UK consumers given teeth to sue traders in Europe

Sept. 5, 2009 - PRLog -- The UK European Consumer Centre (UK ECC) has launched a guide to the European Small Claims Court to help consumers living in the UK understand how to make a claim against a trader based in a different European country.

The booklet is being promoted by the UK ECC - part of the European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) - in advance of National Consumer Week (14 to 18 September 2009) to show consumers that just because a trader is based elsewhere in the EU doesn’t mean that they can’t be pursued in the courts.

A spokesperson for the UK European Consumer Centre said: “Sueing a trader in a different European country has always had the reputation of being costly, complicated and time-consuming. But this isn’t the case any more. Earlier this year, the EU introduced a European Small Claims Court into the UK and across Europe – to make the whole process quicker, easier and cheaper. We want to spread the word amongst UK consumers, including those in the UK who contact us each year.

“This new European Small Claims Court effectively strengthens consumers’ rights across the EU, because it eliminates the consumer’s need for legal representation in the court and its cost is transparent from the start.

“In the past, consumers have been put off of going to court elsewhere in the EU, but this new process can now be used for cross-border cases within the EU. Courts should always be the last resort and every effort should be made in trying to resolve a complaint yourself before starting your claim through the European Small Claims Procedure.”
Individuals seeking assistance with cross-border complaints are always advised to contact the UK European Consumer Centre as their first point of call – www.ukecc.net  The centre provides free information on consumer rights in Europe and assists in cross-border disputes.

The spokesperson added: “Our aim is to give consumers the same confidence within Europe as they have at home. There are 29 centres covering Europe, plus Iceland and Norway. We can tell consumers what their legal rights are and can take practical steps in helping them resolve their complaint. If all attempts to resolve the complaint have failed, then the European Small Claims Procedure could be the next step. We welcome the introduction of this procedure as it should give our UK-based consumers more teeth. We can advise the consumers on whether we feel they have a case or not - we can’t guarantee a favourable judgement.

“All we would ask from consumers using the European Small Claims Court is that they report back to us on their success. “

The European Small Claims Court booklet has been posted onto the UK ECC website - http://www.ukecc.net - and copies are being printed for consumers who request hard copies. Attendance is not normally necessary at court. The limit for compensation for claims is 2,000 euros.

* UK European Consumer Centre – 08456 04 05 03
The UK European Consumer Centre is part of the European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net). There are 29 centres covering Europe, plus Iceland and Norway. The aim of the network is to provide advice and support to consumers who have a dispute with a trader based in a European country outside the UK. The Network will assist consumers in the attempt to resolve the complaint.

* National Consumer Week – from 14 to 18 September 2009 – is an annual national event organised by the Trading Standards Institute to raise consumers’ awareness of a range of issues that impact on their daily lives. It is also used to remind consumers of how they can access advice through the UK European Consumer Centre and Consumer Direct.

* Consumer Direct provides first tier, practical consumer advice on trading standards in the UK.

# # #

The UK ECC is part of a network that is made up of 29 centres throughout Europe. The centres work together in order to try and resolve consumer cross-border disputes in an amicable manner. We provide advice, information, and support to consumers who have a dispute with a traders based in a European country outside the UK. The Network will assistant consumers in the attempt to resolve the complaint.

UK ECC can provide advice in the following main areas: buying goods and services, online shopping, internet auctions, holidays, timeshare and holiday clubs, air travel.