Software is now a product. Keep the records that defend a claim.
A scope check, a release register, a liability period calculator and an evidence checklist for small software and app makers under the new EU Product Liability Directive. One offline file.
What the law says
- Software is a product: Directive (EU) 2024/2853 covers software, including apps and updates. Free and open-source software supplied outside a commercial activity is excluded.
- When: it is a directive. Member States put it into national law by 9 December 2026, and it applies to products placed on the market after 9 December 2026.
- Who: the manufacturer, the maker of a defective component, and for non-EU makers the importer or authorised representative, then the fulfilment service provider.
- How long: 3 years from when the injured person knew of the damage, the defect and who is liable; the right expires 10 years after placing on the market, or 25 years for latent personal injury.
- Evidence: a court can order you to disclose relevant evidence. If you do not, defectiveness can be presumed.
The directive does not set an explicit duty to keep these records. The file is for your defence, not a compliance certificate.
What is inside
Scope check
Software or not, on the EU market or not, open source outside commercial activity, old or new regime, and your role.
Release register
Version, release date, date placed on the market, known defects, security updates with dates, end of support.
Liability periods
10 year expiry, 25 year latent injury long stop and 3 year limitation, with leap years handled.
Evidence checklist
Thirteen records you would need if a court orders disclosure.
Defect notes
A dated log of what was known, defect reports, decisions and fixes.
Export
Releases as CSV, the full file as HTML, backup as JSON, and import again.
Who it is for
- Small software houses and indie app developers selling to EU users
- Makers of firmware and software components built into other products
- Importers and authorised representatives of non-EU software
Get the file
$49 one-time
- One HTML file, works offline in any browser
- No account, no upload, no subscription
You get the file and an invoice within one working day.
Questions
Does it make us compliant?
No tool can promise that, and the directive has no record keeping duty to comply with. The file helps you keep evidence. Not legal advice.
Which law applies in my country?
Your national law implementing the directive. Check its text; periods and procedure follow it.
Where is our data stored?
Only in your browser. Export regularly and keep the export with your release archive.