As of 20 July 2025, the European Commission will permanently discontinue the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform. From that date forward, the platform will no longer be available and access will be deactivated.
Background
Launched in 2016, the ODR platform was intended to provide consumers and businesses with a simple and centralized means of resolving disputes out of court. However, despite its EU-wide applicability, the platform was rarely used in practice. For reasons of efficiency and cost, the European Commission has therefore decided to discontinue the platform. This decision is based on the new Regulation (EU) 2024/3228, which replaces the previous regulation.
Since 20 March 2025, no new complaints can be submitted via the platform. Ongoing proceedings will be completed by the final shutdown date on 20 July 2025.
Relevance for Businesses
As of 20 July 2025, businesses will no longer be required to reference the ODR platform. This particularly affects legal disclosures (e.g., the website imprint), as any remaining reference to the defunct platform could be considered a misleading commercial practice under Section 5 of the German Act Against Unfair Competition (UWG), exposing businesses to cease-and-desist risks.
Although references to the ODR platform in general terms and conditions (GTC) or email signatures were not legally required, they were frequently included as a supplement. These areas should also be reviewed to ensure consistency and avoid misleading information.
Required Actions for Businesses
Carefully review your corporate communications for any references to the ODR platform, in particular:
- Your website and legal notice (imprint),
- Your general terms and conditions (GTC),
- Email signatures, footers, and contact pages,
- Profiles on third-party platforms (e.g., Amazon, eBay, booking platforms), and
- Other communication channels .
Remove all references to the ODR platform entirely by 19 July 2025 at the latest. Early removal is legally permissible, as the corresponding information obligation has already ceased with the repeal of the EU regulation.
Looking Ahead
In parallel with the discontinuation of the ODR platform, the EU is currently revising the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Directive (2013/11/EU), which governs alternative dispute resolution procedures. This may lead to new obligations and requirements in the medium term. Businesses should monitor developments closely and prepare accordingly.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the ODR platform being discontinued?
The platform was rarely used in practice. The European Commission therefore decided to discontinue it for reasons of efficiency and cost.
Does this apply to Businesses that do not sell products online?
Yes. If contracts with consumers are initiated or concluded via websites or online services (e.g., through contact forms, online booking tools, e-commerce stores, etc.), the notice was previously mandatory and must now be removed. Purely informational websites without direct consumer interaction are not affected.
What happens to existing complaints and ongoing proceedings?
No new complaints have been accepted since 20 March 2025. Ongoing dispute resolution procedures will continue until the platform is fully shut down on 20 July 2025 and will be completed.
Does the discontinuation affect national dispute resolution procedures?
No. National procedures—such as those provided by the German General Consumer Arbitration Board—remain unaffected. The shutdown applies exclusively to the EU-wide ODR platform.
Do I need to update my website?
Yes. As of 20 July 2025, any reference to the ODR platform must be removed. Legal notices (imprints), GTCs, email signatures, and all other relevant texts must be updated accordingly.
Do I need to update my privacy policy?
Generally, no. The obligation to provide information arises from the ODR Regulation and the Consumer Dispute Resolution Act—not from the GDPR. However, if your privacy policy does contain a reference to the ODR platform, this should also be removed.
Can I remove the reference before 20 July 2025?
Yes. Early removal is legally unobjectionable and even advisable from a practical point of view. The legal basis for the obligation to provide information no longer applies and the platform is effectively non-functional. Taking early action reduces the risk of spreading misleading information after the shutdown.
Is an alternative platform or new legislation planned?
There are currently no plans to replace the platform. The EU is working on a revision of the ADR Directive, which may introduce new rules. The legislative process is ongoing and should be monitored closely.
If you have any further questions on this topic, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you as your partner for digital legal advice.
