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Liability for defective products

In the EU consumers can claim compensation for damage caused by defective products. Since 1985, product liability rules aim to maintain a fair balance between the interests of consumers and producers. The EU is in the process of revising these rules.

EU legislation on liability for defective products

If a defective product causes any physical damage to consumers or their property, the producer has to provide compensation irrespectively of whether there is negligence or fault on their part.

Which products fall under the legislation?

This legislation applies to any product marketed in the European Economic Area (EEA). Compensation for material damage is limited to goods for private use or consumption with a lower threshold of €500. It sets out a time limit of 3 years for the recovery of damages and forbids clauses limiting or excluding the liability of the producer. It is the injured party's responsibility to prove the damage, the defect and the causal relationship between defect and damage for the purpose of compensation.

Rights of producers

Producers can be cleared of liability under certain conditions, notably, if they prove that

  • they did not put the product into circulation
  • the defect was due to the compliance of the product with mandatory regulations issued by public authorities
  • the state of scientific or technical knowledge at the time the product was put into circulation could not detect the defect

Commission actions

The European Commission follows developments in case-law by the EU Court of Justice, analyses the information and complaints received, and reports on the application of the directive to the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament every five years. Five application reports have already been submitted. The fifth report, covering the period 2011-2015, was submitted in 2018.

In this context, the Commission carried out a formal evaluation of Directive 85/374/EEC supported by an external study. This evaluation is an evidence-based assessment of whether the directive continues to be an adequate tool and continues to meet its objectives today - also in the light of new technological developments.

As part of the evaluation, the Commission launched a public consultation on the evaluation of Directive 85/374/EEC. The aim of this consultation was to collect stakeholders' feedback on the application and performance of the directive, including how this relates to challenges raised by new technological developments.

The Commission has set up an expert group on liability and new technologies. The group has two formations. The 'product liability formation' will assist the Commission in drawing up guidance on the directive. The 'new technologies formation' will assess the implications of emerging digital technologies for the wider liability frameworks at EU and national level.

In 2020, the Commission published a report on the broader implications for, potential gaps in and orientations for, the liability and safety frameworks for artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and robotics.

Revision of the Product Liability Directive

In order to address the findings of the evaluation and reports mentioned above, the Commission published a draft proposal for a revised Directive in September 2022. The revision process is currently ongoing.

More information

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