Consumer Rights and Disputes Alternative dispute resolution ("ADR") for consumer contract disputes
Chapter 4 of Part 4 replaces the Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (Competent Authorities and Information) Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/542) ("the Regulations"). In addition, Part 3 provides for the civil enforcement of the relevant provisions of Chapter 4 of Part 4 by authorised enforcers in order to protect the collective interests of consumers.
	The Regulations provide for the approval by competent authorities against the criteria in Schedule 3 of persons or bodies who seek to become entities accredited to provide ADR in disputes concerning consumer contracts, and ongoing reporting and monitoring of the ADR entities against the criteria. However, a key aspect of the Regulations is that they establish a largely voluntary system. An ADR provider does not have to be approved under the Regulations to offer ADR. The key change brought about by Chapter 4 of Part 4 is (subject to exceptions) to make accreditation compulsory.
	The Regulations implemented the EU’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Directive (2013/11/EU). The Regulations continued in force after EU exit, subject to amendment by regulation 9 of the Consumer Protection (Amendment etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1326).
	The Regulations extend to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.