European Small Claims Procedure

If you have a dispute with a trader in another European country and the European Consumer Centre is unable to obtain a successful resolution, or the matter is outside our remit, you may wish to consider taking an action under the European Small Claims Procedure.

Like the Irish Small Claims Court system, the European Small Claims Procedure deals with disputes concerning goods or services to the value of €2000 or less, and a fee of €25 will apply. It is a written procedure and you do not have to engage the services of a solicitor or other legal professional.

European Small Claims Procedure claim forms are available from your local District Court office. You cannot make a claim online but can download the claim form from the Courts Service website.

The European Commission has prepared a guide to assist citizens who are considering taking a cross-border legal action. This Citizens’ Guide aims to explain the various procedures available and the principles behind them, to help you choose which one would be most suitable for your particular dispute. You can read this guide here.

You can find further information on the European Small Claims Procedure and the relevant forms at www.courts.ie or at your local District Court