EC launches alternative dispute resolution platform for online traders and consumers
The European Commission (EC) has opened its new online dispute resolution (ODR) platform to alternative dispute resolution bodies. The ODR platform aims to help online consumers and traders to settle their disputes, both for domestic and cross-border purchases, without the need to go through lengthy and costly court proceedings.
In a statement published on Friday (8 January), the EC commented: “This online platform will strengthen trust in online purchases and thereby make an important contribution to the EU’s Digital Single Market strategy. When consumers and traders lodge a complaint, the dispute resolution bodies will act as a referee between the two parties to resolve the issue.”
The platform is now open to alternative dispute resolution bodies to sign up and familiarise themselves with it before it is opened for use by consumers and traders on 15 February 2016.
Online traders will be obliged to provide a link to the ODR Platform on their websites.
Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality said: “One in three consumers experienced a problem when buying online in the past year. But a quarter of these consumers did not complain – mainly because they thought the procedure was too long or they were unlikely to get a solution. The new online platform will save time and money for consumers and traders. I am confident the platform will be widely used to solve consumer grievances”.
More information about ADR and ODR is available here. The online platform will be accessible here from 15 February.
