Product bulletin: September 2026

Welcome to the latest edition of our product law bulletin.

The headlines…

Benedict’s Law: A New Allergy Safety Framework and the Liability Implications for Schools, Caterers and Insurers
Benedict’s Law marks a shift in how allergy safety is handled in schools in England. It follows the tragic death of five-year-old Benedict Blythe from anaphylaxis at school in 2021.

Autonomous Vehicles and the Shifting Liability Landscape: What the DfT's Call for Evidence Means for Product Liability
Self-driving cars are moving from concept to deployment. The UK is now putting the legal framework in place, and that has direct consequences for liability.

Asbestos in Sand Products: A New Front for Product Liability
Asbestos is unfortunately back in the headlines. Not in buildings or shipyards this time, but in children's toys.

OPSS Consultations to reshape the product safety landscape
On 31 March 2026, OPSS launched several consultations on reforming the product safety framework which address market surveillance and the enforcement framework, the new product safety framework and on the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture.

Updated OPSS Guidance on Notifications of Unsafe and Non-Compliant Products for Businesses and for Authorities
In February 2026, the Office for Product Safety and Standards published Version 3 of its guidance on product safety and non-compliance notifications for businesses.

Battery Storage, Fire Risk, and a Regulatory Gap Worth Watching
Battery Energy Storage Systems ('BESS') sites are multiplying across the UK as the move towards more renewable energy continues.

To read the full stories download the pdf below: