European product recalls remained at elevated levels in the first half of 2026, with 7,115 events recorded across the region, according to Sedgwick’s latest European Product Safety and Recall Index. Although the total was 7.9% lower than the 7,729 recalls recorded in H1 2025, it was still the second-highest half-year figure on record and the third consecutive H1 in which recalls exceeded 7,000.

At a sector level, automotive recalls rose 13.2%, while food and beverage, toys and electronics increased by 7.6%, 5.9% and 3.1%, respectively. Clothing recorded the sharpest decline, falling 47.9% to its lowest half-year total since H1 2020. Overall consumer products, pharmaceuticals and medical devices also recorded fewer recalls.

The report highlights a number of regulatory developments that continue to reshape product safety and supply chains, including new EU steel tariffs, trade agreements with the US and Australia and proposed UK changes to product safety and market surveillance rules.

European lawmakers also introduced new food labelling requirements and clearer expectations for Notified Bodies, while scrutiny of advertising claims also rose.

“A 7.9% drop in European recalls in the first half of the year may look like relief, but it is not a green light,” said Chris Occleshaw, international product recall consultant at Sedgwick. “Automotive, food and beverage, toys and electronics all posted higher H1 totals, and regulators are rewriting the rules around product safety, trade, labelling and conformity assessment at the same time. Companies that treat a softer overall number as lower risk will be caught off guard. Now is the moment to stress-test recall plans, strengthen supply chain visibility and make sure crisis communications can keep pace with a market that is still moving quickly.”

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