The General Product Safety Regulation came into force on the 13th of December (2024).  This new regulation places new responsibilities onto businesses that export into the European Union (EU), Northern Ireland (NI) and the European Economic Area (EEA).

The EU countries are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

The European Economic Area (EEA):
The EEA includes EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It allows them to be part of the European Union’s single market.

Everything Dinosaur has been learning about the General Product Safety Regulation.  Furthermore, as a member of the British Chamber of Commerce, we have been helping advisors as well as other businesses to understand their obligations.  In addition, we note that William Bain, the British Chamber of Commerce Head of Trade Policy has published helpful guidance.

Everything Dinosaur’s South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce (SCCCI) membership badge. The company has been a member for more than ten years.

What is the Impact of the General Product Safety Regulation?

William Bain stated that larger businesses are likely to be compliant with the new regulation without too much adjustment.  For example, larger manufacturers and suppliers may already have a responsible person nominated for other regulatory purposes. For instance, under 2019/1020 market surveillance regulations.  Indeed, bigger manufacturers and economic operators in the supply chain may be registered in or located within the European Union.

The Head of the British Chamber of Commerce’s Trade Policy added:

“For smaller firms or sole traders, the new obligations will be a big change and will incur additional costs or compliance burdens. They will have to hire a service provider willing to act as a responsible economic operator (Authorised Representative) on their behalf in these markets.”

For some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole traders, the new rules will act as an additional barrier to sending goods to Northern Ireland, the EU and the EEA.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s earlier article about the General Product Safety Regulation: New Consumer Safety Regulations (GPSR).

What are the Solutions?

In an article published today, (16th of December, 2024) William Bain outlined some of the ways in which the UK Government could help businesses. Even if the UK government aligned its legislation with that of the EU, the fact that there are separate market surveillance and enforcement regimes means the issues would still exist.

How can the UK Government help?  Here are some steps that were recommended:

• Guidance needs to be simpler, more easily understandable, and better directed at small business needs.
• The UK Government must issue guidance earlier and be more effective in communicating with small businesses about changes to allow them to prepare.
• Businesses must be informed at an earlier stage about how to ensure compliance and mitigate the costs of regulatory change.
• Support is required from UK Government to enable compliance and to mitigate the financial impact on businesses.

In summarising the new General Product Safety Regulation and its impact, William Bain commented:

“This speaks to the need for a step change on regulatory cooperation between the EU and UK, with business interests at its heart.”

Everything Dinosaur is an award-winning member of the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce. The company has been a member for more than a decade.

We acknowledge the assistance of an article published by the British Chamber of Commerce in the compilation of this article.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

Suppliers of dinosaur and prehistoric animal models have some new consumer safety regulations to comply with.  From today, the 13th of December the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) comes into force.  This new regulation places new responsibilities on companies exporting to the European Union (EU), Northern Ireland and the European Economic Area (EEA).  As far as we at Everything Dinosaur are aware, the regulation covers all CE marked prehistoric animal figures and all other models and figures including resin replicas as well.  All toys are covered by this new regulation.

The new rules will apply in principle to all products, but there are some exclusions.  For example, products of animal origin (POAO), food, feed, medicines for human use, live plants and animals, aircraft involving low safety risks and antiques.  Furthermore, we believe second-hand and pre-loved items are impacted by GPSR.

Irrespective of whether or not a prehistoric animal model is CE marked it should come under the new GPSR regulation, and anyone involved in the distribution chain (economic operator) is expected to understand their obligations under GPSR.

What Does the General Product Safety Regulation Do?

The General Product Safety Regulation has been set up by the European Commission.  It addresses safety concerns regarding products entering the EU, Northern Ireland and the EEA.  Whilst it covers virtually all trade, it has specific implications for goods sold on-line or by other means of distance selling.

A precautionary principle runs throughout the new obligations and processes introduced by GPSR.  In addition, there is a strong emphasis on the traceability of products. The legislation was first consulted upon four years ago.

Manufacturers or importers placing goods on the market from outside the EU, EEA or NI must have a responsible economic operator appointed within these areas.  Normally, this would be the manufacturer. However, as an importer Everything Dinosaur has appointed an Authorised Representative.  We have been working with an Authorised Representative in the EU for several years.  This relationship was set up when the EU 2019/1020 Market Surveillance Regulation came into force.

To read more about the EU 2019/1020 Regulation: New Market Surveillance Regulations Come into Force.

If a manufacture does not appoint an Authorised Representative in the EU, or establish themselves within the EU, then Everything Dinosaur as the importer will take on this role. However, please note, in the absence of any action by the manufacturer it is the responsibility of other sellers of that manufacturer’s products who are also outside the EU to take steps to ensure that they are also compliant.

The Impact of GPSR

There are some notable impacts of GPSR.  This regulation affects all prehistoric animal model manufacturers according to our interpretation of the rules.  We are changing our product labelling for items sold to the EU, the EEA and Northern Ireland.  These new EU rules will apply to Northern Ireland under the terms of the Windsor Framework.

Product labelling requirements:

• The name, address and electronic address of the manufacturer.
• The name, address and electronic address of an authorised economic operator if the manufacturer is not in the EU/EEA/Northern Ireland.
• Pictures of the product and details on the product type.
• Warnings and safety notifications in a language the purchasing consumer can understand.
• These must also be attached to the product or on a document packaged with or accompanying the product.  QR codes can be used but they do not replace the need for written safety instructions and warnings (latest advice received as of December 2024).

Additional Requirements for On-line Marketplaces

The General Product Safety Regulations have been designed to encompass on-line sales.  This reflects the increasing trend for on-line shopping.  On-line marketplaces are not just platforms like Amazon, Ebay and Etsy, if you sell into Europe or Northern Ireland via a website, you need to comply as well.

Additional requirements:

• Subscribe to the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products and receive weekly reports (we get ours every Friday).
• Register your business/website on the EU Safety Business Gateway and report and issues regarding the items that you sell.

Everything Dinosaur is registered on the EU Product Safety Gateway. Picture credit: European Commission.

Picture credit: European Commission

• Have a single point of contact for market surveillance authorities and enquiries.
• Keep a record of customer and product information (helpful in case of a product recall).
• Work with market surveillance authorities and other operators.
• Have internal compliance procedures.

The logo of the European Commission Safety Gate which relates to the General Product Safety Regulation. Picture credit: European Commission.

Picture credit: European Commission

New Guidelines Being Published

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) produced guidance in relation to the implications of the Regulations on placing goods on the market in Northern Ireland, but these were only issued just before implementation (December 3rd).

Ironically, the General Product Safety Regulation does not apply to goods coming from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.  In addition, this legislation does not apply to products placed on the relevant market before 13th of December 2024 (Article 51 exemption).

Practical Steps Regarding General Product Safety Regulation Taken by Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur team members have taken practical steps to help them comply with the new regulation.  We put consumer safety at the very heart of our business.

• We have appointed an Authorised Representative in the European Union.
• Everything Dinosaur is a subscriber to the EU rapid alert system.
• We have registered on business and website on the EU Product Safety Gateway (we were amongst the very first businesses in Great Britain to do so).
• Authorised Representative contact details including an email address is on product packaging destined for the relevant markets.
• Everything Dinosaur contact information is on product packaging destined for the relevant markets.
• Maintain technical files on products affected including details of CE tests and Declaration of Conformity (DoC) as part of an internal risk analysis.
• Ensure affected products are despatched with contact information in twenty-four languages.
• Add GPSR contact details to the Everything Dinosaur website.
• Prepare a standard product recall notice (EU template expected in the near future).
• Set in motion plans to let any affected consumers know directly with regards to a safety alert or product recall.
• Discussed plans to ensure consumer data is held safely and securely to ensure rapid traceability in terms of a product recall.
• Prepare safety information in the twenty-four languages of the European Union.
• If a product recall is enacted to ensure consumers do not have to cover the cost of any replacement or refund mechanism.
• Everything Dinosaur has joined a community of businesses to help prepare for future compliance issues – GTD (Global Trade Department).

For reference the European Economic Area is defined as the EU, and the three European Free Trade Area states – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models.

It might be a busy time of year for retailers but Everything Dinosaur has managed to maintain its “Exceptional” rating with Feefo, the independent ratings company.  Yes, it’s “Exceptional Everything Dinosaur” – official.  Feefo collects genuine customer reviews, and the “Exceptional” status is their highest accolade.  It reflects Everything Dinosaur’s continuing commitment to customer care.

Exceptional Everything Dinosaur as officially rated by the independent ratings agency Feefo. The image relates to Feefo’s official rating as of December 2024. Picture credit: Feefo/Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Feefo/Everything Dinosaur

The image (above) shows the Everything Dinosaur reviews section of the Feefo website.  Everything Dinosaur is rated “Exceptional”.  A total of 743 product ratings have been collected over the past year.  In addition, there have been 362 service ratings.  In total, over the last twelve months the company has received over 1,100 reviews.

“Exceptional Everything Dinosaur”

Feefo’s independent customer ratings are vital for an on-line mail order company. They provide authentic feedback that builds credibility and trust. When website visitors see such positive ratings from genuine customers, they feel more confident in their purchasing decisions. Furthermore, these ratings highlight areas for improvement. Customer feedback permits us to consider how we can improve our service. Moreover, we prioritise customer feedback as it encourages loyalty and repeat purchases.

We have won other awards for customer service too!

To read about Everything Dinosaur winning a special customer service award: A Special Customer Service Award for Everything Dinosaur.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur pointing out that the Cheshire based business is rated as “Exceptional” for customer service by the independent rating company Feefo. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Sue from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Although we are as busy as ever, we try our best to support our customers in every way we can. For example, we get tracking information out to customers as fast as possible.  We appreciate how stressful shopping can be at this time of year.  However, we are here to help.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

Our thanks to Carl and Pauline who sent into Everything Dinosaur our first Christmas card for the festive holidays of 2024. We got some chocolates too!  The card features two ducks on a frozen pond.  This is appropriate, after all, ducks like all birds are theropod dinosaurs! We really appreciate this thoughtful gesture from one of our customers.  A very big thank you for such a delightful card.  Moreover, the chocolates will help to keep us going as we pack and despatch parcels.

The Christmas card and the box of chocolates received by Everything Dinosaur. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Thank You From Everything Dinosaur

Sue from the UK-based mail order company commented:

“I love chocolates!  Thank you for your thoughtful gesture; it truly brightens my day!”

Mike added:

“What a lovely gesture.  We are working long hours at the moment and there is a lot of work for us both to do.  Thank you for bringing smiles to our faces.  It’s just the tonic to keep us going.”

In this fast moving world, it is important to recognise the relationship a company has with its customer base. We value these connections deeply. They motivate us to serve better. Together, we celebrate the spirit of the season. Thank you to all our customers and social media followers.  You are all part of our journey!

The award-winning and customer friendly company website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

Everything Dinosaur team members do their best to pack and despatch parcels quickly.  However, sometimes there are issues in the international delivery network that are beyond our control.  For example, the national postal service of Canada has been disrupted due to strike action.  We continue to monitor the situation for our customers.  In addition, we work closely with Royal Mail in the UK and receive regular updates.

With regards to the industrial action in Canada, Everything Dinosaur team members have taken steps to help minimise disruption for customers.  However, due to the industrial action in Canada deliveries of parcels to Canadian customers will be subject to delays. UK Royal Mail has released a statement. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur Updating Canadian Customers

After raising concerns about the situation in Canada, Everything Dinosaur can highlight the following statement. This statement was released in response to concerns about Christmas deliveries.

The Royal Mail statement:

“Canada Post has been on strike since the morning of Friday, 15th November. The duration of the industrial action is unknown at this stage. Items already in the network will experience significant delays. All services to Canada are suspended from 19.00 Wednesday, 27th November until further notice.”

Team members have been alerting customers whose parcels may be affected.  We have put in place a range of options to assist them with deliveries.

Moreover, Royal Mail has stated:

“Canada Post has informed us items sent prior to the service suspension will be held by them until the end of strike action and will be delivered (first in, first out approach) once operations resume.”

Management at Royal Mail in the UK are in regular contact with Canada Post. Furthermore, Royal Mail have pledged to keep customers informed and updated.

Hopefully, this industrial action will soon be resolved with the minimal amount of disruption for Christmas deliveries.

Contacting Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur team members are taking a proactive approach.  They have reached out to our customers who have placed orders for delivery to Canada.

However, for further information and advice: Email Everything Dinosaur.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur was invited to talk at an event helping to encourage entrepreneurs and small business owners. It’s part of our wider commitment to give something back to the local community. Moreover, delegates had the opportunity to talk to Sue about their own particular issues when running a small firm. Her engaging presentation highlighted vital resources and support available for entrepreneurs and small business owners.  She even got to talk about dinosaurs too!

Sue from Everything Dinosaur addressing the audience and taking questions at an event aimed at helping to support small business owners and start-up companies. Picture credit: Lewis Pullan at 240 films.

Picture credit: Lewis Pullan at 240 films

Everything Dinosaur Helping the Local Business Community

The event was part of the Cheshire East Business Support programme.  We were happy to participate, it is all part of Everything Dinosaur’s commitment to supporting local companies and helping the community.  Sue emphasised the importance of networking and collaboration during her talk.  As part of a panel of experts, she was able to offer practical advice and tips.

To visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Toys.

Delegates left inspired.  The speakers had been able to provide some useful advice.  Afterwards, Sue chatted to numerous attendees who wanted further information.  She fielded questions about customer service, setting up a website and developing niche markets.

Sue outlined some of the challenges facing small companies and explained some of the help and support that is available to small businesses and start-ups. Picture credit: Lewis Pullan at 240 films.

Picture credit: Lewis Pullan at 240 films

Attendees left inspired, equipped with practical tools to navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. We believe that by sharing knowledge and resources, we can help nurture a vibrant local economy. Stay tuned for more initiatives from Everything Dinosaur aimed at supporting our community!

Speaking afterwards, Sue stated:

“At Everything Dinosaur, we believe that supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs is essential for fostering innovation and growth in our community. By sharing resources and knowledge, we empower individuals to turn their dreams into reality, creating a vibrant local economy that benefits everyone.”

To contact a team member from Everything Dinosaur: Email Everything Dinosaur.

Another day, and another top Feefo review for Everything Dinosaur.  The company has received over three and a half thousand Feefo reviews along with thousands of reviews on the company’s own website.  Everything Dinosaur has hundreds of 5-star Google reviews too. A spokesperson for the UK-based mail order company stated that it was great to receive another 5-star customer review.

Another 5-star Feefo review for Everything Dinosaur. In this instance, the review was supplied by one of our many customers in Australia.  Picture credit: Feefo.

Picture credit: Feefo

To see the customer reviews on the Feefo website: Everything Dinosaur on Feefo.

The Importance of a 5-star Customer Review

Receiving numerous 5-star customer reviews can significantly enhance a mail order company’s reputation. Every positive review provides a powerful endorsement.  Reviews help to build trust with potential buyers.  When website visitors see a multitude of 5-star customer reviews, they feel more confident in their decision to shop.  Genuine customer reviews often lead to increased conversion rates and higher sales.

In this case, this review was from one of the many customers that Everything Dinosaur has in Australia.

The reviewer wrote:

“Multiple emails ensuring my order’s purchase and delivery. The package was well taken care of, and it was absolutely exhilarating opening the box.”

Mike from Everything Dinosaur thanked the reviewer for their kind words and added:

“We have said how grateful we are for the lovely review on the Feefo website.  It is always a pleasure to receive feedback from one of our many customers in Australia.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

At Everything Dinosaur, we are keen to help our customers.  The holiday season is nearly here, and we want to help you ensure your dinosaur gifts arrive on time for the festivities. If you want your prehistoric animal gifts to arrive in plenty of time, it is crucial to plan ahead.  Here are some essential tips for UK customers regarding last recommended posting dates.  In addition, we have provided a helpful table from Royal Mail.  It lists the last recommended posting dates from the UK to destinations overseas.

We suggest that customers allow plenty of time for posting. Please order early so that we can pack and despatch items to give them plenty of time to reach their destination. This is particularly important for parcels being sent overseas. Table credit: Royal Mail.

Table credit: Royal Mail

The table (above) provides helpful information.  For example, the last recommended date for UK parcels sent out by second class is Wednesday December the 18th.  The last recommended posting date for a parcel to New Zealand is Tuesday 3rd of December.  It is time to get your skates on!

For additional information and advice, you are welcome to email us: Contact Everything Dinosaur.

Royal Mail Last Recommended Posting Dates

Please keep in mind that during the holiday rush, postal services can get extremely busy.  It is wise to place your orders as early as possible to avoid any last-minute stress.

Keep in mind that during the holiday rush, postal services can get busy. It’s wise to place your orders as early as possible to avoid any last-minute stress. Always check the last recommended posting dates for your chosen delivery method. For the holiday season, aim to send gifts at least a week in advance, especially for standard shipping, to accommodate any potential delays.

At Everything Dinosaur, we are working seven days a week to ensure parcels are despatched promptly.

For dinosaur toys and gifts: Dinosaur Toys and Gifts.

Participating in a digital training programme tailored to the needs of small businesses has helped Everything Dinosaur learn more about the use of AI.  Team members have been working with Digital Cheshire and learning about some of the ways in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help small companies.  It’s not all one way.  For example, Sue agreed to be a speaker and panel member at a recent training seminar.  It’s one of the ways that we try to help other businesses.  In addition, we provided an article detailing the support to businesses provided by Digital Cheshire and their partners.  The article has been posted up on Digital Cheshire’s website.

Why Does Digital Training Matter?

It is important for small businesses to develop the appropriate skills.  For example, learning how digital marketing can help them expand and attract new customers.  Furthermore, social media can be used to connect with and inform both customers and potential customers.  It is also important to have an optimised and fully functioning website.  The Everything Dinosaur website is safe and secure.  Moreover, it has been optimised to support customers who access it via a mobile phone as well as other devices.

Having a fully optimised and secure website is exceptionally important. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Meeting and networking with other business owners also helps.  Delegates at the training courses can pick up tips and receive advice.  Participants can learn from each other’s experiences.  For example, Mike from Everything Dinosaur has been mentoring several local businesses as part of an initiative entitled “The Board That You Cannot Afford”.

How Have Businesses Changed Since the Training

Real, tangible developments have been delivered.  We have heard how the effective use of social media has helped small firms.  Updates to the websites have led to improvements in mobile responsiveness and an enhanced user experience.  In addition, more companies are feeling confident about using AI, and delegates have been able to expand their networks.

We try to encourage people to learn new skills.  To invest in themselves and their teams.  Developing new skills and embracing change is vital in competitive, ever-changing environments.

Hopefully, the advice that Sue and Mike have provided has helped.  Furthermore, Sue’s participation on an advisory panel and speaking at events has helped to encourage other would-be entrepreneurs.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

On-line businesses have to evolve constantly.  Keeping abreast of the latest developments and ensuring the website is optimised is essential, especially in a niche market like dinosaur models. At Everything Dinosaur, we recognise the need to ensure our website is as user-friendly as we can make it.  As the behaviour of browsers and visitors change we want our site: Dinosaur Models and Toys to remain helpful and informative.

The company is committed to continuous learning.  Fortunately, team member Mike has been able to participate in some training courses organised by Digital Cheshire.  This organisation provides business support programmes to help local firms achieve more in the ever-increasing digital world.  Moreover, Digital Cheshire help communities to access ultrafast broadband.  Access to super-fast broadband is vital, especially when it comes to shopping on-line.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur has recently taken part in workshops organised by Digital Cheshire.  A better website means happier customers. This translates in more purchases of dinosaur models. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Dinosaur Models and Digital Training

Having participated in the training, Digital Cheshire requested some feedback on the workshops and training programme. Mike was asked to contribute an article to Digital Cheshire’s blog outlining how the training programme has helped the business.

Digital Cheshire requested an article covering the following:

• An introduction to the business.
• Why is digital important to your business?
• What you then learnt during your time with Digital Cheshire?
• Since attending the masterclasses what are you doing differently?

Mike from Everything Dinosaur updating website information and checking product details. For this company working in a niche market, it is important to make sure the website is optimised and updated. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

About Everything Dinosaur

The first part of the article, introducing Everything Dinosaur was the easiest.

Everything Dinosaur is an on-line retailing that specialises in the sale of museum quality dinosaur and prehistoric animal models. Formed in 2005 the company has built up a world-wide customer base in what is a niche market, supplying dinosaur fans and model collectors.

As an on-line retailer digital marketing is extremely important.  We are extremely active on social media (as our many of our customers), it is important for us to understand this dynamic sector.  For example, thanks to the training offered by Digital Cheshire, we have become better informed about the impact of AI.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur stated:

“By investing in digital training, we ensure Everything Dinosaur is equipped with the latest strategies to enhance our on-line presence.  We have always had a busy social media presence.  However, by learning new skills and updating our knowledge we can attract more customers, and ultimately foster a deeper passion for dinosaurs among enthusiasts of all ages.”

Contact Everything Dinosaur to learn more about this award-winning company: Email Everything Dinosaur.