Product Liability Directive
Enacted European Union · In force Dec 8, 2024 · next deadline Dec 9, 2026 (in 3 months)
Deadlines
| Date | What happens | When |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 8, 2024 | New PLD enters into force22 months ago | 22 months ago |
| Dec 9, 2026 | Transposition deadline; old PLD repealedin 3 months | in 3 months |
Summaries for reference, not legal advice. Check the official text.
What it does
Modernises EU strict (no-fault) liability for defective products. Software (including AI systems and SaaS), digital manufacturing files and related digital services now count as products. Destruction or corruption of non-professional data is compensable damage, and missing security updates or cybersecurity vulnerabilities can make a product defective. Courts can order evidence disclosure and presume defectiveness in complex cases.
- Who it applies to
- Manufacturers (including software developers and AI providers), importers, authorised representatives, fulfilment service providers and, in some cases, distributors and online platforms, for products placed on the EU market on or after 9 Dec 2026. Free and open-source software supplied outside a commercial activity is excluded.
- Penalties
- Civil liability: compensation for death, personal injury, damage to property and destruction/corruption of data. No regulatory fines. Claims expire 10 years after placing on the market (25 years for latent personal injury).
- Enforced by
- National courts (private claims by injured persons)
- Official name
- Directive (EU) 2024/2853 on liability for defective products (new Product Liability Directive)
- Citation
- OJ L, 2024/2853, 18.11.2024
- Topics
- ai, cybersecurity
Verified 2026-09-22
Research notes
The companion AI Liability Directive proposal was withdrawn by the Commission (2025 work programme); it is not covered here.
Related
Questions about Product Liability Directive
- What are the Product Liability Directive compliance deadlines?
- Dec 8, 2024: New PLD enters into force. Dec 9, 2026: Transposition deadline; old PLD repealed.
- When does Product Liability Directive take effect?
- Product Liability Directive took effect on Dec 8, 2024. The next milestone is Dec 9, 2026: Transposition deadline; old PLD repealed.
- Who does Product Liability Directive apply to?
- Manufacturers (including software developers and AI providers), importers, authorised representatives, fulfilment service providers and, in some cases, distributors and online platforms, for products placed on the EU market on or after 9 Dec 2026. Free and open-source software supplied outside a commercial activity is excluded.
- What are the penalties under Product Liability Directive?
- Civil liability: compensation for death, personal injury, damage to property and destruction/corruption of data. No regulatory fines. Claims expire 10 years after placing on the market (25 years for latent personal injury).