Consumer dispute resolution Commission

In conclusion of the series of articles of the Latvian Consumer Interests Association (PIAA), we want to tell readers about the consumer dispute resolution Commission that is set up this year to improve and facilitate the process of resolving the dispute between consumers and businesses.
As it is known, the court proceedings are relatively expensive and time-consuming to commence as a purchase for a few hundred euros. The Commission is set up to propose an alternative mechanism to which these weaknesses do not exist.
For example, let us think of a consumer who purchased a non-quality product and for which the assistance provided by the Merchant and Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC) has not carried out the desired result. IN this case, THE CRPC is likely to have already gathered the necessary documents and the consumer will only have to submit a simple submission TO THE CRPC with a request for referral to the Commission.
The Commission, composed of at least three members (retired judge, expert of the business association and PIAA expert in the field), will examine the case within a few weeks and take a decision. In general, neither the host nor the consumer's presence at the Commission's meeting is necessary. Just!
In addressing the Commission, some aspects have to be taken into account!
First, the Commission proposes an alternative to the court instead of replacing it. That means that both the consumer and the operator are entitled to appeal to the court at any time, even if the Commission's decision is not satisfied.
Secondly, the examination of the dispute between the consumer and the operator is free of charge and takes place quickly, not more than 90 days, but usually even faster.
Thirdly, there are a number of cases where the Commission will not be able to address. It may be related both to considerations of utility (the insolvency of the entrepreneur has been declared, the dispute is minor/minor or, on the contrary, difficult - and cause serious disturbance in the Commission's work), the time-limits (since the date of submission of the application to the seller or service provider, over a year) or certain areas of the dispute (the Commission does not consider disputes concerning health care services, legal services, services related to the use of residential premises, as well as losses, payment documents or debt recovery) etc. Similarly, the Commission cannot apply if the price of the goods or services is EUR 20 and less or more than EUR 14000.
It should be noted that other out-of-court dispute soldiers are also active in Latvia - the public service regulation Commission, the Council of Latvian jury lawyers, the Latvian Commercial Banks Association Ombudsman, the association “Latvian vehicle insurers' office”, the Latvian Insurers' Association Ombudsman. The Commission will not consider disputes in areas where these dispute settlements operate.
Fourth, the Commission's decisions are of a recommendatory nature. This means that this decision will not lead to a bailiff. The decision shall be enforceable within 30 days if the Commission has not set a longer period. THE PIAA shall follow whether the decisions are enforced and the operators who do not comply with the Commission's decisions will carry out a series of measures, including contact and encourage the execution of the decision, disseminate information on outstanding Commission decisions in the media (including regional) and on the Internet.
In general, the creation of such a Commission brings benefits to both consumers and businesses. Currently, the consumer can solve his problem free of charge and with minimal effort. On the other hand, entrepreneurs who have merged into sectoral associations participate in the dispute settlement process, reduce the risk of litigation and the costs of resolving the dispute (the Commission's work is mostly financed from the national budget), as well as the Commission's decisions strengthen its reputation.
We are concluding our pre-holiday series and we want to thank the readers for their attention!
If you have questions or need advice or help, contact YOUR PIAA advisor in Valmiera, who provides free advice and help on Thursdays at noon. 12.00-14.00 and 17.00-18.00 at the Valmiera cultural centre (room 208), as well as telephone (29295520) and e-mail (valmiera@pateretajs.lv).
Always save your purchase check and be ready to defend your interests!
 
Andrejs hawk,
Association “Association for the Protection of the Interests of Latvian Consumer Interests”
Tel. +371 29295520
Email: andrejs.vanags@pateretajs.lv
www.pateretajs.lv