European product recalls increased for the fifth consecutive year in 2023, recording 12,498 total events, according to a report by Sedgwick. It represents an 18.5% increase over the previous record of 10,545 events, which was set in 2022.

Sedgwick’s quarterly recall index report analyses data from the UK and EU automotive, consumer product, food and drink, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries. The surge in 2023 recalls experienced in 2023 was driven by an increase in events in the consumer products (+49.1%), medical device (+20.0%), pharmaceutical (+7.7%), and food and drink (+7.0%) industries. Even though the automotive industry saw fewer recalls than it did in 2022 (-3.3%), 2023 still recorded the second-highest number of total events in the past ten years.

Beyond the recall data, the report also highlights regulatory developments and predictions that stakeholders should look out for in 2024. Regulators across the EU and UK are continuing to enact layers of regulations to protect the environment as well as public safety, as seen in 2023 with the EU Batteries Regulation and proposed Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. Sedgwick warns that companies will need to be aware of not only their own actions but the operations and practices of their entire supply chain.

Chris Occleshaw, international product recall consultant at Sedgwick, said: “2024 is shaping up to be a busy year for regulatory activity, and industry stakeholders can expect to see more regulator and consumer scrutiny of product safety and the practices of businesses throughout the entire product lifecycle.

“Amidst a complicated risk landscape rife with evolving challenges, businesses should take time to create a strategic and well-practiced plan for addressing product recalls and in-market challenges.”

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