Brussels, 2024-11-18 – WhizzBang, the leading European network advocating for consumer and data protection for expatriates, acknowledges the European Union’s recent adoption of Directive (EU) 2024/2853 on product liability. This directive, published on November 18, 2024, modernizes and expands the scope of product liability laws to better protect consumers across all member states.

The new directive replaces the previous framework established in 1985, extending its coverage to include components of products and software. This expansion ensures that a broader range of products, including those with digital elements, are subject to strict liability standards, thereby enhancing consumer protection in the digital age.

“The modernization of product liability laws is a significant advancement for consumer rights within the EU,” stated Iwona Szczeblewski, Chair of WhizzBang AISBL. “By encompassing digital products and software, the directive addresses the evolving nature of goods in today’s market, ensuring that consumers, including expatriates, are safeguarded against defective products regardless of their form.”

WhizzBang emphasizes the importance of this directive in promoting a fair and transparent single market. The organization encourages all member states to promptly incorporate these provisions into national law, ensuring uniform protection for consumers across the European Union.