The European Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform was shut down on 20 July 2025. The platform served as a central point of contact for the out-of-court settlement of disputes stemming from online sales or service contracts. Until now, businesses were required by EU law to provide an easily accessible link on their website to this ODR platform.
Due to the fact that the platform was very rarely used in practice, the EU decided to discontinue the platform and to repeal the underlying regulation. Consequently, the obligation to link to the platform no longer applies. Businesses should be aware that a reference to the no longer existing platform could now be considered misleading for consumers and, in the worst case, lead to cease and desist letters from competitors or consumer protection bodies.
Implications for businesses: Businesses are no longer required to link (e.g., in their legal notice or terms and conditions) to the now-defunct ODR platform. It is crucial that all references and links to the ODR platform are removed to avoid the risk of cease and desist letters. However, the separate obligation under sec. 36 of the Act on Alternative Dispute Resolution in Consumer Matters remains in effect. According to this, all businesses that have a website or use terms and conditions must state whether they are willing or obliged to participate in dispute resolution procedures before a consumer arbitration board.
(Dr. Lukas Mezger, UNVERZAGT Rechtsanwälte)