Product Safety and Liability
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
Icelandic National Law
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 should you do?
- 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.
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