New EU Regulation: What You Need to Know About Product Labeling for Promotional Items
Lanyard.PRO – 20 years of innovation and development in the advertising industry The Krakow-based company Lanyard.PRO, founded by Katarzyna and Henryk Surdej, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The business, which started in 2004 with humble beginnings in a small 15-square-metre room, has grown into one of the leaders of the European market for lanyards and advertising gadgets. Today, Lanyard.PRO not only fulfils orders for customers in Poland, but is recognised throughout Europe as a symbol of innovation and high quality. From the home office to international success The company's beginnings were full of challenges. After losing their jobs, the Surdej family decided to set up their own business, starting in the field of health and safety and garment marking. The first orders were carried out in a home office environment, which required great determination and commitment. The breakthrough came when they expanded their offer to include promotional lanyards - a product that became the foundation of their success and paved the way for further development. As the years went by, the company grew intensively, investing in modern machinery and constantly expanding the range to include personalised towels, cushions, backpacks, covers and deck chairs. A key moment in Lanyard.PRO's history was the decision to launch its own sublimation ribbon production in 2014, allowing the company greater independence and full control over the quality and timeliness of its orders. Team strength and awards on the market The success of Lanyard.PRO consists not only of the quality of the products, but also of the exceptional team that Katarzyna and Henryk Surdej have been building for years. Trust, mutual respect and shared values have meant that many employees have been with the company since its early years, supporting its growth and nurturing customer relationships. The company continually raises its customer service standards, which is reflected in numerous awards, including the prestigious Forbes Diamonds 2023 and 2024 titles. Lanyard.PRO actively participates in industry events, both in Poland and abroad, which allows it to maintain direct contact with customers and business partners. The company is also involved in pro-social activities, such as sewing masks for medics during the COVID-19 pandemic and helping Ukraine, confirming its sensitivity to social needs. Future plans and further challenges On the occasion of its anniversary, Lanyard.PRO announces further expansion into foreign markets and further investments in modern technologies. The owners emphasise that their ambition is to maintain their position as a leader in the lanyard and gadget industry by adapting their offer to the growing expectations of their customers and developing the competence of their team. They see the future as another opportunity to further improve and build long-term relationships with customers and business partners. Lanyard.PRO – a story of passion, determination and success Twenty years ago, Katarzyna and Henryk Surdej took the brave decision to create their own business. Today, their company is not only a market leader, but also an example of consistency, creativity and perseverance in the pursuit of excellence.

New EU Regulation: What You Need to Know About Product Labeling for Promotional Items

Starting 13 December 2024, the new EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR – Regulation 2023/988) comes into effect. This new law applies to all consumer products, including promotional items like lanyards, keyrings, wristbands, luggage straps, and more.

If you're an advertising agency, distributor, or brand that sources promotional merchandise, this regulation affects you.

Can You Avoid Showing Our Company Details on the Product?

Yes — but only if your agency or client takes over responsibility as the official EU Responsible Person. In that case:

  • The product must be labeled with your company’s name, address, and contact email.
  • The label can appear as a tag, sticker, printed packaging, or sewn-in label.

LanYard.PRO can apply that labeling for you, fully compliant with EU law.

Does Your Product Need a Label?

Yes — if the item is eventually distributed to a consumer (e.g. at a trade show, as a gift, or in a welcome pack), it must be labeled before it leaves your warehouse.

This applies even if you sell B2B — because the product enters the EU consumer market.

What Must the Label Include?

Under the new rules, the product or its packaging must show:

  • Name of the producer/importer (or your agency if you take responsibility)
  • Full postal address and contact email
  • Product identifier (e.g. model number or batch code)
  • Warnings or usage instructions (if needed for safety)

Where Should the Label Be?

Labeling can appear on:

  • The product itself (e.g. printed directly on a lanyard or belt)
  • A hang tag (paper or fabric)
  • The unit packaging (e.g. polybag or box)
  • A sticker applied to the packaging

Who Is Responsible for Labeling?

Scenario Is Labeling Required? Who Is Responsible?
You sell to an agency (plain product) ✅ Yes Producer (LanYard.PRO)
You sell a product with the agency’s logo ✅ Yes Agency (if they assume responsibility)
You sell to a wholesaler ✅ Yes (unless they take over) Producer or wholesaler (if agreed)
Final brand gives the product away ✅ Yes Agency or wholesaler (or back to you)

How LanYard.PRO Supports You

  • Consulting: We advise you on labeling compliance based on your distribution chain.
  • Custom Labeling: We can create and apply hang tags or stickers with your agency's data.
  • EU-Ready Packaging: Your products will be ready for legal distribution within the EU.

In Summary

  •  From 13 December 2024, all consumer-facing promotional products must include legal identification labeling.
  •  If you don’t want our producer details shown, your agency can take responsibility — and we’ll add your data instead.
  •  The first entity placing the product on the market is legally accountable for compliance.

Have questions or need help preparing? Get in touch — we’ll make sure your campaign is ready, compliant, and stress-free.

Contact us today to order promotional products that are fully compliant with new EU regulations.