Revision of the Product Liability Directive

Defective products may 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.