Introduction

Product liability

About

Defective products can cause physical and financial harm to consumers. Product liability law exists to protect consumers by mitigating the risks of defective products and to compensate injured persons from any damage they suffer. BEUC sees a need to update EU product liability law so that it extends to digital content products and services. The update should also cover compensation and safety provisions. As a principle, consumers should always be protected if products, digital content, or services cause harm or damage to their property, including in the digital environment. Other shortcomings of the current Product Liability Directive, such as the problematic threshold for compensation or the burden of proof on the victim should be adapted. There should also be an update of general product safety legislation and sector specific safety legislation where necessary.