Product Safety and Liability in Iceland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Iceland, as an EEA member, applies EU product safety and liability standards:
Product Safety (Act No. 134/1995):
- Neytendastofa is the market surveillance authority — it can order withdrawal or recall of dangerous products.
- Iceland participates in the EU RAPEX/Safety Gate rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products.
Product Liability (Act No. 25/1991):
- Strict liability: Manufacturers, importers, and commercial distributors are liable for defective products without proof of fault.
- Statute of limitations: 3 years from when damage became known, or 10 years from distribution.
- Liability rights cannot be waived by advance contract.
When does it apply?
- A product you purchased caused injury or property damage.
- You believe a product on the market is unsafe or defective.
What to Do If a Product Injures You or Is Recalled in Iceland
- Report unsafe products to Neytendastofa (Consumer Agency).
- If you suffered injury or damage, consult a lawyer about a product liability claim under Act No. 25/1991.
- Keep the defective product and all documentation as evidence.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't continue using a product you believe is dangerous — stop using it and report it.
- Don't dispose of the product before filing your claim.
Common Questions
Who can I report a dangerous product to in Iceland?
Report unsafe products to Neytendastofa, the Icelandic Consumer Agency. As an EEA member, Iceland participates in the EU RAPEX / Safety Gate rapid alert system, and Neytendastofa can order withdrawal or recall of dangerous products under Act No. 134/1995.
Do I have to prove the manufacturer was at fault to claim in Iceland?
No. Product liability in Iceland under Act No. 25/1991 is strict: manufacturers, importers, and commercial distributors are liable for defective products without proof of fault. You must show the product was defective and caused your injury or property damage.
How long do I have to file a product-liability claim in Iceland?
3 years from when the damage became known, or 10 years from when the product was distributed — whichever comes first. Liability rights cannot be waived by advance contract. Keep the defective product and all documentation as evidence until your claim is resolved.
When does it apply — product safety and liability?
A product you purchased caused injury or property damage.You believe a product on the market is unsafe or defective.
What should I do if a product I bought in Iceland injured me or has been recalled as dangerous?
Report unsafe products to Neytendastofa (Consumer Agency).If you suffered injury or damage, consult a lawyer about a product liability claim under Act No. 25/1991.Keep the defective product and all documentation as evidence.
What should you NOT do — product safety and liability?
Don't continue using a product you believe is dangerous — stop using it and report it.Don't dispose of the product before filing your claim.