Important Update: Why I’m No Longer Shipping to the EU (and Northern Ireland)

Hey everyone, I’ve got an important update that affects some of my international customers. It’s not the most fun topic, but it’s something I have to talk about

What Are These New Rules, Anyway?

As of December 13th, new regulations under the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) came into effect in the EU. Essentially, these rules make it much harder for small businesses like mine to sell products in the EU. The regulations focus on compliance with product safety, packaging, and labelling, and as a small, one-person business, meeting these requirements is about as feasible as fitting a giaffe in a Mini Cooper. Not going to happen.

Now, it’s not that I don’t want to sell to the EU — I do. Who wouldn’t want their art to be enjoyed across the continent? But right now, the level of compliance needed is far beyond what I can manage on my own.

Why Has This Affected EU and Northern Ireland Orders?

I know this will be a bummer for some of my EU and Northern Ireland customers, but these new rules mean I simply can’t keep up with the compliance demands right now. While I’d love to keep sending my handmade goodies across borders, the extra time, effort, and costs involved make it feel like these regulations are aimed at big corporations, not small businesses like mine. It feels like there’s little thought or consideration for the challenges small sole traders face when these rules are introduced.

Oh, and Northern Ireland? It’s part of the UK, yes, but due to some EU-specific regulations (thanks, Brexit), it’s tangled up in the same mess. So, for now, my hands are tied.

Is This Permanent? Will I Open Up EU Orders Again?

I’m not shutting the door forever. If things change, I’ll reassess the situation and hopefully be able to welcome EU orders back with open arms. Maybe the regulations will evolve or there will be a simpler way for small businesses to comply.

But for now, I’ve got to focus on what I can do — which is creating and sending out products to the UK, USA, Australia, and Japan. I hope you understand, and I truly appreciate your support as I navigate through these new challenges.

Thanks again for your understanding. You’re all amazing, and I’m incredibly grateful for your continued support. I’m still here for all your handmade goodness needs — just a little more locally focused at the moment. 😊