What is it all about? – One less annoying bureaucratic detail: The EU Commission has decided to discontinue the online dispute resolution platform (ODR platform) for consumer disputes as of 31 December 2024, see here.
The ODR platform was introduced in 2016 as part of the EU regulation on online dispute resolution for consumer disputes and was intended to become a central instrument for out-of-court dispute resolution in e-commerce. The aim was to offer traders and consumers a simple way to resolve disputes. Consumers were able to submit complaints via the platform, which were then forwarded to an arbitration centre. Although e-commerce retailers were obliged to refer to the existence of this platform on their website and in their general terms and conditions, they were not obliged to participate in the arbitration procedure – and most were not prepared to do so.
The EU Commission has now also recognised the lack of practicality of the ODR platform and has decided to discontinue the platform.
To do’s for entrepreneurs
What does this mean for eCommerce retailers? Companies should take immediate action and implement the following to-do’s:
- Adapt the general terms and conditions and legal notice: Remove the references to the ODR platform in your T&Cs and in the legal notice (or in other places on the website).
- Check information for consumers: Ensure that alternative dispute resolution bodies continue to be named where relevant.
- Cancel cease and desist declarations: Companies that were forced to issue a cease-and-desist declaration with a penalty clause due to a lack of information should check whether these can be cancelled.
If you have any questions or need support, please contact us. We will be happy to support you at any time with any questions regarding e-commerce!