The EU’s ODR platform for online dispute resolution will finally be switched off on July 19, 2025. From July 20, 2025, the corresponding reference may no longer appear in the legal notice. Companies that continue to include the link to the ODR platform risk legal warnings.
ODR platform is switched off: Why this is relevant for your legal notice
Since 2016, online retailers and many service providers have been legally obliged to access the so-called ODR platform of the European Commission to link to it. This platform was intended to offer consumers a central point of contact for out-of-court dispute resolution. However, as the platform was hardly used in practice and was unable to have a lasting effect, the EU decided to discontinue the service completely on July 19, 2025.
Note the deadline: Remove reference to the ODR platform
Important for companies:
The reference to the ODR platform must remain in place up to and including July 19, 2025. From July 20, 2025, it will not only be superfluous, but also legally inadmissible. In concrete terms, this means
- The link to the ODR platform may no longer be included in the legal notice.
- An infringement can be considered an infringement of competition law and a warning can be issued.
Where the reference to the ODR platform must be removed everywhere
For many companies, the link to the ODR platform is not only on the website. Make sure you check the following areas in good time and adjust them if necessary:
- Company website (especially the imprint)
- Mobile web views and app versions
- E-mail signatures
- Social media presence (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube)
- Other platform presences (e.g. Amazon, eBay, Etsy)
OS platform to be switched off – VSBG remains in place
The deactivation of the ODR platform does not change the existing information obligations under the Consumer Dispute Resolution Act (VSBG). Companies must therefore continue to state – regardless of the ODR platform – whether they are willing or obliged to participate in a dispute resolution procedure before a consumer arbitration board.
This information remains mandatory in the legal notice if the VSBG is applicable to the company.
Check and update your legal notice now
As the ODR platform is being shut down, there is an urgent need for companies to take action. Carry out a comprehensive review of your online presence and delete the reference to the ODR platform by the deadline of July 20, 2025 to avoid legal risks and possible warnings due to outdated mandatory information.
Perhaps also interesting: An upright imprint is anti-competitive.
