New EU Law Updates Liability Rules for Digital and Circular Economy

download

The European Union has overhauled its liability regulations, aligning them with the challenges of the digital age and the emerging circular economy.

The agreement, struck between the Council and the European Parliament, heralds a major shift in how the EU will handle liability for defective products, considering the growing influence of digital features in products and the shift towards a sustainable, circular economy.

The new liability directive significantly expands the definition of ‘product’ to include digital manufacturing files and software. However, free and open-source software developed or supplied outside commercial activities is excluded from this directive.

This change addresses the reality of the digital economy, where online sales and digital features in products are becoming increasingly prevalent.

Importantly, the directive also holds online platforms accountable for defective products sold through their channels, if their presentation leads consumers to believe the platform or a trader under its control is the provider.

The circular economy model, which emphasises durability, reusability, repairability, and upgradability of products, is another focus of the new law.

 

 

 

Citește mai mult

Sursa foto: circularonline.co.uk, aici