's and, where applicable, the importer's contact details, and the instructions and safety information (Article 12(1)).
If it has reason to believe a product is dangerous, it must not sell it until it is brought into conformity. For products it has already sold, it must inform the manufacturer or importer, see that corrective measures are taken, and inform the authorities through the Safety Business Gateway (Article 12(3) and (4)).
The regulation has no separate rule for used products whose original labels or instructions are missing. If you cannot verify them, take advice before selling.
Refurbishers can become the manufacturer
A business that substantially modifies a product, physically or digitally, is treated as its manufacturer: for the part affected, or for the whole product if the change affects its safety (Article 13(2)). A modification is substantial when it affects safety and all three of these apply (Article 13(3)):
- it changes the product in a way the original risk assessment did not foresee;
- the nature of the hazard has changed, a new hazard has been created or the level of risk has increased;
- the changes were not made by consumers themselves, or on their behalf for their own use.
Selling refurbished goods under your own name or brand also makes you the manufacturer (Article 13(1)), with the duties in Technical documentation.
Online offers of used goods
The rules for online offers apply to used products as well: manufacturer details, the responsible person if the manufacturer is outside the EU, product identification with a picture, and warnings (Article 19). See Online listings.
Good practice before reselling
- check the EU Safety Gate for recalls of the model;
- keep the original instructions and safety information with the product;
- record where each item came from and to whom you sold it; authorities can ask for this for six years (Article 15(3) and (5)).
Check your duties with the GPSR check and answer "Used, repaired or reconditioned" to the question on the product's condition.