As an importer, is the end consumer liable for damage? Interview with a consumer law expert.

As an importer, is the end consumer liable for damage? Interview with a consumer law expert.

According to a report by www.mdr.de,
A current issue that arises in relation to online purchasing from abroad concerns the liability of end consumers as importers for damage caused by products purchased outside the EU. According to Ralf Reichertz, head of the consumer law department at the Thuringia Consumer Center, the importer can theoretically also be the end consumer if he brings the product onto the German market by selling, renting or lending it. This goes back to Section 4 Paragraph 2 of the Product Liability Act, which specifies this liability option for the end consumer.

This situation has potential implications for the consumer market in Germany. If consumers can be held liable for damage caused by products purchased outside the EU, this could lead to a reduction in imported goods from non-EU countries. Consumers may also feel unsafe ordering goods from abroad, particularly those with batteries, as compliance with EU standards cannot be guaranteed. This could lead to a greater preference for domestic and EU-wide purchases and make international competition more difficult for foreign traders.

It is important that consumers and retailers alike are informed about their legal obligations and potential liability risks when purchasing and distributing goods from abroad. Clarification and possible adjustment of laws and regulations regarding the liability of end-users as importers may be necessary to ensure clarity and fairness in this area.

Overall, the discussion about the liability of end consumers as importers highlights the complex legal and practical challenges that arise from purchasing goods from abroad online. Consumers should therefore be particularly careful when ordering products with batteries from abroad in order to minimize any liability risks.