Cross-border Qualified Entities

List of qualified entities designated to bring ‘cross-border representative actions’

The authorities of the EU Member States concerned have designated the entities listed below as being qualified to bring cross-border representative actions under Article 4 paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 7 of Directive (EU) 2020/1828. __

As defined by Article 3 paragraph 7 of the Directive ‘cross-border representative action’ means a representative action brought by a qualified entity in a Member State other than that in which the qualified entity was designated.

The present list is created, constantly updated, and made public by the European Commission services based on notifications made by the EU Member States as foreseen by Article 5 paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Directive.

As provided by Article 6 paragraph 3 of the Directive, courts and administrative authorities shall accept the present list as proof of the legal standing of the qualified entity to bring a cross-border representative action, without prejudice to the right of the court or administrative authority seised to examine whether the statutory purpose of the qualified entity justifies its taking action in a specific case.

Total number of Cross-border Qualified Entities: 3

Belgium
Number of qualified entities: 3
Name of the entity	Contact details	Statutory purpose
Consumer Mediation Service Service de médiation pour le Consommateur / Consumentenombudsdienst	Boulevard du Roi Albert II / Koning Albert II-laan 8/1 1000 Bruxelles/Brussel Tel : +32(0)2 702 52 00 Fax : +32 (0)2 808 71 20 Email: contact@consumentenombudsdienst.be Web: https://mediationconsommateur.be/, Web: https://consumentenombudsdienst.be/	The Consumer Mediation Service is an ADR entity (Directive 2013/11/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2013 on alternative dispute resolution for consumer disputes and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2009/22/EC (Directive on consumer ADR)). Its missions are to: Inform consumers and businesses of their rights and obligations regarding the out-of-court settlement of consumer disputes Receive any request for out-of-court settlement of a consumer dispute and process it. Unless it is necessary to forward it to another entity whose case falls within its jurisdiction. In accordance with Article XVII.38, § 1, 2°, of the Code of Economic Law, it may bring domestic representative actions aimed to obtain a settlement regarding redress. In accordance with Article XVII.38, § 3, 2°, of the Code of Economic Law, it may bring cross-border representative actions aimed to obtain a settlement regarding redress. The Consumer Mediation Service is only entitled to act in the negotiation phase of a representative action for redress measures.
Minister of Economy or Director General of the Economic Inspection (FPS Economy) Le ministre ou le directeur général de la Direction générale Inspection économique du SPF Economie / de minister of de directeur-generaal van de Algemene Directie Economische Inspectie van de FOD Economie	Rue du Progrès, 50 / Vooruitgangstraat 50 1210 Bruxelles/Brussel Web: http://www.economie.fgov.be	The Economic Inspection carries out the tasks to search for and record violations of the Code of Economic Law and various economic regulations. To do this, it uses criminal law tools and procedures adapted to the specific needs of this particular legislation. These are accompanied by a wide range of practices including not only repression but also prevention, information and warning. It thus has a set of means enabling it to properly supervise the market. In accordance with Article XVII.7, § 2, 2°of the Code of Economic Law, its Director General may bring a domestic representative action aimed to obtain an injunctive measure. In accordance with Article XVII.7, § 4 of the Code of Economic Law, its Director General may bring a cross-border representative action aimed to obtain an injunctive measure.
Belgian Consumer Association Test-Achats Association belge des consommateurs Test–Achats / Belgische Verbruikersunie Test-Aankoop	Rue de Hollande/Hollandstraat, 13 1060 Bruxelles/Brussel Tel : +32 (0)2 542 35 55 Fax : +32 (0)2 542 32 50 Web: www.test-achats.be, Web: www.test-aankoop.be	Testachats' purpose is "(…) the promotion, defense and representation of consumer interests and human rights in general as well as combating all discrimination. It may take all initiatives and develop all activities in relation to this goal, in particular carrying out studies and research in the field of consumption, editing and publishing periodicals, providing services to its members through individualized assistance, as well as taking legal action, without this list being exhaustive. (…)" (article 2, 1°, of the Consolidated Statutes of Testachats of 23 June 2022).