On March 1, 2016, the out-of-court dispute resolution body – the Consumer Dispute Resolution Commission – began its operations.

The Consumer Dispute Resolution Commission is an independent collegial decision-making institution that, based on a consumer’s application, resolves disputes between consumers and sellers or service providers. The commission’s activities are ensured by the Consumer Rights Protection Centre.

For the review of a specific dispute, the commission consists of at least three members, including the commission chairperson, and an equal number of representatives from consumer rights protection associations and business associations.

Disputes are reviewed in a written procedure without the presence of the parties, and dispute resolution is free of charge for the parties involved.

The commission issues decisions in the form of recommendations. The decision is to be voluntarily implemented within 30 days from the date it takes effect. Current information on non-compliance with commission decisions is published on the Consumer Rights Protection Centre’s website.

More information about the commission’s activities is available on the Consumer Rights Protection Centre’s website: https://www.ptac.gov.lv/lv/pateretaju-stridu-risinasanas-komisija