Revision of the Product Liability Directive: BEUC recommendations for trilogue negotiations

Defective products can cause severe damage to consumers. For instance, a hair dryer that overheats and catches fire may cause personal injuries or destroy property. In 1985, the EU legislator adopted the Product Liability Directive (PLD) that allows consumers to claim compensation for damage caused by defective products. However, after almost forty years, the PLD urgently needs to be adapted to the risks and challenges associated with digital technology increasingly surrounding consumers. The ongoing EU legislative process to revise the PLD has the potential to significantly increase consumer protection.