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EU Product Liability Directive Could Spell Trouble For Non-EU Pharma Firms

 
• By Eliza Slawther

The EU’s new Product Liability Directive will make it easier for European consumers to seek compensation relating to defective products even if manufacturers are based outside the bloc. Legal experts caution that this could have substantial implications for pharmaceutical companies.

Drug companies based outside of the EU could be sued by citizens if their medicines are found to be defective under the PLD. (Shutterstock)
Key Takeaways
  • The new Product Liability Directive will make it easier for EU citizens to seek damages for defective products, including pharmaceuticals, from companies based outside the EU.
  • For scientifically complex cases, such as cases related to pharmaceuticals, the burden of proving a product is defective will be lower for people making claims against companies.
  • Pharma companies must ensure their products meet EU safety standards and regulations.

An overhaul of EU product liability rules introduced late last year will make it easier for consumers to sue companies located outside the bloc for harm

The new rules will also lower the amount of evidence required by individuals to sue companies if the product or case is considered “scientifically complex,” something that will impact life

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