Many countries already have sector-specific dispute resolution procedures generally created by sectoral organizations, available for consumers and enterprises for resolving disputes while retaining the mutual confidence of the parties. The possibility of resolving trade transaction disputes without judicial proceedings was introduced to the Finnish consumer protection system decades ago, in the 1970s. Hopefully the implementation of the ADR-directive will also support cross-border consumer disputes.

From the beginning of January the Finnish Consumer Disputes Board (CDB) handles these kinds of complaints. Thus, the instance to turn to if one wants to use the ADR-process. The process is free-of-charge for the appellant and the CDB is obligated to give its written justifiable recommendation within ninety (90) days from a filed complaint, given that the complaint includes all the necessary information for resolving the case. Additional information at www.kuluttajariita.fi.