Consumer Redress: Implementing the Vision

Abstract

The development of consumer ADR (CDR) is still only in its infancy. The EU has taken the bold step of creating a pan-EU network of CDR bodies. This creates coverage of supply, establishes the essential quality requirements, and a regulatory structure to control quality. But the system is at an early stage, and many developments can be expected. It would be a mistake to expect everything to be transformed just because of the existence of the Directive and its implementation. Much more remains to be done. This chapter aims to take an overview of where CDR in Europe currently stands, the major issues that need to be addressed, and sets out a possible vision for CDR in future.

Keywords: Consumer Dispute Resolution, CDR, Dispute System Design (DSD), Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, Ombudsman