European Union: Regulation (EU) No. 524/2013 on online dispute resolution for consumer disputes entered into force

On 9 January 2016, Regulation (EU) No. 524/2013 on online dispute resolution for consumer disputes entered into force. The Regulation seeks to establish an European Union (EU)-wide online dispute resolution (ODR) platform for consumer disputes arising from online purchases. The platform would be free, multilingual, and accessible to all EU consumers and traders, enabling them to submit complaints electronically and connect with national alternative dispute resolution (ADR) bodies. Each EU country must designate an ODR contact point to support the process, which aims to resolve disputes within 90 days.