---
url: https://eurocomply.app/regulations/product-liability
canonical: https://eurocomply.app/regulations/product-liability
title: Directive (EU) 2024/2853 of the European Parliament and of the Council on liability for defective products — EuroComply
shortName: Product Liability Directive
alternateNames: [PLD, Revised Product Liability Directive]
regulationNumber: (EU) 2024/2853
celex: 32024L2853
instrumentType: directive
status: transposing
inForceDate: 2024-12-08
applicationDate: 2026-12-09
transpositionDeadline: 2026-12-09
extraterritorialReach: true
sourceUrl: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/2853/oj
officialJournalRef: OJ L, 18.11.2024
lastReviewed: 2026-05-12
author: EuroComply Team
license: CC-BY-4.0
---

# Directive (EU) 2024/2853 of the European Parliament and of the Council on liability for defective products

The EU's revised product liability directive. Replaces Directive 85/374/EEC. Modernises the strict-liability regime to cover software (including AI systems) as products, digital services integrated into products, and updates to compensable damages (including data loss).

## Who does Product Liability Directive apply to?

Applies to economic operators placing products on the EU market — including software, AI systems, and digital services that affect the product's function. Strict liability for damage caused by defective products to natural persons.

**Applies to:**

- manufacturers
- importers
- authorised representatives
- fulfilment service providers
- any party that substantially modifies a product

## What are the penalties for Product Liability Directive non-compliance?

**Maximum fine:** No administrative fines — liability is for damages awarded by courts. Compensable damage includes death, personal injury, damage to property, and loss/corruption of data.

**Tier detail:**

- Civil liability for damages: national law (no statutory cap (member states may apply ones consistent with EU law)) — Article 6

## When does Product Liability Directive apply?

**Key dates:**

- 2024-12-08 — Entry into force (Article 23)
- 2026-12-09 — Transposition deadline for member states (Article 22)

## Supervising authorities

- National civil courts *(member-state)*

## Sector applicability

- all sectors with products placed on the EU market (newly including software and AI as products)

## Primary articles

- **scopeAndDefinitions:** Articles 1 and 4
- **liability:** Article 6
- **defectiveness:** Article 7
- **burdenOfProof:** Article 10
- **disclosureOfEvidence:** Article 9
- **limitationPeriods:** Articles 16 and 17
- **transposition:** Article 22

## Related EuroComply resources

- Hub: [/regulations/product-liability](https://eurocomply.app/regulations/product-liability)

## Source

Authoritative text: [(EU) 2024/2853 — EUR-Lex](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/2853/oj) (OJ L, 18.11.2024).

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Informational only. Not legal advice — consult qualified legal counsel for your specific situation.

Last reviewed: 2026-05-12 by the EuroComply Team. License: CC-BY-4.0.