Product recalls across the EU and UK fell to 3,745 in Q3 2025, a 1.6% decrease from Q2, according to Sedgwick’s latest European Product Safety and Recall Index report. Despite two quarters of decline, year-to-date activity is still 8.4% higher than the same period in 2024, keeping 2025 on course for a record total.

Sector trends diverged, according to Sedgwick. Consumer product recalls dropped 16.8%, while pharmaceutical and medical device cases fell 2.9% and 5.9%. Automotive recalls increased to their highest quarterly level in more than a decade, and food and beverage activity also rose.

The report notes that regulators in both the EU and UK advanced plans to strengthen life sciences and continued work on medical device reforms. Each jurisdiction is also aiming to make online shopping safer, with the UK imposing obligations on e-commerce platforms and the EU tightening customs controls on imported goods sold online.

Both markets are examining how to integrate artificial intelligence into product safety frameworks. The EU progressed initiatives to clarify how new AI rules apply to certain models. The UK is focused on ensuring product liability laws remain fit for emerging technology risks.

Food safety also remained a priority. The UK’s National Health Service set out a 10-year plan including changes to labelling, advertising and reporting. EU regulators signalled moves to increase accountability for preventing Listeria contamination.

Chris Occleshaw, international product recall consultant at Sedgwick, said: “While the UK and EU have similar priorities on their regulatory agendas, the two regimes will not always align. Any differences can create compliance challenges for companies operating in both markets. Additionally, shifting trade rules, supply chain constraints, and geopolitical tensions are creating an increasingly complex and onerous risk landscape for businesses. It is crucial for brands to establish and maintain robust compliance, communications, recall and crisis plans to ensure they are prepared when any type of in-market event arises.”

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