General Product Safety Directive Implications for the Technology Sector

Originally published July 2004

The statutory regime regulating product liability for goods sold to consumers is about to be stepped up and companies will need to be rigorous in their safety, quality and audit procedures.

Driving this is the harmonisation of product liability laws across Europe through the revision of the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD). The new law will extend the obligations of producers and distributors in relation to product safety. It is currently subject to a consultation process led by the DTI.

This major overhaul will affect every manufacturer and distributor, throughout the supply chain, where the goods are ultimately supplied to consumers, which in the technology sector will include: