Note: This article is currently available in Chinese only. The full explanation and detailed breakdown are written in Chinese.
As more small creative businesses begin selling internationally, many creators have asked the same question:
“What exactly is GPSR, and do I need it if I ship products to the EU?”
When I was preparing my own shop, I had to research everything from scratch. No one had clear answers, and the information online was scattered and inconsistent. This article is the result of what I personally discovered, tested, and clarified while setting up my studio’s compliance for EU orders.
The full Chinese version covers the essential questions creators often overlook—but really shouldn’t.
What the full article covers (Chinese only):
1. What GPSR actually is
Why this new EU regulation matters to small creative businesses, and how it affects anyone selling physical goods to European customers.
2. Whether you need to apply for GPSR
The difference between digital goods vs physical goods, what counts as “regulated products,” and what creators often misunderstand.
3. What a Responsible Person (RP) is
Why EU law requires an in-region representative, what responsibilities they carry, and why you cannot skip this step if you sell physical goods to Europe.
4. The RP service I personally use
My experience working with an EU compliance company, what the process looked like, how fees work, and what creators should prepare in advance
5. How to avoid the entire GPSR process (legally)
For creators who don’t want to deal with compliance yet: POD options, digital-only shops, shipping restrictions, and the real risks behind gambling with enforcement.
6. Final thoughts and how I made my decision
Who really needs GPSR, who doesn’t, what small creators should prioritise, and how to future-proof your shop if you plan to enter the EU market.
This article is meant for small illustrators, sticker shops, indie brands, and any creator sending physical products from outside the EU.
The full, detailed guide remains in Chinese and is available on Patreon.
Read the full Chinese article on Patreon
The complete guide includes:
- A clear explanation of GPSR
- Whether your shop actually needs a Responsible Person
- What documents you must prepare
- How much it realistically costs
- My recommended RP service (with reasoning)
- Legal ways to avoid the process if it doesn’t suit your shop
- Practical advice for illustrators and small studios
Join here to read the full Chinese version and access future creator-focused articles
If you’re trying to expand into European markets—or simply want to understand what compliance looks like behind the scenes—this resource will save you the weeks of confusion I went through.
0 comments