The regulation comes into force on 1 October 2015, and will legally require traders to give customers with unresolved disputes information about alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services. Only ADR organisations that have been checked and certified to ensure independence by the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) can be used, and the BVRLA’s Conciliation Service has become one of the first in the UK to complete this process.

Commenting on the news, BVRLA ehief executive Gerry Keaney said: “I’m delighted that the service the BVRLA has been offering to its members and their customers for more than 20 years has now been approved by the Government.

“Our Conciliation Service gives extra peace of mind because it provides a simple, low cost way to resolve contractual disputes between our members and their customers. The free service is key membership benefit and will be made available to non-members at cost of £500 per complaint.” 

The ADR Regulation coincides with the introduction of the Consumer Rights Act, which replaces the Sale of Goods Act. It will require companies to give customers the right to return and/or reject faulty goods. 

To help with the new legislation, the BVRLA has produced guides, which members can access via www.bvrla.co.uk.