Consumer Competition Claims Foundation designated as competent authority for cross-border collective actions

Amsterdam, 1 September 2025 – The Consumer Competition Claims Foundation (“SCCC”) is proud to announce that it has been designated by the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security as a qualified entity for bringing cross-border representative claims on behalf of consumers within the European Union. 

What does this mean for consumers?
Citizens throughout the European Union regularly suffer damage as consumers.

Even though the law provides protection to consumers, things sometimes go wrong. Consumers suffer damage as a result, and it is not always easy for them to obtain justice. Sometimes a company does not want to resolve the matter, even if multiple consumers suffer damage as a result of the same infringements. A directive of the European Union aims to increase consumer confidence, improve access to justice for consumers and enhance consumer protection. 

Part of this directive requires Member States to designate consumer organizations that meet the requirements of the directive. This ensures that consumers can trust the organization to properly represent their interests. Only organizations that comply with the directive’s requirements are placed on the list for cross-border collective actions. 

This designation is important for SCCC because it recognizes its independence and professionalism as a representative of Dutch and European consumers. As a recognized representative, SCCC can initiate collective actions on behalf of consumers not only in the Netherlands but also in other EU Member States. Only pre-designated organizations may conduct these cross-border collective actions. Following this designation, judges in all EU Member States will recognize SCCC as a representative of consumer interests. This means that the foundation can now work even more effectively on behalf of consumers.

Validity period and European recognition
The designation is valid for a period of five years, after which a reassessment will take place. SCCC is also included in the EU list of notified qualified entities, managed by the European Commission. 

For more information about SCCC, visit: https://www.consumercompetitionclaims.com/