CHANGES IN LIABILITY FOR DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE NEW EU DIRECTIVE 2024/2853
Publication date: October 15, 2025
On October 23, 2024, the European Union adopted new regulations on liability for defective products in the form of Directive 2024/2853 (entered into force on November 18, 2024). Ultimately, the new regulations are intended to ensure a higher level of safety for consumers’ health and property and guarantee them appropriate compensation. Furthermore, the preamble to the act anticipates the need to facilitate innovation and research, and recognizes the upcoming challenges related to the growing popularity of digital services. However, this does not mean that the previous EU legal act on this matter (Directive 85/374/EEC of July 25, 1985) will automatically become null and void, as the new regulations stipulate that it will continue to apply to defective products placed on the market or put into service before its repeal date (December 9, 2026). What other changes has the new directive introduced?