Is there a minimum or maximum amount a customer can claim?

There’s no cap. The new PLD doesn’t let national law or a contract limit how much a brand has to pay an injured person, so courts can’t apply a maximum. It also has no minimum value for damage to property.

Does the new PLD cover cosmetics I placed on the market before 9 December 2026?

No. The new rules apply to products placed on the EU market after 9 December 2026. Stock placed on the market before that date stays under the 1985 Product Liability Directive.

Can a customer claim if they used the product wrongly?

Sometimes. A court judges safety based on how a product is likely to be used, including misuse that isn’t unreasonable. If the customer’s own fault helped cause the harm, for example by ignoring a clear warning on the label, the court can reduce or refuse the compensation.

Resources - Euverify

Q: Does the new Product Liability Directive apply to cosmetics?

Yes. The new PLD covers all movable products, including cosmetics, placed on the EU market after 9 December 2026.

Q: Does the new Product Liability Directive apply to cosmetics sold in the UK?

No. The new PLD is EU law, so it covers cosmetics placed on the EU market. In Great Britain, product liability claims still fall under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. If you sell in both markets, you need to think about each set of rules separately.