The European Parliament and Council have adopted a new Directive on Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR). The revised Directive marks the end of the centralised European Online Dispute Resolution Platform. This platform has served as a central point for ADR cases brought before it.
The newly adopted Directive, when it comes to its operational metrics, sets out on a significantly different course. The focus has shifted from the central ADR point of truth to a fragmented one, in which the power to enforce these measures is transferred to EU Member States and their national bodies, with a sector-specific framework.
New rules are replacing the previous framework, which was established more than ten years ago. The rules and requirements set out in these Directives aren’t aligned with the current rhythm of e-commerce.
The Parliament and Council adopted the new Directive on December 16, 2025, and it will come into force in January 2026. From that time, Member States will have a bit more than two years to transpose this Directive into national legislation, establish infrastructure with ADR responsibilities, and apply these provisions not later than September 20, 2028.
The EU Commission is the delegated authority for any contact regarding the proper transposition and applicability of the norms set in this Directive.
From the day the Directive comes into force, online vendors shall have an additional responsibility: clearly inform their customers about the ADR options available in each Member State where they ship/sell their products
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