End consumers are liable as importers: How can you avoid damage caused by non-EU-compliant products?

Gemäß einem Bericht von www.mdr.de, kann es vorkommen, dass Endverbraucher als Importeure gelten und für Schäden an Produkten haften müssen, die außerhalb der EU erworben wurden und weiterverkauft, vermietet oder verliehen wurden. Dies kann gemäß Paragraph 4 Absatz 2 des Produkthaftungsgesetzes eintreten, auch wenn der wirtschaftliche Zweck des Imports nicht unbedingt gewinnbringend sein muss. Besonders bei Produkten mit Akkus wird dazu geraten, vorsichtig zu sein, da das Versenden von Akkus heikel ist.

Impact on the market and consumers

The legal situation described can have a significant impact on the market and consumers. On the one hand, it poses the risk for end consumers of unintentionally being considered importers and having to be liable for damage to products that they have resold, rented or lent. This could lead to consumers becoming more cautious and less inclined to purchase and resell products from abroad for fear of legal repercussions.
On the other hand, this could also have an impact on the import market, especially for products imported from third countries. If consumers are reluctant to purchase and resell products outside the EU due to the potential legal risks, this could lead to a reduction in imports from outside the EU and potentially limit the variety and availability of certain products.
The special warning about products with batteries also points out possible effects on the battery industry. If consumers become hesitant about batteries from abroad due to safety concerns, this could affect demand for such products and prompt the battery industry to adapt more closely to EU standards in order to gain consumer trust.