The Implementation of the Consumer ADR Directive in Belgium

Abstract

This chapter analyses the current (consumer) ADR and ODR landscape in Belgium. In 2014, Belgium was one of the first Member States to implement the new 2013 Consumer ADR Directive. The Act of 4 April 2014 on the Out-of-Court Resolution of Consumer Disputes introduces new standards on internal complaints procedures and defines a series of quality requirements ADR entities have to meet. Most importantly, the Act of 4 April 2014 establishes a Consumer Mediation Service. This government body dispatches consumer or trader complaints to the competent ADR entities and acts as Belgium’s residual ADR entity.