2023.06.21
Improved dispute resolution procedure at the Swedish National Board of Complaints
The government has recently taken an important step to streamline the dispute resolution process at the Swedish National Complaints Board (ARN). According to a legislative recommendation that has been decided, the government has the option of introducing a fee for the review of disputes at ARN.
In recent years, the number of cases submitted to ARN has increased significantly, by over 90 percent between 2016 and 2022. Not only has the number of cases increased, they have also become more complex and extensive. Some reports are rejected at an early stage because consumers do not submit the supplementary information required for the board to make a decision on the case.
In the legislative council's submission, the government proposes that a new provision be introduced into the Act on Alternative Dispute Resolution in Consumer Relations. This gives the government the authority to issue regulations on fees in matters relating to alternative dispute resolution at ARN. Through this authority, the government can decide on the introduction of fees and determine the level of the fee by means of a regulation.
The aim of the proposal is to use ARN's resources more efficiently and reduce processing times. The fee is expected to result in only those consumers who really intend to complete their notification contacting ARN. This way, ARN can focus its resources on cases that will actually be processed.
In a press release, Minister of Civil Affairs Erik Slottner emphasizes the importance of strengthening consumer protection and increasing access to dispute resolution for consumers whose cases meet the criteria for review by ARN. The government has already provided additional resources to handle the increase in cases that ARN has seen recently, but more needs to be done, according to the minister.
– By introducing a fee, even if it is small, they hope that fewer unfounded reports about small amounts will be submitted. Previously, disputes for amounts under 1,000 kronor were not considered. When that amount limit was lowered and it became free to contact ARN, the number of cases increased dramatically. ARN probably assesses that legal certainty will not be jeopardized by a processing fee, regardless of whether it is 100 or 200 kronor, says APPLiA's CEO Matts Spångberg.
– For APPLiA, it is positive that disputes under 1,000 SEK are not tried, since the labor cost for the company to produce materials and submissions to the process exceeds the amount in dispute, he adds.
The proposal is expected to enter into force on July 1, 2024. This legislative amendment is expected to result in an improved and more effective dispute resolution procedure at the Swedish General Complaints Board.
