ROMANIA: A new law to allow retailers avoid penalties following consumer disputes | Progresiv

Good news for retailers: starting with 2016, Romania is taking on the EU’s alternative dispute resolution concerning consumers and traders. By Government Decree no. 38/2015, the local market will transpose into national legislation the European Directive no. 2013/11/UE that provides alternative dispute resolution concerning consumer complaints against retailers. Its stated purpose is the assurance of the same level of protection and same consumer rights across all EU member states. The new law is covering national and cross-border disputes that regard contract obligations stipulated in sale contracts or in services contracts across all trade sectors.

According to this, starting with 2016, complaints against traders will be filed by consumers, voluntarily, to certain entities, called SAL, that execute alternative dispute resolution procedures. The General Direction for alternative dispute resolution will operate as part of the ANPC (National Authority for Consumer Protection) starting 2016. “Operating procedures within the SAL General Direction will be carried out by 25 alternative dispute resolution counselors. SAL General Direction will be entirely financed from the Ministry of Economy, Commerce and Tourism budget”, stated ANPC representatives.