Lexology in-depth: product regulation and liability (edition 12)

Country chapter for Austria

In-depth: product regulation and liability addresses the matter of product liability in several pivotal jurisdictions across the globe, exploring the most significant recent changes and developments and anticipating likely future trends. Each country chapter includes an introduction and an overview of 2024, followed by four key sections:

• Legal framework
• Regulatory oversight
• Causes of action
• Litigation

Austria’s approach to product regulation and liability is shaped by a combination of domestic legislation and European Union rules, both of which uphold strong consumer safety and protection standards. Central to this legal framework is the Product Liability Act, which transposed EU Directive 85/374/EEC on defective product liability into Austrian law. More recently, the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 has taken effect, updating safety requirements to reflect the evolving demands of digital trade and e-commerce. The regulatory environment places stringent duties on producers and suppliers to guarantee product safety, with liability extending to damages resulting from product defects, including injuries and damage to property.

The full chapter is available at the link below: