Product Safety
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Irish Acts of the Oireachtas, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
Irish National Law
What is this right?
All consumer products placed on the Irish market must be safe. Producers and distributors have a legal obligation to ensure products do not pose a risk to consumers.
- A product is considered safe if it presents no risk (or only acceptable minimum risk) when used normally or in a reasonably foreseeable manner.
- If a product is found to be dangerous, the producer must notify the authorities and may need to issue a product recall.
- The CCPC is the main market surveillance authority in Ireland for consumer product safety.
- The EU Safety Gate (RAPEX) system alerts consumers and authorities across the EU to dangerous non-food products.
When does it apply?
- You bought a product that turned out to be dangerous or defective.
- You were injured by a product — you may have a claim under the Liability for Defective Products Act 1991 (strict liability — no need to prove negligence).
- CE marking on a product indicates it meets EU safety standards — but the absence of CE marking on products that require it is a red flag.
What should you do?
- Stop using the product immediately if you believe it is unsafe.
- Check for recalls — visit ccpc.ie/consumers/product-safety/product-recalls.
- Report the unsafe product to the CCPC using their online form.
- If you were injured, seek medical attention and keep records. Consult a solicitor about a product liability claim.
- Under the Liability for Defective Products Act 1991, the producer is strictly liable for damage caused by a defective product — you do not need to prove they were negligent.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't continue using a recalled product — follow the recall instructions (return, repair, or disposal).
- Don't throw away the defective product if you intend to make a claim — it may be needed as evidence.
- Don't assume cheap products are safe — products from unregulated online marketplaces may not meet EU safety standards.
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