United Kingdom: Product Liability & Safety

The UK government has launched consultations proposing a fundamental overhaul of product safety regulation that would transform online marketplaces from passive platforms into active regulatory gatekeepers. These reforms introduce proactive duties requiring marketplaces to prevent, identify and remove dangerous products through systematic risk management, seller verification and enhanced enforcement mechanisms.

The UK government has released its Construction Products Reform White Paper and General Safety Requirement consultation, proposing sweeping changes to construction products regulation. These reforms introduce stricter compliance requirements, enhanced enforcement powers including criminal sanctions and unlimited fines, and establish clear accountability across all construction industry stakeholders from manufacturers to developers.

This article explores the importance of public liability insurance, its benefits for day-to-day risk management and the key issues businesses should understand when taking out cover.

The Law Commission, an independent organisation established to keep the law of England & Wales under review and recommend reform, has announced a review of the law...

If you develop software, run an online marketplace, or manufacture anything with a digital component, the regulatory landscape just shifted. The Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025 (the "Act")...

After strong inventory turnover performance exiting 2025, CPG companies reversed that trend and built inventory entering 2025 in large part to mitigate tariff volatility...

The European Union published its new Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on liability for defective products on Nov. 18, 2024. The directive was first proposed in 2022...

The 2023 Online Safety Act enforces stringent duties on online platforms to protect users, with Ofcom leading enforcement. Businesses should proactively engage with Ofcom to ensure compliance and avoid severe penalties.

Drop-shipping has become a popular model in the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce. But while it makes sellers' lives easier in terms of removing the need to hold and manage inventory...