All regulations / EU Products and software
Product Liability Directive
Know the rule before it knows you.
Software and AI are products; defects now carry strict liability.
What it is
The new Product Liability Directive extends strict (no-fault) liability to software, AI systems and digital manufacturing files, covers damage from cybersecurity failures and lost or corrupted data, and eases the burden of proof for claimants, including disclosure of evidence by the defendant.
This applies to you if
- You develop or supply software, AI systems, connected products or components in the EU
- You substantially modify a product, including through updates or AI learning
- You are the EU importer or fulfilment provider for a non-EU manufacturer
What it asks of you
- Design, test and document products to demonstrate absence of defects, including after updates
- Keep technical documentation available for disclosure in litigation
- Allocate liability and insurance across your supply chain by contract
What it costs to ignore
Civil liability for death, injury, property damage and data loss, with a 10-year long-stop (25 years for latent injury).
Key dates
Applies to products placed on the market from 9 December 2026.
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