Enforcement and effectiveness of consumer law in the Czech Republic

Abstract

This Article brings a general overview of legislation on consumer law in the Czech Republic, notably with respect to enforcement of consumer law. Czech law knows various ways how to enforce consumer rights such as court proceedings, out-of-court dispute resolution or sanctions for breach of consumer law. Consumer organizations play also an important role. Regarding out-of-court dispute resolution, attention has been paid in particular to specialized administrative agencies and proceedings before the Czech Trade Inspection Authority. Authors also shortly describe the development of arbitration, which is, however, no longer allowed in the case of consumer disputes.