Reed Smith's cross-practice, cross-border team helps companies move from awareness to action under the new EU PLD. Drawing on our experience advising life sciences, automotive, aviation, technology, and digital clients, we can support companies through every stage of readiness, including:
Advocacy and engagement
Supporting submissions during national and EU comment periods, helping clients articulate industry perspectives that may influence final transposition language.
PLD readiness assessments
Assessing product portfolios, documentation, and risk management practices to identify exposure areas and implement mitigation measures such as enhanced compliance procedures, record-keeping, and post-market surveillance protocols.
Contract and supply chain review
Reviewing and strengthening contracts between supply chain actors — including importers, distributors, fulfillment service providers, and authorized representatives — to ensure appropriate risk allocation, indemnities, and identification of an EU-based economic operator.
Insurance coverage analysis
Reviewing insurance policies and coverage terms to confirm they address new exposure types — such as data loss, software defects, and extended liability tails — and to identify potential coverage gaps.
Privilege and disclosure strategy
Advising on protection of legal advice and internal communications under EU disclosure regimes, including coordination between EU-qualified and U.S. counsel to mitigate privilege waiver risks in cross-border litigation.
Digital and AI compliance alignment
Assisting with cybersecurity, software update, and documentation obligations, ensuring companies meet obligations under relevant EU legislation, such as the Cyber Resilience Act and NIS2 Directive, to mitigate product liability risk under the PLD.
Through these efforts, Reed Smith helps clients prepare now for the December 2026 implementation deadline, helping to reduce future exposure and ensuring that risk management, insurance, and compliance strategies are synchronized across markets. We would welcome the opportunity to speak about your needs and how Reed Smith can help. Please email us at EU-PLD@reedsmith.com.
Please visit our EU Product Liability Directive Resource Center to find timely perspectives, blogs, updates and details of upcoming events on implementation of the Directive. Please note that in accordance with our terms of use use of this site does not constitute the receipt of legal advice.
