The new European Union Online Dispute Resolution platform (the “ODR Platform”) is now live and available for use by consumers and traders. Managed by the European Commission the website, accessible here, is dedicated to helping consumers and traders resolve their disputes out of court.
All businesses trading online must provide an electronic link to the ODR Platform on their websites regardless of whether or not the business currently markets its goods or services to consumers in other countries within the EU. If an online trader is obliged to use an ADR entity then, in addition to the above, it must provide information about the existence of the ODR Platform in its general terms and conditions applicable to its online sales contracts and online services contracts. Non-compliance could result in civil enforcement action by Trading Standards and continued failure to comply may result in unlimited fines or up to two years imprisonment.
If you would like to discuss any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact Nicola Broadhurst or another member of the Stevens & Bolton consumer team.
Nicola Broadhurst