Product bulletin: October 2025

Welcome to the latest edition of our product law bulletin.

The headlines...

Product Liability Consultation 
On 31 July 2025, the Law Commission launched a review of the law relating to liability for defective products, the first of its kind since the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

Product Regulation and Metrology Bill
The Product Regulation and Metrology Act ('the Act') finally received Royal Assent on 21 July 2025. Whilst the Act is primarily an "enabler", the Government have produced a Code of Practice which outlines how the powers of the Act will be utilised.

Provisional Agreement on EU Toy Safety Measures
The European Parliament and Council have reached a provisional agreement to update and strengthen the existing Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC) with new measures which aim to reduce the number of unsafe toys sold across the EU and address new risks, including those arising from digital technologies and online sales.

Public Consultation on Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) 1223/2009
The European Commission has launched a review of its Cosmetic Products Regulation (Regulation 1223/2009), which governs all cosmetic products sold across the EU. The Regulation was introduced to establish a singular legal framework which aimed to protect consumer health by ensuring that all cosmetics sold the European marketplace complied with strict safety requirements

Delays in EU Batteries Regulations
In May 2025, the European Commission published two new proposals which will impact the timeline and scope of the EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) ("EUBR"). The EUBR entered into force in August 2023 and is being implemented in a phased approach, with the first set of obligations applying from February 2024.

WEEE Regulations before Parliament
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Amendment, etc.) Regulations 2025 ('the Regulations') came into force on 12 August 2025. The Regulations will introduce significant changes to the existing WEEE framework,

Tackling unsafe e-bikes: APPGCW calls for urgent action
In February's product bulletin, we reported on the fire risk and product safety of e-bikes and scooters.  In particular, the number of fires being reported (mostly due to batteries) was considered by the London Fire Brigade as London's fastest growing fire risk in 2024.

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