Boda Games

GSPR Regulations Europe – What to Know

This year, the European Union has introduced the General Safety and Performance Requirements (GSPR). The purpose of this is to ensure that all consumer products sold on the European Union market meet the required safety, healthy and environmental standards. 

Now what does this mean for board game publishers? While the different abbreviations and lengthy legislative texts can be intimidating at first, it really boils down to making sure that the games are safe, compliant and that everything is correctly documented. We understand and agree that navigating legislation is not what most people had in mind when they decided to start publishing board games, so we put together a quick guide to make it easy to understand. Here we will explain what GSPR means for your projects and how to make sure that everything is compliant. 

We’ll go through what GSPR is, and what it means for board games. How we at Boda Games can help you navigate the compliance requirements, what you need to do as a publisher and lastly what companies out there can help you with it.

What is GSPR?

The General Safety and Performance Requirements (GSPR) are a set of rules designed to ensure that products placed on the EU market are safe to use and do not pose unnecessary risks to consumers.

The main takeaways for the GSPR are:

  • It applies to all consumer products sold in the European Union, whether that is toys, board games or related products.
  • It replaces older safety frameworks.
  • It applies not just to the product, but also to the labelling, the packaging and the usage instructions.
  • The core principle behind the GSPR is that all products must be safe, reliable and in accordance with their purpose.

The good thing is, everything Boda Games produces is completely in line with the GSPR requirements. The less good thing is that it requires more paperwork than before.

GSPR applied to Board Games

Make sure your labelling and warnings icons are there

You need a CE marking for the European Union, and a UKCA marking for the UK market. Age grading and warnings must be clear and visible. The small parts warning icon must be used if applicable. And both manufacturer details (e.g. Manufactured by Boda Games Manufacturing in Wenzhou, China) and importer details (e.g. imported by Board Game Paradise, 123 Board Game Road, Boardgame City, Germany) must be printed on the packaging.

Documentation

A declaration of conformity should be prepared for each product/SKU. This declaration confirms that the game meets all the European Union requirements. Test reports (EN-71, REACH) should be available if requested by authorities.

Materials & Safety

All the materials need to meet the EN-71 Toy Safety standards. This means they meet the mechanical and physical safety requirements such as choking hazards and sharp edges. It must also meet the chemical safety requirements, which means it must be compliant with REACH guidelines on substances like lead and other chemicals. Lastly, it must meet the flammability requirements. 

Boda Games Supports Compliance

All Boda Games produced board games meet these requirements so there is nothing to worry about, but to officially document that it is necessary to submit the games to a testing laboratory to receive official test reports. We can advise you on the required tests based on the regions you are planning to sell. And we can arrange for the testing to be done at accredited testing laboratories, with test results available in 1-2 weeks. This helps save time and money, as we can get the game sent to the testing lab as soon as the first few copies are finished. 

Are you a non-EU publisher without any legal establishment in the European Union? Then there are some additional steps you need to take in order to sell your product in the EU. Please check our follow up article here.

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Boda Games @ Spiel Essen 2025

Essen Spiel 2025 is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited to take part once again. As Europe’s largest board game convention, Spiel is the centerpiece of the tabletop calendar: a celebration of creativity, innovation, and community. Whether you’re exploring brand-new games, hunting for the latest releases, pitching your next big idea to publishers, or meeting manufacturers like Boda Games Manufacturing to turn your next game concept into reality, Essen Spiel offers endless inspiration. With more than 1,000 exhibitors spread across seven halls, there’s truly something for everyone. According to the official Spiel website, here’s what you can look forward to: THE WHOLE GAMING WORLD GATHERS AT SPIEL ESSEN - JOIN THE FUN! "We are the world's largest public fair for board games, uniting passionate players with national and international exhibitors right in the heart of Germany’s Ruhr area. Discover new titles from across the globe, meet fellow gamers, and most importantly, play to your heart’s content. Playing is at the core of SPIEL." "Thousands of new releases, making their debut, are waiting for you in Essen. Demo explainers will help you start playing instantly, and game authors will be there to sign their works and meet fans." Get ready for SPIEL 2025...

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Boda Games @ Gencon 2025

Boda Games at Gen Con 2025: Three Booths, One Mission — Helping You Make Better Games We are once again participating in Gencon 2025 — and this year, we’re going bigger than ever. Boda Games Manufacturing will be exhibiting across three dedicated booths, each designed to serve a different part of the tabletop community. Whether you're a publisher, designer, or just curious about how games get made, we’d love to meet you. Booth 2135: Meetings & Consultations Looking to manufacture your next title? Our meeting booth is the place to talk business. Schedule time with our team to discuss timelines, component options, pricing, and how we can support your next release. We’re happy to share our knowledge and insights with everyone. Whether you're a first-time creator or a seasoned publisher. Booth 630: Game Showcase Come see what Boda Games has been working on! At our game showcase booth, we’re showcasing a wide variety of games we’ve manufactured — from small card games to heavy big box euro games. Come check out the range of games we have had the pleasure of working on. See, touch and feel the different components, materials and finishes. Get inspired for your next game project! First Exposure Hall: Supporting New Designers We believe...

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Meet the Floristry designers at Gencon!

We're very excited to be hosting for the first time a signing event at the Boda Games booth this Gencon. Join us at the Boda Games Manufacturing booth for a special Meet & Greet and Signing Event with the talented minds behind Floristry — David Gordon and TAM! Dates & Times:  Thursday, July 31st | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Friday, August 1st | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Location: Booth 2135 (Boda Games Manufacturing booth). Come meet the designers and get your game signed. Let's chat about game design, inspiration, and the journey behind Floristry. Whether you're a seasoned tabletop player, aspiring designer, or simply love beautifully crafted games, this is your chance to connect, celebrate, and get inspired by Floristry’s creators. About Floristry Floristry is a 2 player, tile-laying game. Players compete at the historic Aalsmeer Dutch Auction. To win the best flowers and then use them to create the most charming window display. Each round features a Dutch auction, where the clock counts down from 15 seconds. While the price drops every 3 seconds. The unique web app runs your auctions, so you have to think fast and bid carefully. While paying close attention to get what you want at the right price. But also...

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Pax Unplugged 2024 – Boda Games @ booth 4329

It’s that time of year when the gaming community gathers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the most exciting board game event on the East Coast – PAX Unplugged 2024! As proud members of the board game community, we at Boda Games are excited to announce that we are again participating in this fantastic convention. With our booth 4329, we invite publishers and game designers to join us for an great 3 day weekend in downtown Philadelphia. Visit our booth at 4329   The Boda Games booth, located at number 4329, will be one place you don't want to miss! Stop by to learn more about Boda Games Manufacturing and pick up our newest sample boxes. We’re excited to showcase both our updated general sample box and our specialised cards and punchboards sample box. Our team will be on hand to walk you through our capabilities, discuss various production methods, and show a wide range of components that can take your game to the next level. Plus, we’re bringing a bit of holiday cheer with us! We’ll be giving away Christmas tree decorations, perfect for getting into the festive spirit and taking home a piece of Boda Games. Discuss New Projects   Are you a publisher with an innovative...

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Boda Games @ Spiel Essen 2024

Essen Spiel 2024 is just around the corner, and we’re thrilled to be part of it again! As the largest board game convention in Europe, Essen Spiel is the highlight of the year for everyone in the industry. Whether you're eager to dive into new board games with fellow enthusiasts, grab the latest hot releases, pitch your innovative game designs to world-renowned and indie publishers, or connect with manufacturers like Boda Games who can help bring your creations to life, this event is one you can’t miss. With over 1,000 exhibitors across seven halls, there's something for everyone. Here’s what you can expect according to Spiel’s website: THE WHOLE GAMING WORLD GATHERS AT SPIEL ESSEN - JOIN THE FUN! "We are the world's largest public fair for board games, uniting passionate players with national and international exhibitors right in the heart of Germany’s Ruhr area. Discover new titles from across the globe, meet fellow gamers, and most importantly, play to your heart’s content. Playing is at the core of SPIEL." "Thousands of new releases, making their debut, are waiting for you in Essen. Demo explainers will help you start playing instantly, and game authors will be there to sign their works and meet fans." Get...

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Origins 2024 – Boda Games Manufacturing

It's that time of the year again for the gaming community to gather in Columbus, Ohio, for Origins 2024. And of course your favorite manufacturer, Boda Games, is also joining this year! Visit Our Booth, 813 Join us at booth 813. Discover our manufacturing capabilities, production methods, and a range of components that can elevate your gaming experience. Our team will be there with samples (we've got a new sample box!), brochures, and examples for you to explore. Discuss New Projects Publishers and game designers, we want to hear from you! Whether you have a groundbreaking game concept or need expert advice on production techniques, we’re eager to discuss new projects and collaboration opportunities. Boda Games is here to help bring your game to life. Set Up a Meeting For a more focused discussion, set up a meeting with our team. Reach out before the convention to reserve a time slot and discuss your ideas, manufacturing needs, and more. You can click here to schedule one directly with our booking software. Or send an email to marketing@bodagames.com and we will quickly confirm a day and time for you. The Boda Games Difference Choose Boda Games for our top-notch quality, attention to detail, and unparalleled customer service. With years...

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Printing on wooden components

Wooden components are a staple of board games for as long as they have been around. They fit together perfectly with paper cards and punchboard game boards to create the classic board game experience. Everyone knows the piles of wooden cubes, discs and rectangles that are so common euro style games. However, you can do a lot of things with wooden components, both in terms of size and shape as well as printing. The three most commonly used methods for printing artwork, numbers and symbols on wooden components are silk screen printing, heat transfer printing and UV printing. Even though they overlap in certain areas, each of these printing methods has their own advantages. Picking the right one for the components in your board game will elevate the experience. We will explain the process, the advantages and the limitations for each of them. Silk Screen Printing Silk screen printing is done by pushing the ink through a stencil or screen. The screen is made of a fine mesh material that is stretched across a frame. In the screen, the areas where the ink should flow through are left open, and the other areas are blocked. Then, ink will be applied to the...

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Boda Games @ Essen Spiel 2023

Essen Spiel 2023 is only a few weeks away and we can't wait! The biggest board game convention in Europe, Essen Spiel the event every fall that everyone in the industry looks forward to. Whether you're looking to play some board games with like minded people and pick up the latest and hottest releases. Or looking to pitch your newest game design to both world famous and small indie publishers alike. Or connecting with a board game manufacturer like Boda Games, who can help bring your game to life. With more than a 1000 exhibitors in 6 halls, this is the event you don't want to miss. Here is what you can expect according to Spiel's website: THE WHOLE GAMING WORLD GETS TOGETHER AT SPIEL ESSEN - BE THERE! We are the world's largest public fair for board games and bring together passionate game fans with national and international exhibitors in Germany in the heart of the Ruhr area. Here you can discover new titles from all over the world, enjoy the company of other gamers and above all play as much as you want. Because playing is in the heart of SPIEL.Thousands of new releases, which will be shown and sold for...

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Adding a Finish part 1: Spot UV & Hot Foil Stamping

In this series we will take a closer look at the types of finish you can add to board game components. They are commonly used on the game boxes in order to help the artwork stand out. But can also be applied to other paper components such as punchboards, game boards, cards and more. The first two that we will discuss are the ones most commonly found when you look around at a board game store. These are spot UV and hot foil stamping. What do these terms mean exactly? And what kind of effect do they add to your components. And more importantly: how does the manufacturing process work? One of the nice things about being a board game manufacturer is that we apply a lot of different techniques that are normally only used in specific parts of the printing industry. As board game publishers and designers continue to seek out new ways to make their game. We keep on expanding our portfolio of technologies. As a result, our board game manufacturing capabilities include a lot of specialized printing techniques. The two that we will discuss today are printing techniques that aim to enhance the visual appeal of printed materials....

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