About the Committee
The Consumer Disputes Committee was established in accordance with Directive 2013/11/EU on alternative dispute resolution for consumers (Directive on consumer ADR).
The Swedish Bar Association’s Consumer Disputes Committee received approval as an alternative dispute entity on 11 January 2016.
The Swedish Bar Association’s Consumer Disputes Committee comprises five members and five deputy members. Two of the members are members of the Swedish Bar Association, two represent consumer interests and one is a former permanent judge.
The members and deputy members of the Consumer Disputes Committee are appointed by the Swedish Bar Association’s Board. All members and deputy members are appointed for a term of three years each time.
Which disputes does the Committee adjudicate?
The Consumer Disputes Committee adjudicates disputes occurring after the 11 January 2016.
The Consumer Disputes Committee adjudicates disputes between a consumer and a member of the Swedish Bar Association or a law firm regarding a service which the member or law firm provided to the consumer.
With consumer means any natural person who is acting outside of the scope of his or her own commercial or professional activities. An estate is a legal entity and cannot bring a dispute before the Committee.
According to Section 61 of the Charter of the Swedish Bar Association the Consumer Disputes Committee shall not adjudicate a matter where:
- the consumer has not attempted to reach a solution by mutual agreement with the member;
- the value of the claim is less than SEK 1,000;
- the value of the claim exceeds SEK 200,000;
- the matter is received more than one year after the consumer presented the complaint to the member, unless exceptional reasons exist;
- the matter is commenced frivolously or is unfounded;
- the supplementation requested by the Committee is not received from the consumer;
- the evidence is insufficient and the insufficiency cannot be cured;
- in light of the Committee’s work procedures, the matter is not suitable for adjudication by the Committee or would seriously impede the efficient functioning of the Committee; or
- the matter being administered or has been adjudicated by a court.
What is the cost for bringing a dispute before the Committee?
The cost for bringing a dispute before the Committee is SEK 100. Parties only bear their own costs for the procedure.
The procedure is in writing and in Swedish.
For more information on the Consumer Disputes Committee please contact konsumenttvistnamnden@advokatsamfundet.se