# https://vcrs.org VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 Verified Claimant Register Standard =================================== How a claimant register shows who stands behind a collective action, record by record, with a count an independent auditor reproduces. Drafted by Steddle, which builds and runs claimant registers and so has an interest in this standard. A filing cites this text at [vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2), where it stays unchanged. 01 The core -------- 13 sections VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2, core. Draft for consultation. Not legal advice. 1. Purpose and scope -------------------- A collective action is brought by one party for many: a foundation, an association, a qualified entity or a class representative. Courts ask that party to show who stands behind it, and later who gets paid. The record of those people is the register. This standard sets out how a register shows that: how each record is graded, what provenance it carries, how coverage of the class is measured, at which date, and how an outsider checks it without trusting whoever runs it. The core holds what is the same in every jurisdiction. An annex per jurisdiction holds what its law and courts require, with the article or ruling for each item. A register applies the core and one annex. The standard describes a register. It says nothing about the merits of a claim. 2. How to read this standard ---------------------------- - **Must** is a condition of claiming a level under this standard (section 10). It is not a statement about the law. - **Required**, in an annex, means a register must meet it to claim a level in that jurisdiction. Each Required item either cites the statute or published ruling that requires it, or is required by this standard beyond the law and gives its reason in case law. - **Recommended** is good practice beyond what the law holds. Missing a Recommended item is not a defect in law. An annex may add Required items and tighten a grade. It never loosens the core. 3. Terms -------- - **Representative**: the party that brings the action for the class (a foundation, an association, a qualified entity, a class representative). - **Operator**: whoever runs the register for the representative. The representative may be its own operator. - **Class**: the people for whom the representative acts, as the representative defines them. The **class definition** is that text, versioned and dated. - **Register**: the representative's record of the people who support or join the action, with the evidence for each. - **Record**: one person's entry in the register. A person is a natural person or a legal person. - **Sign-up flow**: every screen, message and document through which a person joins, in every language, as published on a given day. Each published version is a **flow version**. - **Denominator**: the stated size of the class, as a range or a figure, with its source, method and date. - **Grade**: how well one record is shown to be a real, distinct, informed member of the class (section 4). - **Coverage**: the number of active records at or above a grade, divided by the denominator (section 6). - **Reference date**: the date at which the register is measured. - **Snapshot**: the register's state at the reference date, fixed by a digest (section 5.4). - **Auditor**: an independent professional who checks the register (section 8). - **Facts export**: the register in the open format of section 11, holding the facts that set each grade and no more personal data than those facts need. 4. Record grades ---------------- Every record carries one grade, set by fixed rules from the facts on the record. The same facts always give the same grade. A grade is never a model's judgement or an operator's discretion. | Grade | Name | A record is this grade when | |---|---|---| | D | Not counted | Any rule in 4.1 applies | | C | Identified | No rule in 4.1 applies | | B | Evidenced | Grade C, and evidence the person supplied, or a source outside the person, places them in the class | | A | Corroborated | Grade B, membership checked against a source outside the person (4.3), and identity verified by a recognised method | ### 4.1 Grade D: not counted A record is grade D when any of these holds at the reference date: 1. It is not active: the person withdrew, opted out or was excluded. 2. It joined through a flow version that does not state the representative, the defendant, the claim and the period it covers (section 5.1). 3. It is a duplicate of another record. 4. It falls outside the class definition on the facts held. 5. It holds no name. 6. It holds nothing that tells two people with the same name apart: a date of birth for a natural person, a registration number for a legal person. 7. Its contact channel was never confirmed by the person. 8. Where the annex binds people who live outside the forum, people who live in it, or both, only on an express opt-in: its residence is not held, where the opt-in turns on it; or, once the opt-in is due (4.6), the person must opt in and the record holds no opt-in made in time, or no declaration on parallel actions where the annex requires one. ### 4.2 Grade C: identified A distinct, named person who confirmed a contact channel and joined through an informing flow. Class membership may rest on the person's own declaration. ### 4.3 Grade B: evidenced Grade C, and class membership rests on evidence: - **Supplied**: a document or data point the person provided that places them in the class (a contract, an invoice, an account record, a registration certificate), stored with its digest. - **Checked**: a check against a source outside the person: a public register, a third party's record, or the defendant's own data where it is available. The record must state that the evidence places the person inside the class definition. ### 4.4 Grade A: corroborated Grade B, with membership corroborated against a source outside the person, and identity verified by a recognised method at assurance level substantial or high: an eIDAS electronic identification means notified at that level, or a scheme the annex names (a bank identification service, a national eID). For a legal person: a check against the business register, and the authority of the person acting for it. ### 4.5 Deduplication Two records are duplicates when they name the same person, or claim on the same asset where the class definition allows one claim per asset. The operator keeps a deduplication key per record, a salted digest of the normalised identifying fields, so duplicates are found without exposing them. The later record is marked as the duplicate. ### 4.6 Residence and parallel actions Under the Representative Actions Directive, a person whose habitual residence is outside the member state of the court is bound only if they explicitly ask to be represented (Directive (EU) 2020/1828, art. 9(3)), and nobody is represented twice or paid twice on the same claim against the same trader (art. 9(4)). Where the law binds residents of the forum too only by an act of their own, the annex says so (`opt_in_residents`), and everyone in the class opts in. Where the court or an approved agreement chooses whether residents opt in, the annex leaves it to the action and the export states the choice (`opt_in_residents`); an export that leaves it unstated is read as binding residents on an opt-in, and meets no level. Where the annex binds people abroad, residents or both only on an opt-in: - Each record holds the person's country of habitual residence, the date it is established for, and its source, where the opt-in turns on residence. - Once the opt-in is due, the record of a person who must opt in holds it: when they made it, through which channel, and the action it names. - Where the annex requires it, that record also holds the person's declaration that they are not represented, and do not claim, elsewhere on the same claim. The annex says when the opt-in is due and through which channel. Where it binds people abroad on an opt-in only in an action brought under the forum's transposition of the Directive, the export states whether this action is one (`directive`). Where people abroad opt in during a window the court sets after it appoints the representative, the export states the days that window opened and closed (`opt_in_opened_on`, `opt_in_closed_on`), and a record that must opt in needs its opt-in only at a reference date after the window closed, made within the window and through the channel the court set, which the export states (`opt_in_channel`), or else the one the annex names. Until then this standard counts the record on its residence alone; the annex says whether a court is known to count that support, and the cross-section (6.3) can show people abroad apart from residents, so their support can be weighed either way. Where the court sets more than one term, the export states the first day of the first and, once it is set, the last day of the last, so the opt-in falls due only after the last term. Where the annex has no such window, the opt-in is due from the start, and the export states no window and no channel; an export that states either meets no level. Where the court applies opt-out to people abroad, the export states no window. An electronic identification proves who a person is. In the EU Digital Identity Wallet residence is an optional attribute (Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2977, Annex, Table 2), so residence needs a source of its own. 5. Provenance ------------- Each record and each document can be traced to where it came from and shown to be unchanged. ### 5.1 The sign-up flow - Every published flow version is captured in full, in every language, and dated from the day it went live to the day it was replaced. - A flow version informs when it states, before the person joins: the representative, the defendant, the claim, and the period the claim covers. A record that joined through a flow version that does not inform is grade D until the person confirms through one that does. - Each record names the flow version it joined through. ### 5.2 Terms Each record names the version of the terms the person accepted. Each terms version is stored with its digest. ### 5.3 Records and evidence - Each record has a digest: SHA-256 over the record in its canonical form (section 11.3). - Each evidence document is stored with its SHA-256 digest, and the record names it. - Every change to a record is logged: what changed, when, by whom, and why. The log is append-only. ### 5.4 The snapshot At each reference date the operator fixes the register's state: 1. List every record as its identifier and its digest, separated by a space, one line per record, ordered by identifier in byte order. 2. The snapshot root is the Merkle Tree Hash of RFC 9162 (Certificate Transparency Version 2.0), section 2.1.1, with SHA-256, over those lines in that order: each line, in UTF-8 and without its line break, is one entry. 3. Anchor the root in time, by a notary, a qualified electronic timestamp under eIDAS, or a public timestamp such as OpenTimestamps. A person can be shown their own line with its position in the list, counted from 0, the number of lines, and its inclusion proof under RFC 9162, section 2.1.3. Anyone holding the root checks from these alone, as RFC 9162, section 2.1.3.2 sets out, that the record was in the register on that date, without seeing any other line. 6. Coverage ----------- ### 6.1 The denominator The register states the size of the class with its source, its method and its date. Where the size is uncertain it states a range. ### 6.2 Coverage per grade Coverage is stated at each grade, counting active records at or above it, against both ends of the denominator. For example: 'Grade B or better: 41 200 of 2.1 million to 2.6 million (1.58% to 1.96%), denominator from the vehicle register, query of 1 September 2026, reference date 12 October 2026.' This standard sets no minimum percentage. Where a jurisdiction's courts have set or applied one, its annex says so. ### 6.3 Cross-section Where the class has facets of its own (region, age band, product, period, channel), the register reports how its records spread across them and, where the denominator's source gives it, how the class spreads. ### 6.4 Subgroups Where the class has real subgroups (different products, contracts or periods that change the claim), coverage is stated per subgroup. ### 6.5 Represented claims Where damages are claimed and the annex asks for it, the register states the size of the represented claims as a range, in a currency, with its method. ### 6.6 Support from organisations Support from other organisations is recorded separately: who, when, in what form. It is never added to the count of records. 7. When the register is tested ------------------------------ Courts test a register at a moment their law sets: at filing, at the admissibility ruling, at the hearing, at judgment, or at distribution. The annex names the moment. - The register is measured at a stated reference date. - Where the test is applied as things stand on the day of the ruling, the register is regenerated at a reference date shortly before each hearing, and withdrawals and objections up to that date are reflected. - Earlier snapshots stay available, so decay between two dates can be shown. 8. Independent check -------------------- An auditor checks the register. The representative's board commissions the auditor; neither the operator nor a funder does, and the auditor is independent of both. The auditor works from the source records: the system where sign-ups land, their confirmations and their evidence. A list the operator compiles for the auditor is not a source record. Where the register is kept in a spreadsheet, the source records are the submissions, confirmation messages and documents behind each row. What the auditor does depends on the level: | Level | The check | |---|---| | Registered | Trace a sample of records from the register back to their source records, and a sample of source records forward into the register. Confirm the snapshot root | | Identified | Recompute every record's grade and the coverage at each grade from the source records, and confirm the snapshot root | | Verified | The reproduction test: with read-only access to the live system and without an export from the operator, recompute the grade of every record and the coverage at each grade on the reference date, match the snapshot root, and complete test sign-ups through each live flow version | The auditor reports under a recognised standard for agreed-upon procedures or assurance (ISRS 4400 or ISAE 3000, or their national equivalent). The report names the reference date, the snapshot root, and the figures reproduced. 9. The representative's control ------------------------------- The register serves the representative, and stays under its control whoever runs it. - The representative owns the register and is the controller of its personal data. The operator processes on its instructions. - The representative can export the complete register, with its evidence, flow captures and change log, in the open format of section 11, at any time and at no extra cost, and can replace the operator. - The representative's board approves the class definition, the text of each flow version, and any rule the annex leaves to the case. - The operator's fee does not depend on the outcome of the action or on the number of records. 10. Levels ---------- A register claims one level. The representative chooses the level its class and claim need; the annex says which level a court there is likely to look for. | | Level 1: Registered | Level 2: Identified | Level 3: Verified | |---|---|---|---| | Records counted | Grade C or better | Grade C or better, grade B reported | Grade B or better, grade A reported | | Flow (5.1) | Every version informs and is captured | Every version informs, captured with its digest | Every version informs, captured with its digest and witnessed by a bailiff or notary | | Terms (5.2) | Version per record | Version per record, with digest | Version per record, with digest | | Records (5.3) | Change log kept | Digest per record, change log kept | Digest per record and per document, change log kept | | Snapshot (5.4) | At each reference date, anchored | At each reference date, anchored | At each reference date, anchored | | Coverage (6) | Denominator with source | Denominator, cross-section | Denominator, cross-section, subgroups | | Tested (7) | At a stated reference date | Regenerated before each hearing | Regenerated before each hearing | | Check (8) | Sample tracing | Full recomputation | Reproduction test | | Control (9) | All of section 9 | All of section 9 | All of section 9 | 11. The open format ------------------- ### 11.1 The facts export The facts export is one JSON document: the register's metadata (representative, action and whether it is brought under the Directive, class definition, denominator, reference date, the opt-in window's days and channel, facets), its flow versions, its terms versions and its records. `schema/export.schema.json` defines it. It holds the facts that set each grade, not the personal data behind them: whether a name is held, not the name. The facts export is what a validator reads, what a funder or court may be shown in aggregate, and what moves with the register when the operator changes. The auditor of section 8 reads the source records, not the export. ### 11.2 The conformance statement A representative that claims a level publishes a one-page statement: the level, the annex, the reference date, the denominator and its source, the count and coverage at each grade, the snapshot root and its anchor, and the auditor with the date of the report. No personal data. `schema/conformance.schema.json` defines it. ### 11.3 Canonical form and digests A record's canonical form is its JSON under RFC 8785 (JSON Canonicalization Scheme) without its `digest` member. Records hold no floating-point numbers, so the canonical form is the record with its keys sorted by their UTF-16 code units, no insignificant whitespace, in UTF-8. Digests are SHA-256, written `sha256:` followed by 64 lowercase hexadecimal characters, and so are the snapshot root and each node of an inclusion proof (5.4). ### 11.4 Test vectors `vectors/` holds records with the grade they must get. An implementation of this standard grades every vector as stated. The vectors are the contract; any implementation, in any language, is checked against them. ### 11.5 Reasons A record below grade A states why it holds its grade: at grade D every rule of 4.1 that applies, at grades C and B what keeps it from the next grade. Each reason is a code from this table, and a record lists its codes in the table's order, which is the order of the rules. | Code | Grade | Rule | |---|---|---| | `not_active` | D | 4.1, rule 1 | | `uninformed_flow` | D | 4.1, rule 2 | | `duplicate` | D | 4.1, rule 3 | | `outside_class` | D | 4.1, rule 4 | | `no_name` | D | 4.1, rule 5 | | `not_distinct` | D | 4.1, rule 6 | | `unconfirmed_contact` | D | 4.1, rule 7 | | `residence_unknown` | D | 4.1, rule 8 | | `not_opted_in` | D | 4.1, rule 8 | | `no_parallel_declaration` | D | 4.1, rule 8 | | `declared_only` | C | 4.3 | | `class_not_established` | C | 4.3 | | `no_evidence` | C | 4.3 | | `not_checked` | B | 4.4 | | `identity_not_verified` | B | 4.4 | | `assurance_too_low` | B | 4.4 | | `scheme_not_recognised` | B | 4.4 | 12. Annexes ----------- An annex follows `annexes/_template.md`: who may bring an action, who is bound and how they join, when the register is tested, the Required items, split into what the law requires and what this standard requires beyond it, each with its source or reason, the Recommended items, the identification schemes that count as recognised for grade A, the level a typical action needs, and what is unsettled. 13. Citing this standard ------------------------ Cite the version, the core and the annex, with the version's own address: 'VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2, core and Annex NL, [https://vcrs.steddle.com/v/0.1.0-beta.2](https://vcrs.steddle.com/v/0.1.0-beta.2)'. A released version stays unchanged at that address, so a filing cites a text that does not change. A section is cited by its number after the address: [https://vcrs.steddle.com/v/0.1.0-beta.2#4.6](https://vcrs.steddle.com/v/0.1.0-beta.2#4.6). --- # https://vcrs.org/annexes VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 Annexes ======= What one jurisdiction's law and courts require of a register, and what the standard asks beyond them, each item cited. 01 Annexes ------- | | Regime | Annex | |---|---|---| | Austria | Verbandsklage auf Abhilfe, §§ 623 to 635 ZPO | [Annex AT](https://vcrs.org/annexes/at) | | Belgium | Action en réparation collective, Livre XVII CDE | [Annex BE](https://vcrs.org/annexes/be) | | Czech Republic | Hromadné řízení, zákon č. 179/2024 Sb. | [Annex CZ](https://vcrs.org/annexes/cz) | | Finland | Ryhmäkanne, ryhmäkannelaki 444/2007 | [Annex FI](https://vcrs.org/annexes/fi) | | Germany | Verbandsklage under the VDuG | [Annex DE](https://vcrs.org/annexes/de) | | Ireland | Representative action, Act No. 22 of 2023 | [Annex IE](https://vcrs.org/annexes/ie) | | Italy | Azione di classe and azione rappresentativa | [Annex IT](https://vcrs.org/annexes/it) | | Netherlands | WAMCA, art. 3:305a BW | [Annex NL](https://vcrs.org/annexes/nl) | | Poland | Postępowanie grupowe, ustawa z dnia 17 grudnia 2009 r. | [Annex PL](https://vcrs.org/annexes/pl) | | Portugal | Ação popular, DL 114-A/2023 | [Annex PT](https://vcrs.org/annexes/pt) | The core's residence rule (4.6) follows the Representative Actions Directive, so it holds in every member state. A new annex follows [the template](https://vcrs.org/annexes/new). --- # https://vcrs.org/annexes/at VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 Annex AT: Austria (Verbandsklage auf Abhilfe) ============================================= What the Verbandsklage auf Abhilfe and the Austrian courts require of a register, and what the standard asks beyond them. A filing cites this text at [vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/at](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/at), where it stays unchanged. 02 Annexes ------- 9 sections VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2. Draft for consultation. Not legal advice. Law and rulings as read on 19 and 21 October 2026 on the Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes (RIS), the Parlament's site, the Bundeskartellanwalt's publications and the Official Journal of the European Union. 1. The regime ------------- A collective damages action is a Verbandsklage auf Abhilfe under §§ 623 to 635 ZPO and the Qualifizierte-Einrichtungen-Gesetz (QEG), both enacted by the Verbandsklagen-Richtlinie-Umsetzungs-Novelle (BGBl. I Nr. 85/2024), in force since 18 July 2024. The ZPO rules apply to actions filed after the day the act was published: § 636(4) ZPO 'ist auf Verfahren anzuwenden, in denen die Klage nach dem Tag der Kundmachung eingebracht wird'. - **Who may sue.** Only a Qualifizierte Einrichtung (QE): recognised by statute (§ 3 QEG) or by the Bundeskartellanwalt (§§ 1 and 2 QEG). There is no ad hoc entity: 'Daher ist keine ad hoc Zulassung einer Qualifizierten Einrichtung vorgesehen' (ErläutRV 2602 BlgNR XXVII. GP, zu § 629). A QE must be independent of businesses with an economic interest in the action, 'insbesondere Unternehmern, die ein wirtschaftliches Interesse an der Erhebung einer Verbandsklage haben, einschließlich im Falle einer Finanzierung durch Dritte' (§ 1(1) Z 4 QEG). - **Court.** The Handelsgericht Wien alone (§ 630(1) ZPO). - **The 50.** 'Die Klage hat ein bestimmtes Begehren auf Abhilfe von zumindest 50 Verbrauchern auf Grund von im Wesentlichen gleichartigen Sachverhalten gegen denselben Unternehmer zu enthalten' (§ 624(1) ZPO). The court tests this on the face of the claim, before service if need be: 'Die Zurückweisung einer Verbandsklage auf Abhilfe wegen des Fehlens von besonderen Prozessvoraussetzungen kann bereits vor Streitanhängigkeit erfolgen' (RS0142757). 2. Who is bound, and how they join ---------------------------------- - **Opt-in, for everyone.** Austria 'wählt (...) für die Verbandsklage auf Abhilfe ein opt-in System' (ErläutRV zu § 624). The judgment binds the consumers named in the claim and those who join (§ 624(1), § 628(4) ZPO); a court-approved settlement 'bindet auch die beigetretenen Verbraucher' (§ 631(3)). Neither § 624 nor § 628 distinguishes by residence, so everyone opts in, wherever they live: `at.json` sets `opt_in_abroad` and `opt_in_residents` to true, names the QE's filing as the channel, `qe`, and asks every opt-in for the declaration on parallel claims (core 4.6). The export states no opt-in window: the opt-in is due from the start, so a record counts once the QE has filed the claim or the Beitritt that names the person. - **Joining, through the QE.** 'Einer Verbandsklage auf Abhilfe kann jeder Verbraucher im Wege der Qualifizierten Einrichtung beitreten' (§ 628(1)), and 'Der Beitritt kann von der Qualifizierten Einrichtung ohne Angabe von Gründen abgelehnt werden'. It runs in two steps: 'Der Beitritt erfolgt zweistufig, indem sich der Verbraucher zunächst außergerichtlich und verfahrensrechtlich unverbindlich an die Qualifizierte Einrichtung wendet' (ErläutRV zu § 628). The QE then files a Schriftsatz with court and defendant stating the facts, a claim, 'sowie die Erklärung, dass der Anspruch weder im Inland noch im Ausland geltend gemacht wurde oder wird' (§ 628(2)). - **The window.** 'Ein Beitritt kann bis drei Monate nach Veröffentlichung der Entscheidung über die Durchführung eines Verbandsklageverfahrens gemäß § 627 Abs. 1 ZPO erfolgen' (§ 628(3)). The QE may set a shorter one: 'Es steht der Qualifizierten Einrichtung aber frei, diesen Zeitraum zu verkürzen' (ErläutRV zu § 628). - **No withdrawal.** 'Eine Zurücknahme des Beitritts ist unzulässig' (§ 628(5)). - **Who holds the list.** The QE. No court registry or state portal takes sign-ups. 'Qualifizierte Einrichtungen haben sicherzustellen, dass Beitrittserklärungen samt Unterlagen on- und offline eingereicht werden können' (§ 9(5) QEG), and the QE gives the court the address and the form for its publication (§ 627(2) Z 3 and 4 ZPO). 3. When the register is tested ------------------------------ | Stage | What it asks of the register | Source | |---|---|---| | Before filing | The QE publishes planned actions, how to join, the costs and whether a fee or a funder contract is required; it offers a Formblatt and takes joining declarations on- and offline | § 9(1), (3), (5) QEG | | Filing | At least 50 consumers per defendant, each identified and shown to be a consumer, each with a specific claim and its facts; the facts the claims share; the abstract criteria for later joiners. The count need only stand on this day | § 624(1), (3) ZPO; OGH 8 Ob 143/25z \[16\] to \[18\]; OGH 9 Ob 111/25a \[26\], \[31\] | | Admissibility | The pleaded facts, taken as true, must show substantially similar facts; objections to single claims matter where they take the count below 50 | § 626(1), § 625 ZPO; RS0142756, RS0142757 | | Publication | The admission decision, with the QE's address and joining form | § 627 ZPO | | Joining | Per joiner, the QE's Schriftsatz with the facts, a claim and the declaration on parallel claims, inside the window | § 628 ZPO | | Judgment and settlement | Per claimant, the facts and the amount; a settlement binds the joiners | § 626(1), § 631(3), § 634 ZPO | | Distribution | The payee for each claimant, the QE where it asked for payment to itself, and the QE's payout record | § 633 ZPO; § 9(7) QEG | | After rejection | Who had joined and when, so each can use the three months left to them | § 635 ZPO | **Reference dates.** The filing date for the initial 50: the number 'soll (...) nur im Zeitpunkt der Klagserhebung vorliegen müssen' (ErläutRV zu § 624). For joiners, the date each Beitritt is filed, and the last day of the window. No Abhilfeklage had been admitted by 19 October 2026: the Handelsgericht Wien's page for publications under §§ 627 and 634 listed none. 4. Required items ----------------- A register that claims a level in an Austrian action meets every item below. The first table holds what Austrian law requires, by statute or a court's holding. The second holds what this standard requires beyond the law, with the reason. ### What the law requires | \# | Item | Core | Source | |---|---|---|---| | AT-1 | At filing, at least 50 consumers per defendant, each named in the claim with a specific claim. Where several traders are sued, a count per defendant | 6.2, 6.4 | § 624(1) ZPO: 'zumindest 50 Verbrauchern auf Grund von im Wesentlichen gleichartigen Sachverhalten gegen denselben Unternehmer'; OGH 20 May 2026, 8 Ob 143/25z, \[16\]: 'Deshalb sind die Prozessvoraussetzungen für jeden Streitgenossen gesondert zu prüfen' | | AT-2 | Each record holds the person's consumer status as a fact of membership | 4.2, 4.3 | § 624(1) ZPO ('Verbrauchern'); the Handelsgericht Wien's order, as quoted in OLG Wien 30 September 2025, 33 R 135/25b: 'konkretes Vorbringen zur Verbrauchereigenschaft der Personen, deren Begehren auf Abhilfe geltend gemacht werde' | | AT-3 | Per claim, the facts it rests on: the contract or transaction, the clause or act, and the amount claimed, substantiated as far as the facts and evidence are accessible to the QE with reasonable effort and support the claim's plausibility. The relief covers the claims, not the shared facts AT-4 asks for | 4.3, 6.5 | § 624(1) ZPO: 'die Tatsachen, auf welche sich die Ansprüche in Haupt- und Nebensachen gründen, im Einzelnen kurz und vollständig anzugeben'; § 624(5) ZPO: 'die der Qualifizierten Einrichtung mit zumutbarem Aufwand zugänglich sind und die die Plausibilität der Ansprüche ausreichend stützen'; OGH 27 January 2026, 9 Ob 111/25a, \[25\]: § 624(5) deals with the claims, 'nicht mit dem schlüssigen im Sinn von vollständigen Vortrag zu den Prozessvoraussetzungen' | | AT-4 | The facts the claims share, and for each claimant whether they match or how they differ, by liability basis | 6.4 | OGH 9 Ob 111/25a \[26\]: 'Eine konkrete Behauptung, inwiefern die objektive Vertragslage betreffend die übrigen Verbraucher ident ist und inwiefern sie abweicht, lassen selbst die Ausführungen im Revisionsrekurs vermissen.'; \[31\]: 'Folglich sind die den klagsgegenständlichen Rechtsverhältnissen zugrunde liegenden, gemeinsamen Sachverhaltselemente schon in der Klage darzulegen.'; OGH 8 Ob 143/25z \[21\]: the action needs facts 'die in ihren wesentlichen anspruchsbegründenden Elementen so weit übereinstimmen, dass eine einheitliche rechtliche Beurteilung der Ansprüche möglich ist' | | AT-5 | Where the QE opens the action to joiners, the abstract criteria as filed, and each joiner's fit against them | 3, 6.1 | § 624(3) ZPO: 'Die abstrakten Kriterien, die ein Anspruch aufweisen muss, um vom Verfahren betroffen zu sein, und die Voraussetzungen, unter denen diese Verbraucher beitreten können, sind von der Qualifizierten Einrichtung genau anzugeben.' | | AT-6 | Each record holds its opt-in: the day the QE filed the claim or the Beitritt that names the person, through the channel `qe`. Per joiner also the request to the QE with its date and channel, the QE's acceptance or refusal, and a Beitritt filed inside the window. A refused request, one not filed in time, or a Beitritt the court rejects is recorded `excluded` (core 4.1 (1)) | 4.1 (1), 4.6, 5.3 | § 628(1) to (3) ZPO; § 628(4): 'Ein Beitritt ist zurückzuweisen, wenn der im Beitritt geltend gemachte Anspruch bereits in einem Einzelverfahren oder in einem anderen Verbandsklageverfahren geltend gemacht wird.'; § 9(5) QEG | | AT-7 | Per joiner, the declaration on parallel claims, held as `parallel_declared` | 4.1 (8), 4.6 | § 628(2) ZPO: 'die Erklärung, dass der Anspruch weder im Inland noch im Ausland geltend gemacht wurde oder wird'; § 628(4): a Beitritt is rejected where the claim is pending elsewhere | | AT-8 | A joiner whose Beitritt was filed stays active unless the court rejects it (AT-6): the record never turns `withdrawn` | 4.1 (1) | § 628(5) ZPO: 'Eine Zurücknahme des Beitritts ist unzulässig.' | | AT-9 | Each joiner received the QE's Formblatt with its Belehrung, captured as a flow version | 5.1 | § 9(3) QEG: 'eine Belehrung über die Voraussetzungen, den Ablauf und die Wirkungen eines Verbandsklageverfahrens und die voraussichtlichen Kosten' | | AT-10 | Any joining fee per joiner, within the cap; where the QE makes joining depend on a funder contract, that contract signed per joiner | 9 | § 9(4) QEG: 'Eine allfällige Beitrittsgebühr darf weder höher als 20 Prozent der jeweils geltend gemachten Anspruchssumme sein, noch darf diese 250 Euro überschreiten.'; § 6(1) QEG: the QE may make joining depend on the joiner signing 'den zwischen der Qualifizierten Einrichtung und dem Drittfinanzierer vereinbarten Vertrag'; § 9(1) Z 3 lit e QEG: the QE publishes 'ob eine Beitrittsgebühr bezahlt oder ein Drittfinanzierungsvertrag abgeschlossen werden muss' | | AT-11 | The payee per claimant and the payout record | 5.3, 9 | § 633 ZPO; § 9(7) QEG: the QE must 'die Abwicklung der Auszahlung unverzüglich durchführen' | ### What this standard requires | \# | Item | Core | Reason | |---|---|---|---| | AT-12 | Deduplication on name and birth date at least, so that namesakes are told apart | 4.1 (6), 4.5 | The Handelsgericht Wien ordered the QE to describe each person 'unzweifelhaft individualisierbar so (...) dass das Gericht prüfen könne, ob die mehrfache Anführung des gleichen Namens in Beilage ./D dieselbe Person oder verschiedene, namensgleiche Personen betreffe' (as quoted in OLG Wien 33 R 135/25b); a list of consumers 'durch ihr Geburtsdatum individualisierten' drew no criticism (OGH 9 Ob 111/25a \[2\]) | | AT-13 | The consumers named in the claim hold the declaration on parallel claims too | 4.1 (8), 4.6 | § 628(2) ZPO asks it of joiners alone. A named consumer's claim pursued elsewhere fails the same way a joiner's does (§ 628(4)), and nobody is represented twice on the same claim (Directive (EU) 2020/1828, art. 9(4)). `parallel_declaration` applies to every opt-in, so the validator asks it of all | 5. Recommended items -------------------- - **A margin above 50 per defendant.** An objection to single claims matters once it takes the count below the number the law sets (§ 625 ZPO). - **Proof that each claim was disputed out of court before filing.** The QE must show consumers 'deren Ansprüche auf Abhilfe außergerichtlich strittig sind' (ErläutRV zu § 624), and the claims should be asserted by the QE or a lawyer, not by an operator (OGH 25 January 2024, 4 Ob 5/24z, \[17\]). - **The document behind each claim, not a sample.** One contract did not carry the claims of the whole list (OGH 9 Ob 111/25a \[26\]). - **Segments by liability basis within one defendant.** Claims against the maker of a car and against the maker of its engine call for different rules of liability (OGH 8 Ob 143/25z \[22\]), so each segment can stand on its own. - **Notice to each joiner that the claim data go to the defendant**, since the Beitritt is notified 'dem Gericht und der beklagten Partei gegenüber' (§ 628(2) ZPO), and a processor agreement where an operator works for the QE (art. 28 GDPR; the QE's own processing rests on § 9(8) QEG). - **A log that separates the operator's formal checks from the decisions of the QE and the lawyer.** The OGH left standing, as tenable, lower-court findings that an operator which only checks documents for completeness and then hands the case to a lawyer stays within the law (OGH 23 February 2021, 4 Ob 180/20d, \[8\]), and that an operator with power over the lawyers became 'Herr des Verfahrens' (OGH 10 September 2024, 4 Ob 144/24s, \[19\]). Both were provisional-measures decisions rejected as inadmissible. - **An operator taking requests for the QE.** Each consumer's request to join is addressed to the QE by name, at a channel the QE publishes as its own; the operator receives it as the QE's processor under a written mandate to receive; and the register keeps the day the operator received it and the day the QE had it. This lowers the risk of the question section 8 leaves open; it does not settle it. 6. Recognised identification ---------------------------- - **Identity, grade A**: ID Austria, notified under eIDAS at assurance level high (Official Journal C 173 I of 27 April 2022), and so covered by `eidas`. `at.json` names no further scheme. - **Outside sources, grade B**: none named. The contract or document from which each claim is pleaded is the evidence the courts have examined. 7. The level a typical action needs ----------------------------------- A recommendation, not a court's rule. - **Level 3, Verified, for the claims pleaded at filing and for every joiner.** The Handelsgericht Wien takes the pleading as true but tests it on its face at filing, and both actions that reached the OGH failed on the list of consumers: one did not show each contract's clause (9 Ob 111/25a), the other bundled four defendants and two bases of liability (8 Ob 143/25z). A register that holds each claimant's document (grade B, supplied) answers the test. - **Identity at grade C suffices** on the rulings read: name and birth date, with consumer status recorded. 8. Unsettled ------------ - No Abhilfeklage had been admitted by 19 October 2026, so no published joining form or court-approved joining criteria could be read. - Whether an operator may receive joining declarations in the QE's name, as its agent. The law says joining runs 'im Wege der Qualifizierten Einrichtung'; no source read addresses an agent. - Consumers resident abroad joining an action at the Handelsgericht Wien: no text or ruling beyond § 5(5) QEG for qualified entities of other Member States. - What 'dieselben Tatfragen' in § 628(1) adds to § 624(1): the OGH found no separate meaning (9 Ob 111/25a \[14\]); the OLG Wien read it as a description. - Whether the court may examine joiners' documents after admission, and what proof the defendant may demand per joiner. - The export states no opt-in window, since the consumers named in the claim opt in at filing, so the validator does not test that a Beitritt fell within the three months of § 628(3): AT-6 records a late one `excluded`, and the auditor checks it. Sources ------- 1. Zivilprozessordnung §§ 623 to 636, RIS: [https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10001699&Paragraf=624](https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10001699&Paragraf=624) 2. Qualifizierte-Einrichtungen-Gesetz, RIS: [https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=20012650](https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=20012650) 3. BGBl. I Nr. 85/2024 (VRUN), RIS: [https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblAuth/BGBLA\_2024\_I\_85/BGBLA\_2024\_I\_85.html](https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblAuth/BGBLA_2024_I_85/BGBLA_2024_I_85.html) 4. 2602 der Beilagen XXVII. GP, Regierungsvorlage, Erläuterungen, Parlament: [https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXVII/I/2602](https://www.parlament.gv.at/gegenstand/XXVII/I/2602) 5. OGH 27 January 2026, 9 Ob 111/25a: [https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Justiz/JJT\_20260127\_OGH0002\_0090OB00111\_25A0000\_000/JJT\_20260127\_OGH0002\_0090OB00111\_25A0000\_000.html](https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Justiz/JJT_20260127_OGH0002_0090OB00111_25A0000_000/JJT_20260127_OGH0002_0090OB00111_25A0000_000.html) 6. Rechtssätze RS0142756 and RS0142757: [https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Justiz/JJR\_20260127\_OGH0002\_0090OB00111\_25A0000\_001/JJR\_20260127\_OGH0002\_0090OB00111\_25A0000\_001.html](https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Justiz/JJR_20260127_OGH0002_0090OB00111_25A0000_001/JJR_20260127_OGH0002_0090OB00111_25A0000_001.html) 7. OLG Wien 30 September 2025, 33 R 135/25b: [https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Justiz/JJT\_20250930\_OLG0009\_03300R00135\_25B0000\_000/JJT\_20250930\_OLG0009\_03300R00135\_25B0000\_000.html](https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Justiz/JJT_20250930_OLG0009_03300R00135_25B0000_000/JJT_20250930_OLG0009_03300R00135_25B0000_000.html) 8. OGH 20 May 2026, 8 Ob 143/25z: [https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Justiz/JJT\_20260520\_OGH0002\_0080OB00143\_25Z0000\_000/JJT\_20260520\_OGH0002\_0080OB00143\_25Z0000\_000.html](https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Justiz/JJT_20260520_OGH0002_0080OB00143_25Z0000_000/JJT_20260520_OGH0002_0080OB00143_25Z0000_000.html) 9. OGH 23 February 2021, 4 Ob 180/20d: [https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Justiz/JJT\_20210223\_OGH0002\_0040OB00180\_20D0000\_000/JJT\_20210223\_OGH0002\_0040OB00180\_20D0000\_000.html](https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Justiz/JJT_20210223_OGH0002_0040OB00180_20D0000_000/JJT_20210223_OGH0002_0040OB00180_20D0000_000.html) 10. OGH 10 September 2024, 4 Ob 144/24s: [https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Justiz/JJT\_20240910\_OGH0002\_0040OB00144\_24S0000\_000/JJT\_20240910\_OGH0002\_0040OB00144\_24S0000\_000.html](https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Justiz/JJT_20240910_OGH0002_0040OB00144_24S0000_000/JJT_20240910_OGH0002_0040OB00144_24S0000_000.html) 11. OGH 25 January 2024, 4 Ob 5/24z: [https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Justiz/JJT\_20240125\_OGH0002\_0040OB00005\_24Z0000\_000/JJT\_20240125\_OGH0002\_0040OB00005\_24Z0000\_000.html](https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/Justiz/JJT_20240125_OGH0002_0040OB00005_24Z0000_000/JJT_20240125_OGH0002_0040OB00005_24Z0000_000.html) 12. Handelsgericht Wien, Verbandsklagen, publications under §§ 627 and 634 ZPO: [https://justiz.gv.at/hg-wien/handelsgericht-wien/verbandsklagen.e23.de.html](https://justiz.gv.at/hg-wien/handelsgericht-wien/verbandsklagen.e23.de.html) 13. Electronic identification schemes notified pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, OJ C 173 I, 27 April 2022: [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.CI.2022.173.01.0001.01.ENG](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.CI.2022.173.01.0001.01.ENG) --- # https://vcrs.org/annexes/be VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 Annex BE: Belgium (action en réparation collective) =================================================== What the action en réparation collective and the Belgian courts require of a register, and what the standard asks beyond them. A filing cites this text at [vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/be](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/be), where it stays unchanged. 03 Annexes ------- 9 sections VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2. Draft for consultation. Not legal advice. Law and rulings as read on 19 and 21 October 2026 on Justel, the Moniteur belge, the Cour constitutionnelle, the Chambre des représentants, the SPF Economie and the Conseil central de l'économie. 1. The regime ------------- A collective damages action is an action en réparation collective (rechtsvordering tot collectief herstel) under Livre XVII, Titre 2 of the Code de droit économique (CDE), arts. XVII.35 to XVII.70, in the consolidated text to 4 August 2026. French and Dutch are both official: this annex quotes the statute in French, and the Dutch stands at the same article. The law of 21 April 2024, which transposes Directive (EU) 2020/1828, governs the actions introduced from its entry into force on 10 June 2024: it applies to 'affaires introduites à partir de sa date d'entrée en vigueur' (art. 41). An action introduced earlier stays under Titre 2 as the law of 28 March 2014 enacted it, under which the court chose the option system at admissibility (section 2). Every ruling this annex cites was given under that earlier text: by the Cour constitutionnelle, the Nederlandstalige rechtbank van eerste aanleg Brussel (Rb Brussel) and the Hof van beroep Brussel. - **Who may sue.** Only a qualified entity (XVII.39 §1): an entity the minister has approved, a foreign entity on the Commission's list, or a legal person the court approves for the one action on the same criteria (XVII.1 §3). The criteria include twelve months of real public activity protecting consumers, a non-profit aim, and independence from those with an economic interest in the action, 'y compris en cas de financement par des tiers' (XVII.1 §1, 1°, 3° and 5°). The Consumer Mediation Service may represent the group in negotiation alone. The claimant's statutory object must be 'en relation directe avec l'objet de l'action en réparation collective' (XVII.36, 2°). - **Court.** The courts of Brussels alone: 'Les cours et tribunaux de Bruxelles sont compétents pour connaître des actions en réparation collective' (XVII.35). The requête goes to the greffe of the tribunal de l'entreprise (XVII.42 §1). - **Admissibility.** The judge tests the cause of the action, the claimant's standing and statutory object, and whether a collective action 'semble plus efficient qu'une action de droit commun' (XVII.36, 3°). The 2024 law struck out the condition that the claimant be 'jugé adéquat par le juge' (art. 20), since accreditation settles its aptitude: 'il ne peut être question de les soumettre à nouveau à un examen quant à leurs aptitudes' (exposé des motifs, DOC 55 3895/001, p. 26). No minimum number of members and no member list is asked. Where several claimants seek to represent one group, the judge appoints 'le plus adéquat d'entre eux' (XVII.40 §2). - **The temporal limit.** The action lies only for harm from a common cause after the law of 28 March 2014 came into force on 1 September 2014: 'L'action en réparation collective ne peut être introduite que si la cause commune du dommage collectif s'est produite après l'entrée en vigueur de la présente loi' (art. 4 of that law, a transitional provision outside the CDE, which the 2024 law left standing). The Cour constitutionnelle upheld it: victims 'peuvent ou non recourir à l’action en réparation collective, selon que la cause commune de ce dommage s’est produite après ou avant cette date' (arrêt 41/2016, B.8.1), and 'Le premier moyen n’est pas fondé' (B.15). In VW the line ran through the class: Rb Brussel admitted the action only for owners of a vehicle 'aangekocht op en na 1 september 2014', and left earlier buyers to an action under the common law (Rb Brussel 18 December 2017, AR 2016/2706/A, dispositif and para. 14). 2. Who is bound, and how they join ---------------------------------- - **After a merits judgment: opt-in, for everyone.** People harmed who want the benefit of a judgment that finds the defendant liable 'disposent d'un délai de quatre mois pour s'adresser au greffe pour rejoindre le groupe', counted from 'le lendemain de la publication au Moniteur belge de la décision du juge sur le fond' (XVII.55/1 §1). The judgment states the four months 'ainsi que les modalités à suivre' (XVII.54 §1, 8°). The choice is final: 'L'exercice du droit d'option par le consommateur et/ou la PME est irrévocable.' - **In an approved settlement: the agreement chooses, within two limits.** The agreement sets 'le système d'option applicable au groupe' and the window for exercising the option 'auprès du greffe' (XVII.45 §3, 7°). People abroad always opt in: 'Pour les consommateurs qui ne résident pas de manière habituelle en Belgique et les PME qui n'ont pas leur établissement principal en Belgique, le système d'option d'inclusion est d'application.' So does everyone where the harm is bodily or moral: 'Si l'action vise à la réparation d'un préjudice collectif corporel ou moral, seul le système d'option d'inclusion est applicable'. For other harm the agreement may bind residents unless they opt out at the greffe. The judge refuses to approve an agreement whose window is 'manifestement déraisonnable' (XVII.49 §2), and the approval 'lie tous les membre du groupe' once they have exercised their option (XVII.49 §4). - **Actions introduced before 10 June 2024.** The admissibility decision chose opt-in or opt-out and set a window of 30 days to three months (former XVII.43 §2, 3° and 7°), and 'Le consommateur communique son option au greffe' (former XVII.38 §1). In VW the court applied opt-out to residents, and 'voor de niet-verblijfhouders was automatisch het opt-in systeem van toepassing' (Rb Brussel 27 July 2023, AR 2016/2706/A, para. 13). - **The greffe holds the group, not the register.** Each member addresses the greffe of the Brussels court seised, or of the Hof van beroep on appeal. The liquidateur draws up the provisional list 'sur base des données que le greffe lui communique', and it holds the members 'qui se sont fait connaître expressément' (XVII.58 §1). The representative holds no list in law, and signing up with it is not joining the group: 'Men kan dus ook groepslid worden zonder aanmelding bij Test Aankoop.' (Rb Brussel 18 December 2017, para. 46). The register is the representative's evidence for its estimate of the group, and its intake for the options members lodge at the greffe. - **Other proceedings.** A member who settles individually out of court leaves the group (XVII.68). A partie civile in criminal proceedings is a member only if it withdraws before the option deadline (XVII.67). Once a person is a member, identical individual proceedings lapse and new ones are inadmissible (XVII.69). No text read asks a member to declare that they claim nowhere else. - **The export, in a Belgian action.** `be.json` sets `opt_in_abroad` and `opt_in_window` to true, names the greffe as the channel, `registry`, asks no declaration on parallel actions, and leaves it to the action whether residents opt in (`opt_in_residents`: `action`). The export states `opt_in_residents` as true after a merits judgment in an action introduced from 10 June 2024 (XVII.55/1 §1, inserted by art. 34 of the 2024 law), in a settlement that applies opt-in to residents or concerns bodily or moral harm (XVII.45 §3, 7°), and in an action introduced before 10 June 2024 whose admissibility decision chose opt-in; as false where residents are bound unless they opt out, in a settlement or under an earlier admissibility decision, after judgment too. Until one of these fixes it, the export states `opt_in_residents` as true: with no window set, records count on their own facts either way (core 4.6). The export states as `opt_in_opened_on` the first day of the window: after a merits judgment, the day after its publication in the Moniteur belge; in a settlement, the day the approved agreement says it starts; in an action introduced before 10 June 2024, the day the admissibility decision says it starts. `opt_in_closed_on` is the last day of that window, four months on after a merits judgment. Until a window is set both are null, and a person abroad counts on their residence alone (core 4.6). No court tests a count of sign-ups (section 3), so whether support from abroad counts before the window closes does not arise. `opt_in_channel` stays null: the judgment or agreement sets the modalities, in VW a letter by hand or by registered post or a filing through e-Deposit, and each reaches the greffe, so the record names its channel `registry`. 3. When the register is tested ------------------------------ | Stage | What it asks of the register | Source | |---|---|---| | Filing | A description of the group and an estimate of its size, per sub-category. No member list. Limitation is suspended for everyone the description in the requête covers | XVII.42 §1, 4°; XVII.63 | | Admissibility | Standing, statutory object and efficiency, the last judged on the potential group: the number of potential members, the size of each loss, the common cause. Sign-ups are no condition | XVII.36; Rb Brussel 4 April 2016 (Thomas Cook), paras. 20 and 31; Hof van beroep Brussel 10 January 2018 (Proximus), para. 35; Rb Brussel 18 December 2017 (VW), para. 41 | | Settlement | The number of consumers concerned, the option system, the window and the modalities at the greffe, and individual notice where the defendant knows who was harmed | XVII.45 §3, 3°, 7° and 12° | | Merits judgment | The group and its estimated number, individual notice by the defendant, the amount per member, the four months and the modalities | XVII.54 §1, 3°, 6°, 7° and 8° | | Joining | Each member's option at the greffe within the window, with the proof the judgment or agreement sets: in VW, proof of purchase, payment and registration of the vehicle | XVII.55/1 §1; XVII.45 §3, 7°; Rb Brussel 27 July 2023 (VW), para. 135 | | Distribution | The liquidateur's provisional list from the data of the greffe, contested entries with reasons, 30 days to contest at the greffe, a hearing, the final list | XVII.57 §1; XVII.58 §§ 1 to 5 | **Reference dates.** The filing date, for the description and the estimate; the last day of the option window, for who joined; and the provisional and final lists at distribution (XVII.58 §§ 1 and 5). The SPF Economie, which publishes the decisions that admit an action, approved settlements and merits decisions, listed none given under the 2024 law on 19 October 2026. 4. Required items ----------------- A register that claims a level in a Belgian action meets every item below. The first table holds what Belgian law requires, by statute or a court's holding. The second holds what this standard requires beyond the law, with the case law that gives the reason. ### What the law requires | \# | Item | Core | Source | |---|---|---|---| | BE-1 | A class definition and a class size with its method, per sub-category where the group has them, as precise as the representative can make it. The version filed with the requête is kept, since limitation is suspended for everyone it describes | 3, 6.1, 6.4 | art. XVII.42 §1, 4° CDE: 'la description du groupe pour lequel le représentant du groupe entend agir, en estimant, aussi précisément que possible, le nombre des personnes lésées; lorsque le groupe contient des sous-catégories, ces informations sont précisées par sous-catégorie'; art. XVII.63: 'qui tombe dans la description du groupe telle qu'elle figure dans la requête' | | BE-2 | Where the facts behind the claims began before 1 September 2014, each record holds the date the court draws the line by, in VW the date of purchase, and a record before it falls outside the class (core 4.1 (4)) | 3, 4.1 (4) | Law of 28 March 2014, art. 4: 'L'action en réparation collective ne peut être introduite que si la cause commune du dommage collectif s'est produite après l'entrée en vigueur de la présente loi'; Cour constitutionnelle 41/2016, B.8.1; Rb Brussel 18 December 2017, AR 2016/2706/A, dispositif: 'aangekocht op en na 1 september 2014' | | BE-3 | Each record holds the person's residence, and for an SME the country of its principal establishment. A person abroad is a member only by an option lodged at the greffe within the window: once the window has closed, the record holds that option with its day and the channel `registry`, or the channel the judgment or agreement set instead, which the export states as `opt_in_channel`. The export states the window's first and last day as `opt_in_opened_on` and `opt_in_closed_on` | 4.6 | art. XVII.45 §3, 7° CDE: 'Pour les consommateurs qui ne résident pas de manière habituelle en Belgique et les PME qui n'ont pas leur établissement principal en Belgique, le système d'option d'inclusion est d'application.'; art. XVII.55/1 §1: 'disposent d'un délai de quatre mois pour s'adresser au greffe pour rejoindre le groupe' | | BE-4 | Where residents opt in as well (after a merits judgment in an action introduced from 10 June 2024, in a settlement that applies opt-in to them or concerns bodily or moral harm, or in an earlier action whose admissibility decision chose opt-in), the export states `opt_in_residents` as true, and each record holds its option to the greffe in `opt_in`, with its day and channel. Once the window has closed, a record without one made within it is grade D (core 4.1, rule 8) | 4.1 (8), 4.6 | art. XVII.55/1 §1 CDE: 'Les membres du groupe sont liés par la décision au fond suite l'exercice de leur droit d'option.'; art. XVII.58 §1: 'La liste provisoire contient les données des membres du groupe qui se sont fait connaître expressément.' | | BE-5 | The class definition, or each sub-category, states whether the harm claimed is bodily or moral, since only opt-in then applies | 3, 6.4 | art. XVII.45 §3, 7° CDE: 'Si l'action vise à la réparation d'un préjudice collectif corporel ou moral, seul le système d'option d'inclusion est applicable' | | BE-6 | A record whose option reached the greffe after a merits judgment never turns `withdrawn` | 4.1 (1) | art. XVII.55/1 §1 CDE: 'L'exercice du droit d'option par le consommateur et/ou la PME est irrévocable.' | | BE-7 | Per member, the sub-category claimed under and the data and documents the judgment or agreement prescribes, so that each entry can be tested against the description of the group, its sub-category and the prescribed modalities | 4.3, 5.3, 6.4 | art. XVII.58 §1 CDE: 'Lorsque le liquidateur estime qu'un membre du groupe qui s'est identifié ne satisfait pas à la description du groupe, ou le cas échéant d'une sous-catégorie ou aux modalités prescrites, il fait mention de la contestation de son inscription sur la liste provisoire et en précise les motifs.'; Rb Brussel 27 July 2023, AR 2016/2706/A, para. 135: 'mits voorlegging van een aankoopbewijs, betalingsbewijs en inschrijvingsbewijs van het bedoelde voertuig' | | BE-8 | Where a third party pays for the register or its operator in this action, the requête names it among the funders of the action, with the amount | 9 | art. XVII.42 §1, 6° CDE: 'l'indication si l'action en réparation collective est financée ou non par un tiers. Si c'est le cas, le représentant identifie les tiers financeurs ainsi que les montants financés.' | ### What this standard requires | \# | Item | Core | Reason | |---|---|---|---| | BE-9 | Every flow version says that signing up with the representative does not make the person a member of the group, and that they join by an option at the greffe within a window a judgment or an approved agreement sets. Consent to any other use of their data is asked apart, and never as a condition of signing up | 5.1 | Rb Brussel faulted Test Aankoop for not saying that joining it was not needed to join the group: 'Als Test Aankoop niet uitlegt dat men ook groepslid kan worden zonder aanmelding speelt zij niet helemaal open kaart.' (Rb Brussel 18 December 2017, AR 2016/2706/A, para. 46); 'Test Aankoop geeft dus geen volledige informatie aan de consument en aan potentiële groepsleden.' (para. 47). It criticised a sign-up that left 'geen vrije en duidelijke keuze' about a database 'die voor commerciële doeleinden wordt aangewend' (para. 46). The failings did not cost Test Aankoop its fitness under the adequacy test since repealed (para. 49). Membership comes only from an option at the greffe (art. XVII.55/1 §1), so a sign-up who takes the register for the group misses the window | 5. Recommended items -------------------- - **A register before filing, with the method that links it to the estimate.** The efficiency test weighs the potential size of the group: 'de potentiële omvang van de groep van belang kan zijn bij de beoordeling van de derde ontvankelijkheidsvoorwaarde' (Rb Brussel 4 April 2016, 2015/4019/A, Thomas Cook, para. 20); 'Ten eerste is er in casu een groot aantal consumenten die potentieel schade hebben geleden.' (Hof van beroep Brussel 10 January 2018, 2017/AR/721, Proximus, para. 35). Identified members also answer a defendant who says the claims are paid: in Thomas Cook a passenger list 'met de namen van 183 personen' and payment lists did not show that every passenger had been paid (para. 29). - **A count before filing that asks no further consent.** 'Niets belet Test Aankoop echter dat zij voorafgaand een peiling doet naar het aantal mogelijke gedupeerden, zonder dat men de consument vraagt in te stemmen met de opname van zijn persoonsgegevens in een databank die voor andere doeleinden dan de aanmelding wordt gebruikt.' (Rb Brussel 18 December 2017, para. 48). - **Reconciliation with the list of the greffe.** The provisional list goes to the representative and 'peut être consultée au greffe' (XVII.58 §2). A register that marks which records the greffe holds learns of options lodged without it, which BE-4 needs, and shows how many sign-ups never joined. Few come forward: in VW nobody used the window the admissibility decision opened, 'Niemand oefende naar aanleiding van deze bekendmaking een keuzerecht uit' (Rb Brussel 27 July 2023, para. 13), and in Proximus 'seules 2000 personnes sur environ 30 000 personnes concernées se sont manifestées' (Conseil central de l'économie, avis CCE 2022-2910, p. 8, on figures from the consumer organisations). - **A check against the defendant's own data.** Where the defendant 'a connaissance ou peut facilement avoir connaissance de l'identité des personnes lésées', it must inform them individually at its own cost (XVII.45 §3, 12°; XVII.54 §1, 6°). Where that list reaches the representative, a record checked against it rests on a source outside the person (core 4.3). - **Other proceedings per record.** An individual settlement out of court ends membership (XVII.68), and so does a constitution as partie civile kept past the option deadline (XVII.67): the record turns `excluded`. Identical individual proceedings lapse once the person is a member (XVII.69), so the record notes them. - **An export the greffe and the liquidateur can take in.** Per member the case reference, name, contact details, the claim and its documents, ready to file by hand, by registered post or through e-Deposit. The VW judgment asked for a letter with 'de referte van de huidige zaak', 'zijn naam en de contactgegevens', 'de vermelding dat hij aanspraak maakt op een vergoeding' and 'het aankoopbewijs, het betalingsbewijs en het inschrijvingsbewijs' (Rb Brussel 27 July 2023, dispositif). - **The operator invoiced per action.** In a settlement the representative recovers from the defendant no more than 'les frais réels exposés par le représentant' (XVII.45 §3, 8°), so an operator invoice for this action alone lets the representative show its real costs. 6. Recognised identification ---------------------------- - **Identity, grade A**: notified eIDAS means. `be.json` names no further scheme. - **Outside sources, grade B**: the defendant's own data, where it must inform members individually (section 5). The documents a judgment names, in VW the proof of purchase, payment and registration of the vehicle, are evidence the person supplies (core 4.3). 7. The level a typical action needs ----------------------------------- A recommendation, not a court's rule. - **Filing and admissibility: Level 1, Registered.** No court tests a count: the register supports the estimate of the group and the efficiency test. Even under the adequacy test since repealed, representativeness 'hangt in deze zaak echter niet af van het aantal mensen die zich reeds bij Test Aankoop, de enige groepsvertegenwoordiger, hebben aangemeld' (Rb Brussel 18 December 2017, para. 41). - **Joining and distribution: Level 3, Verified**, where the register prepares the options members lodge at the greffe. The liquidateur contests each entry that does not fit the group, its sub-category or the prescribed modalities (XVII.58 §1), entries can be contested at the greffe within 30 days (XVII.58 §3), and the judgment sets documentary proof per member (BE-7), which a record at grade B, supplied, carries. 8. Unsettled ------------ - **Whether the register can be the channel.** In VW the judgment named the greffe, by letter or through e-Deposit, yet the SPF Economie reports that 'Les demandes d'indemnisation peuvent être introduites via la plateforme en ligne de Test-Achats'. No source read states on what basis the platform stood in for the greffe, whether an approved agreement set it, or whether the greffe received the claims. Where a judgment or an approved agreement names a channel other than the greffe, the export states it as `opt_in_channel` and the conformance statement names the decision. - **Options lodged for members.** No statute, decree or ruling read says whether a representative or an operator may lodge options at the greffe on behalf of members, one by one or in bulk. A written mandate from each member is the most plausible basis, and untested. - **A royal decree on the channel.** 'Le Roi peut préciser les voies par lesquelles le consommateur et/ou la PME peut communiquer son choix au greffe' (XVII.55/1 §1). None appears among the executing decrees of the CDE that Justel listed on 21 October 2026. A decree would fix the channel BE-3 and BE-4 name. - **Withdrawal in a settlement.** XVII.55/1 §1 makes an option after a merits judgment irrevocable; no text read says whether an option under an approved agreement can be withdrawn. - **The first action under the 2024 law.** No admissibility decision under it has been published (section 3). It will be the first ruling on admissibility without the adequacy test and without a choice of option system. - **A foundation as ad hoc entity.** Art. I.21, 6° defines the representative of the group as 'l'association qui agit au nom du groupe'; whether a foundation can be approved for one action is untested. - **Consultation of the list.** XVII.58 §2 makes the provisional list consultable at the greffe without saying by whom. - **No declaration on parallel actions.** No Belgian text read asks a member to declare that they are not represented elsewhere: XVII.67 to XVII.69 deal with other proceedings by ending membership or the other proceedings. `be.json` sets `parallel_declaration` to false, so the validator asks no declaration of a record abroad. Sources ------- 1. Code de droit économique, Livre XVII, consolidated text to 4 August 2026, Justel (SPF Justice), read 19 October 2026: [https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/eli/loi/2013/02/28/2013A11134/justel](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/eli/loi/2013/02/28/2013A11134/justel) 2. Wetboek van economisch recht, Boek XVII, consolidated text to 4 August 2026, Justel (SPF Justice), read 19 October 2026: [https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/eli/wet/2013/02/28/2013A11134/justel](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/eli/wet/2013/02/28/2013A11134/justel) 3. Loi du 28 mars 2014, inserting Titre 2 in Livre XVII, Justel (SPF Justice), read 19 October 2026: [https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/eli/loi/2014/03/28/2014011217/justel](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/eli/loi/2014/03/28/2014011217/justel) 4. Loi du 21 avril 2024 modifiant les livres Ier, XV et XVII du Code de droit économique, et transposant la directive (UE) 2020/1828, Justel (SPF Justice), read 19 October 2026: [https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/eli/loi/2024/04/21/2024005024/justel](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/eli/loi/2024/04/21/2024005024/justel) 5. Executing decrees of the Code de droit économique, Justel (SPF Justice), read 21 October 2026: [https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi\_loi/article.pl?language=fr&arrexec=1&lg\_txt=f&type=&sort=&numac\_search=2013A11134&cn\_search=2013022819&caller=eli&&view\_numac=2013022819fr](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/article.pl?language=fr&arrexec=1&lg_txt=f&type=&sort=&numac_search=2013A11134&cn_search=2013022819&caller=eli&&view_numac=2013022819fr) 6. Projet de loi, exposé des motifs, DOC 55 3895/001, Chambre des représentants, read 19 October 2026: [https://www.lachambre.be/FLWB/PDF/55/3895/55K3895001.pdf](https://www.lachambre.be/FLWB/PDF/55/3895/55K3895001.pdf) 7. Cour constitutionnelle, arrêt n° 41/2016, 17 March 2016, read 19 October 2026: [https://www.const-court.be/public/f/2016/2016-041f.pdf](https://www.const-court.be/public/f/2016/2016-041f.pdf) 8. Rb Brussel 18 December 2017, AR 2016/2706/A (Test Aankoop v Volkswagen and others), Moniteur belge 8 May 2018, ed. 1, read 21 October 2026: [https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/mopdf/2018/05/08\_1.pdf](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/mopdf/2018/05/08_1.pdf) 9. Rb Brussel 27 July 2023, AR 2016/2706/A (Test Aankoop v Volkswagen and others), SPF Economie, read 19 October 2026: [https://economie.fgov.be/sites/default/files/Files/Consumer-protection/Dieselgate-20230727-vonnis-TA.pdf](https://economie.fgov.be/sites/default/files/Files/Consumer-protection/Dieselgate-20230727-vonnis-TA.pdf) 10. SPF Economie, the VW case, with its claims through the representative's platform, read 19 October 2026: [https://economie.fgov.be/fr/themes/protection-des-consommateurs/action-en-reparation/decisions-avant-juin-2024/affaire-test-achats-contre-vw](https://economie.fgov.be/fr/themes/protection-des-consommateurs/action-en-reparation/decisions-avant-juin-2024/affaire-test-achats-contre-vw) 11. Rb Brussel 4 April 2016, 2015/4019/A (Test Aankoop v Thomas Cook Airlines Belgium), SPF Economie, read 19 October 2026: [https://economie.fgov.be/sites/default/files/Files/Consumer-protection/Vonnis-rechtbank-1e-aanleg-Brussel-class-action-Thomas-Cook-Airlines.pdf](https://economie.fgov.be/sites/default/files/Files/Consumer-protection/Vonnis-rechtbank-1e-aanleg-Brussel-class-action-Thomas-Cook-Airlines.pdf) 12. Hof van beroep Brussel 10 January 2018, 2017/AR/721 (Test Aankoop v Proximus), Moniteur belge 24 January 2018, read 19 October 2026: [https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi/article.pl?language=nl&sum\_date=2018-01-24&lg\_txt=n&pd\_search=2018-01-24&numac\_search=2018701581&view\_numac=2018701581n](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi/article.pl?language=nl&sum_date=2018-01-24&lg_txt=n&pd_search=2018-01-24&numac_search=2018701581&view_numac=2018701581n) 13. SPF Economie, decisions given before 10 June 2024, read 19 October 2026: [https://economie.fgov.be/fr/themes/protection-des-consommateurs/action-en-reparation/decisions-rendues-dans-le](https://economie.fgov.be/fr/themes/protection-des-consommateurs/action-en-reparation/decisions-rendues-dans-le) 14. Conseil central de l'économie, avis CCE 2022-2910, 21 November 2022, read 19 October 2026: [https://www.ccecrb.fgov.be/dpics/fichiers/2022-11-21-01-44-12\_CCE20222910Avis.pdf](https://www.ccecrb.fgov.be/dpics/fichiers/2022-11-21-01-44-12_CCE20222910Avis.pdf) --- # https://vcrs.org/annexes/cz VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 Annex CZ: Czech Republic (hromadné řízení) ========================================== What the Czech collective action act and its courts require of a register, and what the standard asks beyond them. A filing cites this text at [vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/cz](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/cz), where it stays unchanged. 04 Annexes ------- 9 sections VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2. Draft for consultation. Not legal advice. Law and rulings as read on 19 and 21 October 2026 in the Sbírka zákonů (e-Sbírka), the Ministerstvo spravedlnosti's rejstřík hromadných řízení and the Městský soud v Praze's documents published in it, the Ministerstvo průmyslu a obchodu's list of authorised persons and the European Commission's overview of notified eID schemes. 1. The regime ------------- A collective damages action is a hromadná žaloba under the zákon č. 179/2024 Sb., o hromadném občanském řízení soudním, in force since 1 July 2024, which transposes Directive (EU) 2020/1828 and applies to disputes between consumers and a trader (§ 4). 'Podle tohoto zákona lze projednat a rozhodnout spory o práva nebo oprávněné zájmy, které vznikly po dni 24. listopadu 2020.' (§ 92 odst. 1). - **Who may sue.** 'Žalobcem v hromadném řízení může být pouze právnická osoba, která je zapsána do seznamu oprávněných osob podle zákona o ochraně spotřebitele, nebo společně více takovýchto osob.' (§ 8 odst. 1). The Ministerstvo průmyslu a obchodu keeps the Czech list, and an entity enters it only after it 'aktivně působí v oblasti ochrany zájmů spotřebitelů po dobu alespoň 12 měsíců' (§ 25a odst. 1 písm. b) zákona č. 634/1992 Sb.), so there is no entity formed for one action. The plaintiff 'musí být v hromadném řízení zastoupen advokátem' (§ 14). - **Admissibility.** 'Hromadná žaloba je přípustná, jestliže (...) c) skupina má alespoň 10 členů, d) tvrzená práva nebo oprávněné zájmy členů skupiny jsou založeny na podobném skutkovém a právním základu' (§ 15). The court examines these when the defendant raises them, the plaintiff's listing apart (Městský soud v Praze, 11 February 2025, 3 C 10/2024-10, para. 18), and at any later stage: 'Podmínky přípustnosti hromadné žaloby soud zkoumá kdykoliv v průběhu hromadného řízení ve věci samé.' (§ 24 odst. 1). - **The court.** Both actions admitted by 21 October 2026 were heard by the Městský soud v Praze. 2. Who is bound, and how they join ---------------------------------- - **Opt-in, for everyone.** A participating member is a 'člen skupiny, který se do hromadného řízení stanoveným způsobem přihlásil' (§ 2 odst. 1 písm. d)), and 'Výrok pravomocného rozsudku vydaného v hromadném řízení je závazný pro všechny zúčastněné členy skupiny ke dni vydání rozhodnutí.' (§ 70 odst. 4). The act draws no line by residence, and the court sets publication to reach 'všech členů skupiny včetně případných členů skupiny, kteří nemají obvyklý pobyt na území České republiky' (§ 84 odst. 2), so residents and people abroad both opt in: `cz.json` sets `opt_in_abroad` and `opt_in_residents` to true and asks no declaration on parallel claims, which the act does not know. - **The přihláška.** 'Přihláška se činí oznámením učiněným u žalobce, a to s využitím formuláře, který Ministerstvo spravedlnosti (dále jen „ministerstvo“) uveřejní způsobem umožňujícím dálkový přístup.' (§ 32 odst. 1). 'Z přihlášky musí být patrno, kdo ji činí, kterého hromadného řízení se týká, čeho se člen skupiny po žalovaném v rozsahu vymezeném žalobcem v hromadné žalobě domáhá, a musí být podepsána a datována.' (§ 33 odst. 1). Filed electronically, 'může být náležitost podpisu splněna jakýmkoliv způsobem, se kterým jiný právní předpis spojuje účinky vlastnoručního podpisu' (vyhláška č. 181/2024 Sb., § 5); the form the Městský soud v Praze published for 3 C 3/2026 names a send from the member's datová schránka or a qualified electronic signature. A sign-up on a website, confirmed by mail or a tick box, is no valid přihláška. Where it was made as a notice of joining, it is one not on the form or unsigned, and the plaintiff asks for a correction within a reasonable time (§ 34 odst. 1). - **Two channels.** The přihláška goes to the plaintiff, or to the court: 'Přihláška je učiněna řádně také tehdy, pokud je ve lhůtě pro přihlašování podána k soudu, který vede hromadné řízení v prvním stupni.' (§ 32 odst. 2). `cz.json` names no single channel; each record states its own, `plaintiff` or `court` (CZ-2). - **The period.** 'Člen skupiny se může do hromadného řízení přihlásit od zahájení hromadného řízení podáním hromadné žaloby do uplynutí lhůty pro přihlašování přihláškou.' (§ 31 odst. 1), and 'Za přihlášku se považuje i udělení písemného souhlasu se zahájením hromadného řízení před podáním hromadné žaloby' (§ 31 odst. 2). The admissibility ruling sets the deadline, 'alespoň 2 měsíce, nejvýše však 4 měsíce od uveřejnění pravomocného usnesení o přípustnosti hromadné žaloby v rejstříku hromadných řízení' (§ 18 odst. 1 písm. d)). People join from before filing to that deadline, so the export states no opt-in window: the opt-in is due from the start, and a record counts once it holds a signed přihláška. - **Defects.** The plaintiff asks for a correction where the form or the content of § 33 is missing (§ 34 odst. 1), and 'K přihlášce, která nebyla podána za podmínek podle § 31 nebo 32 nebo která nebyla na výzvu žalobce opravena, se nepřihlíží.' (§ 34 odst. 2). A přihláška that claims more than the action seeks, left uncorrected, is disregarded only 'v rozsahu, ve kterém překračuje předmět hromadného řízení' (§ 35 odst. 2). - **Withdrawal.** In whole or in part, on the ministry's form, until the deadline; 'Jinak se ke zpětvzetí přihlášky nepřihlíží.' (§ 36). - **Effect.** 'Přihlášení do hromadného řízení brání tomu, aby právo nebo oprávněný zájem zúčastněného člena skupiny s podobným skutkovým a právním základem v rozsahu vymezeném v přihlášce mohly být uplatněny v jiném řízení.' (§ 37 odst. 2). A member who sued alone first may join, and the přihláška then names that action (§ 28 odst. 2, § 33 odst. 3). - **Who holds the list.** The plaintiff: 'Žalobce vytvoří seznam zúčastněných členů skupiny, do kterého zapisuje identifikační údaje o každém členovi skupiny, který se do hromadného řízení přihlásil, s uvedením, čeho se tento člen skupiny po žalovaném domáhá.' (§ 38 odst. 1). 3. When the register is tested ------------------------------ | Stage | What it asks of the register | Source | |---|---|---| | Filing | The conditions of membership, the facts behind § 15, the amount per member or how it is computed; the written consents given before filing, attached | § 13 odst. 1 písm. b), § 13 odst. 2; § 31 odst. 2 | | Admissibility | At least 10 members of the group, both rulings read taking them from přihlášky already collected; claims on a similar factual and legal basis | § 15 písm. c), d); 3 C 10/2024-10, paras. 9 and 21; 3 C 3/2026, paras. 11 and 23 | | Joining | Signed přihlášky on the ministry's form, to the plaintiff or the court, until the deadline; a correction asked where one is defective | § 18 odst. 1 písm. d); §§ 31 to 36 | | The list | After the deadline, the list and every přihláška to the court, and the list to the parties; fewer than 10 on it stops the action | § 38 odst. 2, 3; § 39 odst. 1 | | Exclusion | Within one month, on the plaintiff's motion, the court strikes a person whose membership is not at least probable | § 40, § 41 | | Judgment | The list is the judgment's annex: every participating member, whether their claim succeeds, and what each receives | § 70 odst. 1, 2 | | Payment | The defendant pays each member named in the annex, within the time the judgment sets | § 70 odst. 1 písm. b); vyhláška č. 181/2024 Sb., § 2 odst. 1 písm. e) | **Reference dates.** The day of the admissibility ruling for the count of 10. The last day of the joining period for the list (§ 38 odst. 2), as amended by any exclusion (§ 41). The judgment binds 'ke dni vydání rozhodnutí' (§ 70 odst. 4). 4. Required items ----------------- A register that claims a level in a Czech action meets every item below. They hold what Czech law requires, by statute, decree or a court's holding. ### What the law requires | \# | Item | Core | Source | |---|---|---|---| | CZ-1 | At the admissibility ruling, facts showing at least 10 members of the group with claims on a similar factual and legal basis; both rulings read took them from přihlášky already collected. After the deadline, at least 10 participating members on the list | 6.2, 6.4 | § 15 písm. c): 'skupina má alespoň 10 členů'; Městský soud v Praze, 11 February 2025, 3 C 10/2024-10, para. 21: 'existuje přinejmenším 19 osob, kteří jsou tvrzenými nositeli nároků'; § 39 odst. 1: 'Je-li na předloženém seznamu zúčastněných členů skupiny zapsáno méně než 10 přihlášených členů skupiny, soud hromadné řízení zastaví.' | | CZ-2 | Each record holds its opt-in: the signed and dated přihláška on the ministry's form, the day it was made and its channel, `plaintiff` or `court`. A written consent given before filing counts. A sign-up without a signature that § 5 of the decree accepts holds no opt-in until corrected; the record keeps the request and its deadline (CZ-4) | 4.1 (8), 4.6, 5.1, 5.3 | § 32 odst. 1 and 2; § 33 odst. 1: 'a musí být podepsána a datována'; § 31 odst. 2; vyhláška č. 181/2024 Sb., § 5: 'může být náležitost podpisu splněna jakýmkoliv způsobem, se kterým jiný právní předpis spojuje účinky vlastnoručního podpisu' | | CZ-3 | Each přihláška states who makes it, which action, what is claimed, and the facts and evidence that make membership credible; it holds the member's bank account, and the e-mail or datová schránka where the member has one | 4.3, 6.5 | § 33 odst. 2: 'Přihláška musí obsahovat též skutková tvrzení a důkazy osvědčující, že člen skupiny, který se do hromadného řízení přihlašuje, splňuje předpoklady členství ve skupině.'; vyhláška č. 181/2024 Sb., § 2 odst. 1 písm. c), e) | | CZ-4 | A přihláška made after the deadline, or left uncorrected after the plaintiff's request, is recorded `excluded`. One that claims more or other than the action seeks, left uncorrected, counts for the part within the action; only one wholly outside it is recorded `excluded`. The request and its deadline are kept with the record | 4.1 (1), 5.3 | § 34 odst. 2: 'se nepřihlíží'; § 35 odst. 2: 'se nepřihlíží v rozsahu, ve kterém překračuje předmět hromadného řízení'; Městský soud v Praze, 1 July 2025, 3 C 10/2024-75, para. 72: 'Žalobce správně neměl po případné marné výzvě k odstranění vad přihlášek, k těmto přihláškám vůbec přihlížet a zahrnovat je do seznamu hromadníků ve smyslu § 38 z. h. ř.' | | CZ-5 | A withdrawal of the whole přihláška on the ministry's form until the deadline is recorded `withdrawn`; a partial one leaves the record active for the rest, with the claim amended. One after the deadline has no effect, and the record stays `active` | 4.1 (1) | § 36: 'Přihlášku může zúčastněný člen skupiny vzít zcela nebo zčásti zpět do uplynutí lhůty pro přihlašování'; 'Jinak se ke zpětvzetí přihlášky nepřihlíží.' | | CZ-6 | Each record holds the member's name, surname, residence and date of birth, or rodné číslo or a like unique identifier; for a legal person its name, seat and identification number | 4.1 (6) | § 2 odst. 1 písm. g): 'identifikačními údaji jméno, příjmení, bydliště a datum narození, popřípadě rodné číslo nebo obdobný jedinečný identifikátor, fyzické osoby nebo název, sídlo a identifikační číslo právnické osoby' | | CZ-7 | A member who sued alone first: the přihláška and the record hold the case number of that action | 4.6 | § 33 odst. 3: 'musí přihláška obsahovat také spisovou značku nebo číslo jednací příslušného individuálního řízení' | | CZ-8 | The register yields the list in the decree's format, with its columns, delivered with every přihláška after the deadline; each version is kept with its day and the snapshot root of that day | 5.4, 7 | vyhláška č. 181/2024 Sb., § 7: 'Seznam zúčastněných členů skupiny se vede v elektronické podobě v datovém formátu MS Excel Spreadsheet (\*.xls/xlsx).'; § 9 písm. a) to d); § 38 odst. 2: 'Jakmile uplyne lhůta pro přihlašování, předloží žalobce soudu seznam zúčastněných členů skupiny a jejich přihlášky.' | | CZ-9 | A person the court strikes from the list is recorded `excluded`, with the day the order became final | 4.1 (1), 5.3 | § 41: the court strikes a person 'není-li členství této osoby ve skupině s ohledem na předpoklady členství ve skupině alespoň pravděpodobné'; § 42 odst. 1 | | CZ-10 | The register yields the judgment's annex: each member, whether the claim succeeds, and what each receives | 9 | § 70 odst. 2: 'Seznam zúčastněných členů skupiny je přílohou rozsudku a považuje se za součást jeho výroku.' | 5. Recommended items -------------------- - **A margin above 10.** Fewer than 10 on the list after the deadline stops the action (§ 39 odst. 1), and the court may revisit admissibility at any stage (§ 24 odst. 1). - **The facts of each claim in fields of their own.** The court works from a sample of the claims: it 'nezjišťuje izolovaně skutkové okolnosti každého jednotlivého nároku zvlášť, nýbrž vychází zpravidla z určitého vzorku uplatněných nároků' (3 C 10/2024-75, para. 8). - **A class size from a source outside the register.** The court sized the class from a Facebook group of 196 members (3 C 10/2024-10, para. 8) and from the capacity of an aircraft (3 C 3/2026, para. 3) when it set the joining period. - **A count of přihlášky and withdrawals.** The costs of receiving přihlášky and keeping the list are recoverable at a flat 900 Kč per přihláška and 250 Kč per withdrawal (vyhláška č. 181/2024 Sb., § 10 odst. 2 and 3). - **Access to the list kept narrow.** It goes to the defendant with every member's identity (§ 38 odst. 3) and sits in the court's file. - **An operator processing přihlášky for the plaintiff.** Each přihláška reaches the plaintiff's own datová schránka or address, as the form names it, and the operator processes it there as the plaintiff's processor under a written mandate; the opt-in's day is the day the plaintiff had it, and a přihláška falls within the period only where the plaintiff had it in time (§ 31 odst. 1). This lowers the risk of the question section 8 leaves open; it does not settle it. 6. Recognised identification ---------------------------- - **Identity, grade A**: the Czech eID card, notified under eIDAS at assurance level high (the European Commission's overview of notified schemes: 2019/C 309/09), and the Mobile eGovernment Key and mojeID, notified at low, substantial and high (notified 27 September 2021), all covered by `eidas`. The record states the assurance the login reports: one at low stays at grade B (`assurance_too_low`). `cz.json` names no further scheme. A datová schránka signs a přihláška; it is no identification scheme of its own here. - **Outside sources, grade B**: none named. The court has examined documents the members supplied: order confirmations, proofs of payment, demands and rescissions (3 C 10/2024-10, para. 9). 7. The level a typical action needs ----------------------------------- A recommendation, not a court's rule. - **Level 3, Verified.** Each přihláška carries a signature and the facts and evidence that make membership credible (§ 33), the plaintiff screens each before listing it (3 C 10/2024-75, para. 72), and the list, with each member's identity and award, becomes part of an enforceable judgment (§ 70 odst. 2). 8. Unsettled ------------ - No appellate ruling under the act was found by 21 October 2026. - Whether a bank identity or another electronic signature short of a qualified one meets § 5 of the decree. The form names a datová schránka or a qualified electronic signature. - Whether a přihláška an operator receives for the plaintiff is made 'u žalobce' (§ 32 odst. 1). No source read addresses an agent. - The validator tests that a record holds an opt-in, not how it was signed, nor its channel, which the law leaves to two, nor the deadline, since the export states no window. CZ-2 and CZ-4 set them, and the auditor checks each. - Whether members who inspect the court's file see one another's identity data. Sources ------- 1. Zákon č. 179/2024 Sb., o hromadném občanském řízení soudním, Sbírka zákonů (e-Sbírka): [https://e-sbirka.gov.cz/sb/2024/179](https://e-sbirka.gov.cz/sb/2024/179) 2. Vyhláška č. 181/2024 Sb., o provedení některých ustanovení zákona o hromadném občanském řízení soudním, Sbírka zákonů (e-Sbírka): [https://e-sbirka.gov.cz/sb/2024/181](https://e-sbirka.gov.cz/sb/2024/181) 3. Zákon č. 634/1992 Sb., o ochraně spotřebitele, část osmá, Sbírka zákonů (e-Sbírka): [https://e-sbirka.gov.cz/sb/1992/634](https://e-sbirka.gov.cz/sb/1992/634) 4. Městský soud v Praze, usnesení ze dne 11. 2. 2025, č. j. 3 C 10/2024-10, rejstřík hromadných řízení: [https://hromadnerizeni.justice.cz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3C\_10\_2024\_6\_PM.pdf](https://hromadnerizeni.justice.cz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3C_10_2024_6_PM.pdf) 5. Městský soud v Praze, rozsudek ze dne 1. 7. 2025, č. j. 3 C 10/2024-75, rejstřík hromadných řízení: [https://hromadnerizeni.justice.cz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3C\_10\_2024\_36\_sign.pdf](https://hromadnerizeni.justice.cz/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3C_10_2024_36_sign.pdf) 6. Městský soud v Praze, usnesení ze dne 8. 6. 2026, sp. zn. 3 C 3/2026, rejstřík hromadných řízení: [https://hromadnerizeni.justice.cz/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3C\_3\_2026\_14PM.pdf](https://hromadnerizeni.justice.cz/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/3C_3_2026_14PM.pdf) 7. Přihláška do hromadného řízení, the form for 3 C 3/2026, rejstřík hromadných řízení: [https://hromadnerizeni.justice.cz/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Prihlaska\_do\_hromadneho\_rizeni\_3C3\_26.pdf](https://hromadnerizeni.justice.cz/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Prihlaska_do_hromadneho_rizeni_3C3_26.pdf) 8. Hromadné žaloby: Seznam oprávněných osob, Ministerstvo průmyslu a obchodu: [https://mpo.gov.cz/cz/ochrana-spotrebitele/hromadne-rizeni/seznam-opravnenych-osob/hromadne-zaloby-seznam-opravnenych-osob--281743/](https://mpo.gov.cz/cz/ochrana-spotrebitele/hromadne-rizeni/seznam-opravnenych-osob/hromadne-zaloby-seznam-opravnenych-osob--281743/) 9. Overview of pre-notified and notified eID schemes under eIDAS, European Commission: [https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/EIDCOMMUNITY/Overview+of+pre-notified+and+notified+eID+schemes+under+eIDAS](https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/EIDCOMMUNITY/Overview+of+pre-notified+and+notified+eID+schemes+under+eIDAS) --- # https://vcrs.org/annexes/fi VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 Annex FI: Finland (ryhmäkanne under the ryhmäkannelaki) ======================================================= What the ryhmäkannelaki requires of a register, and what the standard asks beyond it. A filing cites this text at [vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/fi](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/fi), where it stays unchanged. 05 Annexes ------- 9 sections VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2. Draft for consultation. Not legal advice. Law as read on 19 and 21 October 2026 on Finlex, the Kilpailu- ja kuluttajavirasto's publications and the European Commission's list of qualified entities and overview of notified eID schemes. 1. The regime ------------- A collective damages action is a ryhmäkanne under the ryhmäkannelaki (444/2007), which transposes the Directive as amended by 1103/2022, in force since 25 June 2023. 'Tätä lakia sovelletaan kuluttaja-asiamiehen toimivallan mukaisessa laajuudessa kuluttajan ja elinkeinonharjoittajan välisen riita-asian käsittelyyn ryhmäkanteena' (1 § 1 mom), and to the claims for redress of Directive (EU) 2020/1828 (1 § 2 mom). Actions pending on that day keep the earlier rules: 'Ennen tämän lain voimaantuloa vireillä olleiden asioiden käsittelyyn sovelletaan tämän lain voimaan tullessa voimassa olleita säännöksiä' (1103/2022, voimaantulosäännös), and before it only the Kuluttaja-asiamies could sue. - **Who may sue.** A qualified entity: 'Jäljempänä 4 a §:ssä tarkoitettu oikeutettu yksikkö panee kantajana vireille ryhmäkanteen ja käyttää siinä asianosaisena puhevaltaa' (4 §). Under 4 a § that is the Kuluttaja-asiamies 'valvontavaltaansa kuuluvassa asiassa', a consumer organisation 'jonka oikeusministeriö on nimennyt oikeutetuksi yksiköksi tässä laissa tarkoitettuja ryhmäkanteita varten', and a qualified entity of another EEA state on the Commission's list. On 21 October 2026 the Commission's list named one Finnish organisation, Kuluttajaliitto ry, beside seven authorities. There is no entity formed for one action. - **Court.** 'Ryhmäkanneasioissa toimivaltainen käräjäoikeus on Helsingin käräjäoikeus, jonka tuomiopiirinä on koko maa' (3 §). - **The conditions.** 'Asia voidaan käsitellä ryhmäkanteena, jos: 1) useilla henkilöillä on samaa vastaajaa vastaan vaatimuksia, jotka perustuvat samoihin tai samankaltaisiin seikkoihin; 2) asian käsittely ryhmäkanteena on tarkoituksenmukaista ottaen huomioon ryhmän koko, asiassa esitettävien vaatimusten sisältö ja asiassa esitettävä todistelu; sekä 3) ryhmä on riittävän täsmällisesti määritelty' (2 §). The act sets no minimum number. The court gives no separate ruling on them and may dismiss on them at any stage (HE 154/2006 vp, on 2 §). - **Funding.** 'Ryhmäkanteen ulkopuolinen rahoittaja ei saa olla ryhmäkanteen vastaajan kilpailija tai vastaajasta riippuvainen' (2 a § 1 mom); the claimant explains its funding when there are grounded doubts (2 a § 2 mom). 2. Who is bound, and how they join ---------------------------------- - **Opt-in, for everyone.** 'Määritelmän mukainen ryhmän jäsen, joka asetetussa määräajassa on toimittanut kantajalle kirjallisen ilmoituksen halukkuudestaan osallistua ryhmäkanteeseen, kuuluu ryhmään' (8 § 1 mom), and 'Tuomioistuimen ratkaisu sitoo niitä ryhmän jäseniä, joita tuomioistuin on ratkaisussaan ilmoittanut sen koskevan' (16 §). The act draws no line by residence, so residents and people abroad both opt in: `fi.json` sets `opt_in_abroad` and `opt_in_residents` to true, names the claimant as the channel, `qe`, and asks no declaration on parallel claims, which the act does not know. - **The window.** 'Lisäksi tuomioistuimen on asetettava määräaika ryhmään ilmoittautumiselle. Tuomioistuin voi erityisestä syystä pidentää määräaikaa' (6 § 1 mom). The court sets it after the action is filed and before the summons issues. `fi.json` sets `opt_in_window` to true. The export states as `opt_in_opened_on` the day the court set the period, and as `opt_in_closed_on` its last day as the court set or extended it. Until the period closes a record counts on its other facts; after it, a record counts only with a written notice that reached the claimant within the period. - **A late notice.** 'Jos määritelmän mukainen jäsen ilmoittautuu ryhmään asetetun määräajan jälkeen, mutta ennen kuin täsmennetty haastehakemus on toimitettu tuomioistuimelle, kantaja voi erityisestä syystä hyväksyä hänet ryhmän jäseneksi' (8 § 2 mom). The export states the court's period, so the validator does not count such a member (section 8). - **The form.** A written notice to the claimant. Since 1103/2022 it need not be signed: the government bill struck the signature because it 'ei ole nyky-yhteiskunnassa toimiva menettelytapa' (HE 111/2022 vp, p. 83). - **The fee.** 'Jos kanteen on nostanut oikeutetuksi yksiköksi nimetty järjestö, kantaja voi edellyttää ryhmäkanteeseen osallistuvalta kohtuullisen ilmoittautumismaksun suorittamista' (8 § 1 mom). The Kuluttaja-asiamies charges none. - **The notice to members.** 'Kantajan on viipymättä ilmoitettava tiedossa oleville ryhmän jäsenille asian vireilletulosta. Ilmoitus on toimitettava postitse tai sähköisesti' (6 § 2 mom), with 'tieto siitä, miten ryhmään ilmoittaudutaan ja ilmoittautumiselle asetetusta määräajasta sekä mahdollisesta ilmoittautumismaksusta' (7 § 1 mom 4 kohta). - **Withdrawal, to the court.** 'Ryhmän jäsen voi ennen asian siirtämistä pääkäsittelyyn irrottautua ryhmästä ilmoittamalla siitä kirjallisesti tuomioistuimelle tai sen kansliaan' (15 § 1 mom); after the transfer only with the defendant's consent, and 'Kun asia on jätetty päätettäväksi, ryhmästä ei voi enää irrottautua' (15 § 2 mom). - **Who holds the list.** The claimant takes the notices and files the list in the refined summons (9 §). The court holds the refined summons, the withdrawals and the judgment's list of the members bound. No court registry or state portal takes notices. 3. When the register is tested ------------------------------ | Stage | What it asks of the register | Source | |---|---|---| | Filing | The group, the known claims, why group treatment fits, and the facts the claimant knows that matter only for some members. No names | 5 § 1 mom | | Notice and period | The court tells the parties and sets the period for joining; the claimant notifies the known members by post or electronically, with how to join, the deadline and any fee | 6 § 1, 2 mom; 7 § 1 mom | | Joining | A written notice to the claimant inside the period, from a person within the definition, with any fee the claimant requires paid | 8 § 1 mom | | Refined summons | Each member's name, address and individualised claim, within one month of the period's end. The summons issues only after it | 9 §; 10 § 1 mom | | Preparation | A claim the claimant drops before the refined summons ends; after it, the member may go on alone. Withdrawals reach the court | 13 §; 15 § 1 mom | | Main hearing | A member withdraws only with the defendant's consent, and not at all once the case is submitted for decision | 15 § 2 mom | | Judgment | Binds the members the court names in it, each with an award; the claimant tells the members | 16 §; 15 a § 1 mom | | Settlement | Binds the members once the court confirms it | HE 111/2022 vp, p. 32 | **Reference dates.** The last day of the period, with the list the refined summons files within a month after it (9 §). After that the list only shrinks (13 §, 15 §) or grows by a wider definition during preparation (12 § 1 mom). No ryhmäkanne had been filed by 19 October 2026: the Kilpailu- ja kuluttajavirasto wrote in 2021 that 'yhtään ryhmäkannetta ei tuomioistuimessa ole vielä koskaan nostettu', and no later filing was found. 4. Required items ----------------- A register that claims a level in a Finnish action meets every item below. The first table holds what Finnish law requires. The second holds what this standard requires beyond the law, with the reason. ### What the law requires | \# | Item | Core | Source | |---|---|---|---| | FI-1 | Each record holds the facts that place the person within the group the summons defines | 4.2, 4.3, 6.1 | 8 § 1 mom: 'Määritelmän mukainen ryhmän jäsen'; 2 § 3 kohta: 'ryhmä on riittävän täsmällisesti määritelty' | | FI-2 | Each record holds its opt-in: the day the person's written notice reached the claimant, through the channel `qe`, within the period the court set. A sign-up taken before the court set the period, such as a pre-registration, is not that notice | 4.1 (8), 4.6, 5.3 | 8 § 1 mom: 'joka asetetussa määräajassa on toimittanut kantajalle kirjallisen ilmoituksen halukkuudestaan osallistua ryhmäkanteeseen, kuuluu ryhmään'; 6 § 1 mom: 'Lisäksi tuomioistuimen on asetettava määräaika ryhmään ilmoittautumiselle.' | | FI-3 | A notice that reached the claimant after the period holds the claimant's decision on it: admitted for a special reason before the refined summons was filed, with the reason, or refused and recorded `excluded` | 4.1 (1), 4.6 | 8 § 2 mom: 'mutta ennen kuin täsmennetty haastehakemus on toimitettu tuomioistuimelle, kantaja voi erityisestä syystä hyväksyä hänet ryhmän jäseneksi' | | FI-4 | Where the claimant requires a sign-up fee, the amount, the day it was paid, and the notice that announced it. A person who did not pay a fee the claimant required is recorded `excluded` | 4.1 (1), 9 | 8 § 1 mom: 'kantaja voi edellyttää ryhmäkanteeseen osallistuvalta kohtuullisen ilmoittautumismaksun suorittamista'; 7 § 1 mom 4 kohta | | FI-5 | Each member's name, address and individualised claim, exportable as the list of the refined summons within one month of the period's end | 4.2, 6.5 | 9 §: 'Kantajan on laadittava täsmennetty haastehakemus, joka sisältää jäsenten nimet ja osoitteet sekä yksilöidyt vaatimukset ja, jos se on tarpeellista, täsmennetyt perusteet. Haastehakemus on toimitettava tuomioistuimelle kuukauden kuluessa ryhmään ilmoittautumiselle asetetusta määräajasta.' | | FI-6 | A record that the claimant notified the known members by post or electronically, with the notice's content, and any notice in a newspaper or by other means | 5.1 | 6 § 2 mom: 'Ilmoitus on toimitettava postitse tai sähköisesti. Jos ilmoitusta ei mainituin tavoin voida toimittaa kaikille määritelmän mukaisille ryhmän jäsenille, ryhmäkanteesta voidaan ilmoittaa yhdessä tai useammassa sanomalehdessä taikka muulla asianmukaisella tavalla.'; 7 § 1 mom | | FI-7 | A withdrawal is recorded `withdrawn` with the day the member gave written notice to the court, taken from the court's record, and after the transfer to the main hearing the defendant's consent | 4.1 (1), 5.3 | 15 § 1 mom: 'ilmoittamalla siitä kirjallisesti tuomioistuimelle tai sen kansliaan'; 15 § 2 mom: 'ryhmän jäsen voi vain vastaajan suostumuksella 1 momentissa säädetyllä tavalla irrottautua ryhmästä' | | FI-8 | A claim the claimant drops is recorded `excluded` with its day: before the refined summons it ends; after it, the record holds whether the member went on alone | 4.1 (1) | 13 § 1 mom: 'tuomioistuimen on tältä osin jätettävä kanne sillensä'; 13 § 2 mom | | FI-9 | The members the judgment names, each with the award stated for them, and a contact channel through which the claimant tells them of it | 4.1 (7), 5.3 | 16 §; 15 a § 1 mom: 'Kantaja ilmoittaa ryhmän jäsenille annetusta tuomiosta ja muista tuomioistuimen ratkaisuista.' | ### What this standard requires | \# | Item | Core | Reason | |---|---|---|---| | FI-10 | Each notice states why the person is a member, the claim, the facts behind it and any evidence | 4.3, 6.5 | The act asks only for a written notice, but the government bill expects more: 'Ryhmään liityttäessä olisi ilmoitettava, millä perusteella ilmoittautuja katsoo olevansa ryhmän jäsen.' The claimant accepts a notice on the information it gives, and 'Puutteelliset tai epäselvät ilmoittautumiset johtaisivat ryhmän ulkopuolelle jättämiseen' (HE 154/2006 vp, on 8 §). The refined summons needs each claim individualised (9 §) | 5. Recommended items -------------------- - **The evidence behind each claim and its amount.** The judgment states what each member receives, and 'Viime kädessä tuomioistuin ratkaisisi ryhmän jäsenyyttä koskevan kysymyksen' (HE 154/2006 vp, on 8 §). - **For an electronic notice, the sender's identity and the document's integrity.** For the Kuluttaja-asiamies an electronic document meets the written form without a signature where it identifies the sender and its origin and integrity are not in doubt (HE 111/2022 vp, p. 83). - **Pre-registration kept apart from joining.** The Kuluttaja-asiamies ran a pre-registration in 2019 to see whether the group would be large enough, before any action was filed. Such support shows in the cross-section (6.3), and each person still joins within the court's period (FI-2). - **An enforcement mandate, and payee details.** Each member enforces their own award (HE 154/2006 vp, on 16 §), so where the claimant is to collect for members it needs a mandate, and a settlement paid through the claimant needs each member's account. - **A funding file ready for a 2 a § request.** - **An operator receiving notices for the claimant.** Each written notice is addressed to the claimant by name, at a channel the claimant publishes as its own; the operator receives it as the claimant's processor under a written mandate to receive; the opt-in's day is the day the claimant had it, and the register keeps the day the operator received it. A notice falls within the court's period only where the claimant had it in time (8 § 1 mom). This lowers the risk of the question section 8 leaves open; it does not settle it. 6. Recognised identification ---------------------------- - **Identity, grade A**: the Citizen Certificate on the Finnish identity card, notified under eIDAS at assurance level high (the European Commission's overview of notified schemes: C/2025/2448), and so covered by `eidas`. No other Finnish scheme is notified, and `fi.json` names no further one. - **Outside sources, grade B**: none named. No Finnish court has yet examined a list of members. 7. The level a typical action needs ----------------------------------- A recommendation, not a court's rule. - **Level 3, Verified, for the refined summons in a damages action.** The judgment names each member and states each award (16 §), the claimant accepts each notice and the court decides membership in the end (HE 154/2006 vp, on 8 §), and the defendant can contest each member once served. - **Level 2, Identified, is the floor** the refined summons sets: each member's name, address and individualised claim (9 §). 8. Unsettled ------------ - No ryhmäkanne has been filed, so no court has set a period, read a refined summons or ruled on a member. - Two kinds of lawful member are undercounted, because the export states the court's period alone: a member the claimant admits late for a special reason under 8 § 2 mom, and a new member a definition widened during preparation brings in under 12 § 1 mom. The validator grades both D (`not_opted_in`); the register shows them apart, and the auditor reports them. - Whether a notice that reached the claimant after the action was filed but before the court set the period counts. FI-2 reads 8 § 1 mom as asking for a notice within the period. - Whether a third party may receive notices for the claimant: 8 § sends them to the claimant, and no source read addresses an agent. - Whether members' names and addresses in the refined summons are public in the court's file. Sources ------- 1. Ryhmäkannelaki 444/2007, consolidated text, Finlex, Oikeusministeriö: [https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/2007/444](https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/2007/444) 2. Laki ryhmäkannelain muuttamisesta 1103/2022, with its transitional rule, Suomen säädöskokoelma, Finlex: [https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/saadoskokoelma/2022/1103](https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/saadoskokoelma/2022/1103) 3. HE 154/2006 vp, the government bill for the ryhmäkannelaki, Finlex: [https://www.finlex.fi/fi/hallituksen-esitykset/2006/154](https://www.finlex.fi/fi/hallituksen-esitykset/2006/154) 4. HE 111/2022 vp, the government bill transposing Directive (EU) 2020/1828, Finlex: [https://www.finlex.fi/fi/hallituksen-esitykset/2022/111](https://www.finlex.fi/fi/hallituksen-esitykset/2022/111) 5. Pikaluottojen ryhmäkanne: kuluttaja-asiamiehen neuvottelut päättyivät hyvitysten maksamiseen, 17 March 2021, Kilpailu- ja kuluttajavirasto: [https://www.kkv.fi/ajankohtaista/tiedotteet/pikaluottojen-ryhmakanne-kuluttaja-asiamiehen-neuvottelut-j-w-yhtioiden-ja-weststarin-kanssa-paattyivat-hyvitysten-maksamiseen/](https://www.kkv.fi/ajankohtaista/tiedotteet/pikaluottojen-ryhmakanne-kuluttaja-asiamiehen-neuvottelut-j-w-yhtioiden-ja-weststarin-kanssa-paattyivat-hyvitysten-maksamiseen/) 6. Kuluttaja-asiamies puuttuu pikaluottojen kohtuuttomiin kustannuksiin, ennakkoilmoittautuminen ryhmäkanteeseen alkaa, 23 October 2019, Kilpailu- ja kuluttajavirasto: [https://www.kkv.fi/ajankohtaista/tiedotteet/kuluttaja-asiamies-puuttuu-pikaluottojen-kohtuuttomiin-kustannuksiin-ennakkoilmoittautuminen-ryhmakanteeseen-alkaa/](https://www.kkv.fi/ajankohtaista/tiedotteet/kuluttaja-asiamies-puuttuu-pikaluottojen-kohtuuttomiin-kustannuksiin-ennakkoilmoittautuminen-ryhmakanteeseen-alkaa/) 7. Cross-border qualified entities, Finland, European Commission: [https://justice-collaboration-platform.ec.europa.eu/cross-border-qualified-entities](https://justice-collaboration-platform.ec.europa.eu/cross-border-qualified-entities) 8. Overview of pre-notified and notified eID schemes under eIDAS, European Commission: [https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/EIDCOMMUNITY/Overview+of+pre-notified+and+notified+eID+schemes+under+eIDAS](https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/EIDCOMMUNITY/Overview+of+pre-notified+and+notified+eID+schemes+under+eIDAS) --- # https://vcrs.org/annexes/de VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 Annex DE: Germany (Verbandsklage under the VDuG) ================================================ What the VDuG and the German courts require of a register, and what the standard asks beyond them. A filing cites this text at [vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/de](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/de), where it stays unchanged. 06 Annexes ------- 9 sections VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2. Draft for consultation. Not legal advice. Law and rulings as read on 19 and 21 October 2026 on gesetze-im-internet.de, the Bundestag, the Bundesamt für Justiz, the Bundesgerichtshof and the Official Journal of the European Union. 1. The regime ------------- A collective damages action is a Verbandsklage under the Verbraucherrechtedurchsetzungsgesetz (VDuG), Art. 1 of the Verbandsklagenrichtlinienumsetzungsgesetz (BGBl. 2023 I Nr. 272), in force since 13 October 2023. It is an Abhilfeklage, for payment or another remedy to consumers, or a Musterfeststellungsklage, for findings on which the claims of consumers depend. A Musterfeststellungsklage filed before 13 October 2023 runs under §§ 606 to 614 ZPO in their 2018 version; this annex covers actions under the VDuG. - **Who may sue.** 'qualifizierte Verbraucherverbände, die a) in der Liste nach § 4 des Unterlassungsklagengesetzes eingetragen sind und b) nicht mehr als 5 Prozent ihrer finanziellen Mittel durch Zuwendungen von Unternehmen beziehen' (§ 2(1) Nr. 1 VDuG), and qualified entities of other Member States on the Commission's list (§ 2(1) Nr. 2). The list admits a registered Verein of at least a year's standing, with members and a non-commercial purpose (§ 4(2) UKlaG), so no ad hoc or commercial vehicle sues from Germany. Entities from abroad do: of the 19 actions under the VDuG on the Bundesamt für Justiz's register on 19 October 2026, five were brought by qualified entities from the Netherlands and Austria. - **Court.** The Oberlandesgericht of the defendant's seat, exclusively (§ 3(1) VDuG). - **The 50.** 'Eine Verbandsklage ist nur zulässig, wenn die klageberechtigte Stelle nachvollziehbar darlegt, dass 1. von der Abhilfeklage Ansprüche von mindestens 50 Verbrauchern betroffen sein können oder 2. von den Feststellungszielen der Musterfeststellungsklage die Ansprüche oder Rechtsverhältnisse von mindestens 50 Verbrauchern abhängen können.' (§ 4(1) VDuG). A plausible showing, not proof: 'Ein Beweis der tatsächlichen Betroffenheit ist für die Zulässigkeit einer Verbandsklage nicht vorausgesetzt.' (BT-Drs. 20/7631, p. 107). No consumer need be named: 'Einer namentlichen Benennung der betroffenen Verbraucher bedarf es zur Darlegung, dass sie zum Kreis der Anspruchsberechtigten iSd Klageantrags zählen, nicht' (OLG Hamm 12 October 2026, I-2 VKl 1/23, pp. 23 to 25). That court found the 50 in the defendant's own customer base. - **Similar claims, in an Abhilfeklage.** 'Die Abhilfeklage ist nur zulässig, wenn die von der Klage betroffenen Ansprüche von Verbrauchern im Wesentlichen gleichartig sind.' (§ 15(1) VDuG). The courts test it against the proof each consumer brings after judgment: an element that differs per consumer does no harm where it is open to 'einem schematischen Nachweis anhand der im Abhilfegrundurteil gemäß § 16 Abs. 2 Satz 1 Nr. 2 VDuG anzugebenden Berechtigungsnachweise' (BayObLG 17 July 2026, 102 VKl 1/24 e, pp. 13 to 14). The KG dismissed an Abhilfeklage for want of it, and the BayObLG held a damages claim inadmissible on it (KG 30 April 2026, 20 VKl 1/25; BayObLG 102 VKl 1/24 e, pp. 17 to 18). - **Funding.** The action is inadmissible where it is funded by a competitor of the defendant or someone dependent on it, by a third party promised more than 10% of what the defendant pays, or by one expected to steer it against consumers. The representative discloses where its funds come from, and any funder's agreements, with the claim (§ 4(2) and (3) VDuG). 2. Who is bound, and how they join ---------------------------------- The list that binds is not the representative's. The Bundesamt für Justiz keeps the Verbandsklageregister (§ 43(1) VDuG), and only a consumer registered there is bound by the judgment or a settlement, has limitation stayed (§ 204a(1) BGB) and takes part in distribution (§ 26 VDuG). A record in the representative's register does none of this. It serves four ends: it can support the showing of 50 at filing (DE-1); it carries what the representative's website must tell consumers (DE-2); it matches each person to their registration with the Bundesamt, which the court, the parties and the Sachwalter read from the extract (DE-8); and in an Abhilfeklage it holds the documents each person gives the Sachwalter after judgment (DE-6). - **Opt-in, for everyone.** 'Rechtskräftige Urteile über Verbandsklagen binden ein zur Entscheidung eines Rechtsstreits zwischen einem angemeldeten Verbraucher und dem verklagten Unternehmer berufenes Gericht' (§ 11(3) VDuG). A small business, with fewer than 10 staff and turnover or balance sheet of no more than €2 million, counts as a consumer (§ 1(2)). Joining the representative is no condition, and 'Die Anmeldung zum Verbandsklageregister ist kostenlos.' (BT-Drs. 20/6520, p. 100). - **Everyone opts in, with the Bundesamt.** The VDuG has no rule on residence, so everyone in the class opts in, wherever they live: `de.json` sets `opt_in_abroad` and `opt_in_residents` to true and names the Bundesamt as the channel, `bfj` (core 4.6). The export states as `opt_in_opened_on` the day the Bundesamt published the action and as `opt_in_closed_on` the last day of the § 46(1) window. Until that day a record counts on its own facts, which is what supports the showing of 50; after it, a record without a registration received in the window is grade D. The Bundesamt's form takes addresses across the EU and EFTA. A representative may confine its claims to consumers resident in Germany, and some do (section 5). - **Joining, with the Bundesamt alone.** 'Anmeldung und Rücknahme sind in Textform gegenüber dem Bundesamt für Justiz zu erklären.' (§ 47(1) VDuG). The Bundesamt offers an online and a paper form (§ 3(1) VKRegV); a lawyer must use the online one (§ 47(2)). A consumer may register through someone acting for them. - **What a registration holds.** 'Die Anmeldung ist nur wirksam, wenn sie frist- und formgerecht erfolgt und folgende Angaben enthält: 1. Name und Anschrift des Verbrauchers, 2. Angabe, ob die Anmeldung als kleines Unternehmen im Sinne des § 1 Absatz 2 erfolgt, 3. Bezeichnung des Gerichts und Aktenzeichen, 4. Bezeichnung des Beklagten, 5. Gegenstand und Grund des Anspruchs oder des Rechtsverhältnisses des Verbrauchers, 6. Versicherung der Richtigkeit und Vollständigkeit der Angaben.' (§ 46(2) VDuG). The Bundesamt checks the deadline and these items (§ 3(3) VKRegV), and 'Die Angaben der wirksamen Anmeldung werden ohne inhaltliche Prüfung in das Verbandsklageregister eingetragen.' (§ 46(3)). It asks for no document, no date of birth and no contact channel beyond the address, and confirms by post. - **The window.** Consumers may register 'bis zum Ablauf von drei Wochen nach dem Schluss der mündlichen Verhandlung zur Eintragung in das Verbandsklageregister anmelden. § 193 des Bürgerlichen Gesetzbuchs findet keine Anwendung.' (§ 46(1)). It opens when the Bundesamt publishes the action. - **Leaving.** A registration can be withdrawn until the same day (§ 46(4)). After a court settlement, a registrant may leave it within a month (§ 10(1)); leaving 'berührt nicht die Wirksamkeit der Anmeldung' (§ 10(2)). - **Who holds the list.** The Bundesamt. The representative sees it only through the extract any party may request (§ 48(4)); the court and the Sachwalter receive it electronically (§ 48(2), § 27 Nr. 2). A registrant receives their own entry (§ 48(3)). 3. When the register is tested ------------------------------ | Stage | What it asks of the register | Source | |---|---|---| | Filing | A plausible showing that the claims of at least 50 consumers may be affected, or may depend on each Feststellungsziel, without names; facts on similarity; the amount per consumer or the method that sets it. The register may support the showing but is not needed for it | § 4(1), § 5(1) Nr. 2, § 15(2) VDuG; OLG Hamm I-2 VKl 1/23, pp. 23 to 25 | | Publication | The Bundesamt publishes the action and the window opens. The representative's website tells consumers that only a registration with the Bundesamt brings them under the action | §§ 12(1), 44, 45 VDuG | | Admissibility | The class the claims describe, and whether each consumer's entitlement can be shown later from a standard document. The court does not examine the register; it may cite a count of registrations as confirmation | §§ 4, 15 VDuG; BayObLG 102 VKl 1/24 e, pp. 8, 13 to 14 | | Hearing | Court and parties may take an extract of every effective registration not withdrawn, and check it for plausibility | § 48(2), (4) VDuG | | Three weeks after the close of the hearing | The Verbandsklageregister freezes: the last day to register or withdraw | § 46(1), (4) VDuG | | Settlement | Not before that day. It binds registrants, who may leave it within a month | §§ 9, 10 VDuG | | Judgment | Where payment to named consumers is sought, a judgment for them by name. Otherwise an Abhilfegrundurteil that fixes the conditions of entitlement and the Berechtigungsnachweise each consumer must give | § 16(1), (2) VDuG | | Distribution | The Sachwalter takes the extract, sets deadlines for the Berechtigungsnachweise, checks each registrant against the judgment, and pays or rejects. The final report names every claim paid and every claim rejected | §§ 26 to 28, 34 VDuG | | Individual suit | After a Musterfeststellungsurteil, or a rejection by the Sachwalter, the consumer sues alone and proves an effective registration from their own extract | § 11(3), § 48(3) VDuG | **Reference dates.** For the 50, the day of filing, or of service of an amended claim: 'Maßgeblich ist der Zeitpunkt der Klageerhebung bzw. bei einer Klageänderung der Zeitpunkt der Zustellung des entsprechenden Schriftsatzes.' (OLG Hamm I-2 VKl 1/23, p. 24). For the register, the last day of the § 46(1) window, when the extract that settlement and judgment run on is fixed. For proof of entitlement, the deadline the Sachwalter sets (§ 27 Nr. 4). No action under the VDuG had reached an Abhilfegrundurteil, a Sachwalter or an approved settlement by 19 October 2026. 4. Required items ----------------- A register that claims a level in a German action meets every item below. The first table holds what German law requires, by statute or a court's holding. The second holds what this standard requires beyond the law, with the reason. ### What the law requires | \# | Item | Core | Source | |---|---|---|---| | DE-1 | A statement that the claims of at least 50 consumers may be affected by the Abhilfeklage, or may depend on each Feststellungsziel of a Musterfeststellungsklage, with its source, at the day of filing or of service of an amended claim. Named records are not needed for it | 6.1, 6.4 | § 4(1) VDuG: 'nachvollziehbar darlegt, dass 1. von der Abhilfeklage Ansprüche von mindestens 50 Verbrauchern betroffen sein können'; OLG Hamm 12 October 2026, I-2 VKl 1/23, p. 24: 'für jedes das Quorum zu erfüllen, da jedes Feststellungsziel einen eigenen Streitgegenstand bildet' | | DE-3 | Each record holds its opt-in: the day the Bundesamt received the person's registration, in Textform, through the channel `bfj`. Once the § 46(1) window has closed, a record without a registration received within it is grade D (core 4.1, rule 8) | 4.1 (8), 4.6, 7 | § 11(3) VDuG: 'zwischen einem angemeldeten Verbraucher und dem verklagten Unternehmer'; § 47(1): 'Anmeldung und Rücknahme sind in Textform gegenüber dem Bundesamt für Justiz zu erklären.'; § 46(1): 'bis zum Ablauf von drei Wochen nach dem Schluss der mündlichen Verhandlung zur Eintragung in das Verbandsklageregister anmelden. § 193 des Bürgerlichen Gesetzbuchs findet keine Anwendung.' | | DE-4 | The registration holds every item § 46(2) names: name and address, whether the person registers as a small business, the court and the Aktenzeichen, the defendant, the subject and ground of the claim, and the person's assurance that the details are correct and complete. The subject and ground identify the person's own transaction by parties, place and time; a product's model and year do not. From the day after the window closes, a record whose registration lacks one, or whose subject and ground do not individualise the transaction, is recorded `excluded` (core 4.1 (1)) | 4.1 (1), 4.2 | § 46(2) VDuG: 'Die Anmeldung ist nur wirksam, wenn sie frist- und formgerecht erfolgt und folgende Angaben enthält'; BGH 24 April 2023, VIa ZR 1072/22, Rn. 17: 'nach Beteiligten, Ort und Zeit so weit konkretisieren, dass die Identität des Lebenssachverhalts, den er zum Streitgegenstand machen will, unverwechselbar feststeht', Rn. 18: 'Entsprechende Anforderungen gelten für die verjährungshemmende Angabe von Gegenstand und Grund des Anspruchs in der Anmeldung zum Klageregister', and Rn. 22, under the 2018 law; for § 46(2) the government's reasons set the same standard: 'entsprechen denjenigen an eine Klageschrift gemäß § 253 Absatz 2 ZPO' (BT-Drs. 20/6520, p. 101) | | DE-5 | A registration withdrawn by the last day of the window makes the record `withdrawn`. A registrant who leaves a court settlement within the month is recorded `opted_out`, and their registration stays effective | 4.1 (1) | § 46(4) VDuG; OLG Hamm 5 October 2026, I-2 VKl 2/23, pp. 17 to 18: 'deren ebenso späten Rücknahme (§ 46 Abs. 4 VDuG)'; § 10(1) and (2) VDuG: leaving 'berührt nicht die Wirksamkeit der Anmeldung' | | DE-6 | After an Abhilfegrundurteil, a record is evidenced (core 4.3) by the Berechtigungsnachweise the judgment names, held as documents with their digests. A consumer's written declaration, the assurance § 46(2) asks for, or a sworn statement is the person's own word: membership resting on it is `declared` | 4.3, 5.3 | § 16(2) VDuG: 'die von jedem einzelnen Verbraucher im Umsetzungsverfahren zu erbringenden Berechtigungsnachweise'; KG 30 April 2026, 20 VKl 1/25, p. 35: 'Die Fertigung und Vorlage einer individuellen eidesstattlichen Versicherung des Verbrauchers (...) scheidet nach Ansicht des Senats als Berechtigungsnachweis von vornherein aus' and 'Erst recht stellen einfache schriftliche Erklärungen der Verbraucher keine Berechtigungsnachweise dar' | | DE-7 | Where a third party finances the action, whether a funder or the operator, the agreements with it are disclosed to the court with the claim, and no third party is promised more than 10% of what the defendant pays | 9 | § 4(2) Nr. 3 VDuG: 'dem ein wirtschaftlicher Anteil an der vom verklagten Unternehmer zu erbringenden Leistung von mehr als 10 Prozent versprochen ist'; § 4(3): 'Wird die Klage durch einen Dritten finanziert, sind darüber hinaus die mit dem finanzierenden Dritten getroffenen Vereinbarungen offenzulegen.' | ### What this standard requires | \# | Item | Core | Reason | |---|---|---|---| | DE-2 | Every flow version says that a consumer comes under the action only by registering the claim with the Bundesamt für Justiz. A flow version that does not say it does not inform (core 5.1), and a record that joined through it is grade D until the person confirms through one that does | 4.1 (2), 5.1 | § 12(1) S. 2 VDuG puts the statement on the representative's website: 'Auf der Internetseite ist ferner darüber zu informieren, dass Verbraucher nur dann von den Wirkungen einer Verbandsklage erfasst werden, wenn sie Ansprüche oder Rechtsverhältnisse, die Gegenstand der Verbandsklage sind, zur Eintragung in das Verbandsklageregister anmelden.' This standard puts it in every flow version, because only a registration with the Bundesamt brings a person under the action (§ 11(3), § 47(1)) and a person who takes their sign-up for that registration misses the § 46(1) window | | DE-8 | Each record holds the Geschäftszeichen the Bundesamt gave its registration and the subject and ground as registered, and records an opt-in (DE-3) only once it has matched the person to a registration in the extract of § 48(4). The register states how many of its active records it has matched | 4.1 (8), 5.3, 6.2, 8 | The Bundesamt enters registrations 'ohne inhaltliche Prüfung' (§ 46(3) VDuG). A registration placed at an intermediary's prompting failed for want of individualisation, 'sodass die Anmeldung unwirksam war' (BGH 24 October 2022, VIa ZR 162/22, Rn. 14). At distribution the question is whether the person paid is the person registered: the KG found that access logs and data the defendant disclosed could not show 'ob der Nutzende personenidentisch mit dem registrierten Verbraucher ist' (KG 20 VKl 1/25, p. 35). A register that never matched its records to their registrations counts people the action does not bind | 5. Recommended items -------------------- - **The document that will prove entitlement, held before the window closes.** The government's reasons name the kind of proof, 'beispielsweise die Vorlage des Flugtickets oder der Boardingcard' (BT-Drs. 20/6520, p. 77), and the courts test similarity by whether entitlement can be shown from such a document (BayObLG 102 VKl 1/24 e, pp. 13 to 14). A settlement binds registrants alone and cannot be made before the window closes (§ 9(1) VDuG), and the parties may check the extract 'auf Plausibilität' (BT-Drs. 20/6520, p. 102). A book at grade B on that day answers both. - **The contract, order or vehicle number in the subject and ground.** It is what individualises a claim: model and year were 'Gattungsmerkmale' that 'einem individuellen tatsächlichen Vorgang nicht zugeordnet werden können' (BGH VIa ZR 1072/22, Rn. 22). The Bundesamt's guidance asks: 'Welcher Vertrag liegt zugrunde (bspw. unter Angabe von Vertragsdatum oder -nummer)?' - **Records sorted by the claim they fall under, and checked before they are relied on.** The BayObLG decided similarity claim by claim, and one claim failed because a consumer's inducement was 'eine sich mit Blick auf den einzelnen Verbraucher individuell stellende Frage, die einer schematischen Klärung nicht zugänglich ist' (102 VKl 1/24 e, pp. 17 to 18). In an action on assigned claims, the BGH asked for 'sachgerecht gebündelten und zudem auf Schlüssigkeit geprüften' claims and faulted data 'die diese über eine von der Klägerin bereitgestellte Internetseite hochgeladen haben', taken into the claim unordered and in part unchecked (BGH 12 May 2026, KZR 6/24, Rn. 42 and 54). A count per claim also serves a court that reads the 50 per claim, as OLG Hamm reads it per Feststellungsziel (section 8). - **The person files their own registration, from a text the flow prepares.** Whether a paid non-lawyer who files for many consumers provides a Rechtsdienstleistung is open (section 8). A generator that turns a user's answers to standard questions into a document provides none (BGH 9 September 2021, I ZR 113/20, Leitsatz), and the Bundesamt's guidance says of the subject and ground: 'Rechtliche Ausführungen sind nicht erforderlich.' - **Residence per record, and the class by residence where the claims say so.** The Bundesamt's form takes addresses across the EU and EFTA, so a person abroad can register in an action that does not cover them. In VSV v Meta the claims cover consumers 'die einen Wohnsitz in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland haben, die wirksam zum Klageregister angemeldet sind' (11 VKl 1/25, as published by the Bundesamt für Justiz). Where they do, residence in Germany is a fact of membership, and a record abroad falls outside the class (core 4.1 (4)). - **Deduplication, and a declaration that the claim is pursued nowhere else.** A registrant may not sue on the same claims while the action is pending (§ 11(2) VDuG). In the action against Volkswagen under the 2018 law, the representative reported about 30 000 duplicates among 446 000 entries, and the defendant deducted registrants who had assigned their claims or already had a judgment or settlement (vzbv, 28 February 2020). Hold the declaration as `parallel_declared`. - **The Bundesamt's confirmation per record, and changes of name, address and heirs**, which the Bundesamt enters on request (§ 3(4) and (5) VKRegV). The Sachwalter and the defendant reach registrants at the address registered. - **Registrants told when the claims change before the window closes.** The late deadline lets them adjust: 'können sich die angemeldeten Verbraucher auf diesen einstellen' (OLG Hamm I-2 VKl 2/23, pp. 17 to 18). - **Notice that the registration reaches the defendant.** Name and address are asked so 'dass die verklagte Unternehmerin oder der verklagte Unternehmer über die Identität der angemeldeten Verbraucherinnen und Verbraucher Kenntnis erlangen kann' (BT-Drs. 20/6520, p. 101). - **A mandate per record for a damages claim under the GDPR**, until the Court of Justice answers whether a registration stands in for one under Art. 80(1) GDPR. The HansOLG referred the question and rejected the representative's reading: 'Der Senat teilt dieses vom Kläger für richtig gehaltene Verständnis des Art. 80 Abs. 1 DSGVO nicht.' (HansOLG 24 June 2026, 11 VKl 1/24). 6. Recognised identification ---------------------------- - **Identity, grade A**: the identity card's online function, the electronic residence permit and the eID card for Union citizens and EEA nationals are notified under eIDAS at assurance level high, as the German eID based on Extended Access Control (OJ C, C/2024/7543), and so covered by `eidas`. `de.json` names no further scheme. - **Outside sources, grade B**: none named. After an Abhilfegrundurteil, the Berechtigungsnachweise it names are the evidence (DE-6). The Verbandsklageregister is no outside source: the Bundesamt enters what the consumer states 'ohne inhaltliche Prüfung' (§ 46(3) VDuG), so a match to the extract places no one in the class, and `checked_against` never names it. - **What a registration lacks.** A registration holds a name and an address. It holds no date of birth, and the Bundesamt confirms it by post, not on a channel the person confirmed to the representative. A record built from a registration alone is grade D under core 4.1 (6) and (7): the register collects the date of birth and confirms a contact channel itself. 7. The level a typical action needs ----------------------------------- A recommendation, not a court's rule. - **No level at filing.** The 50 may be shown without a register (DE-1), and the court does not examine one at admissibility. - **Level 2, Identified, by the last day of the § 46(1) window**, with every active record matched to its registration (DE-8). The Bundesamt's entry alone is self-attested and unchecked; an effective registration already needs a named person and an individualised transaction (DE-4). - **Level 3, Verified, for an Abhilfeklage once the window closes**, where the book will be fought over. A settlement binds registrants alone and the parties may check the extract for plausibility; after an Abhilfegrundurteil each registrant is paid only on the documents the judgment names, which the Sachwalter checks (DE-6). - **A Musterfeststellungsklage uses no more than Level 2.** Entitlement is proven later, in each consumer's own suit. 8. Unsettled ------------ - No action under the VDuG had reached an Abhilfegrundurteil, a Sachwalter or an approved settlement by 19 October 2026, so no ruling says which Berechtigungsnachweise a court names or how many registrations a Sachwalter rejects. - Whether the BGH's test for the subject and ground holds under § 46(2) VDuG. It was decided on the 2018 law, and the government's reasons for § 46(2) set the same standard; no ruling under the VDuG applies it yet (DE-4). - The KG's rule that a sworn statement is no Berechtigungsnachweis is under appeal (BGH I ZR 232/26), and the KG notes a commentary that holds the opposite. - Whether the 50 is counted per claim in an Abhilfeklage, as OLG Hamm counts it per Feststellungsziel. - Whether a non-lawyer who files registrations for many consumers, as 'sonstige Vertretungsberechtigte', provides a Rechtsdienstleistung under § 2(1) RDG. No ruling. Whether § 14(5) VwVfG applies to representation before the Bundesamt is open too. - Whether a registration stands in for a mandate under Art. 80(1) GDPR, on the HansOLG's reference of 24 June 2026. - The export holds no field for a registration's Geschäftszeichen or for a registrant who left a settlement while their registration stands, and the validator does not test whether a registration holds every item of § 46(2): the register records an ineffective one as `excluded` (DE-4), and the auditor checks DE-4 and DE-8 against the extract of § 48(4). - The auditor's reproduction test (core 8) runs on the operator's live system. The list that binds is the Bundesamt's, which no operator holds; the auditor matches the register to the extract a party obtains under § 48(4). Sources ------- 1. Verbraucherrechtedurchsetzungsgesetz (VDuG), gesetze-im-internet.de: [https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/vdug/](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/vdug/) 2. Verbandsklageregisterverordnung (VKRegV), gesetze-im-internet.de: [https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/mfkregv/](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/mfkregv/) 3. Unterlassungsklagengesetz, § 4, gesetze-im-internet.de: [https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/uklag/](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/uklag/) 4. Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, § 204a, gesetze-im-internet.de: [https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/\_\_204a.html](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__204a.html) 5. Rechtsdienstleistungsgesetz, § 2, gesetze-im-internet.de: [https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/rdg/](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/rdg/) 6. Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetz, § 14, gesetze-im-internet.de: [https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/vwvfg/](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/vwvfg/) 7. BT-Drs. 20/6520, Gesetzentwurf der Bundesregierung (VRUG), Bundestag: [https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/20/065/2006520.pdf](https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/20/065/2006520.pdf) 8. BT-Drs. 20/7631, Beschlussempfehlung und Bericht des Rechtsausschusses, Bundestag: [https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/20/076/2007631.pdf](https://dserver.bundestag.de/btd/20/076/2007631.pdf) 9. Bundesamt für Justiz, Verbandsklageregister, published actions: [https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/DE/Themen/Verbraucherrechte/VerbandsklageregisterMusterfeststellungsklagenregister/Verbandsklagenregister/Verbandsklagen/Verbandsklagen\_node.html](https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/DE/Themen/Verbraucherrechte/VerbandsklageregisterMusterfeststellungsklagenregister/Verbandsklagenregister/Verbandsklagen/Verbandsklagen_node.html) 10. Bundesamt für Justiz, Fragen und Antworten: [https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/DE/Themen/Verbraucherrechte/VerbandsklageregisterMusterfeststellungsklagenregister/Verbandsklagenregister/Verbandsklagen/Fragen/Fragen\_node.html](https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/DE/Themen/Verbraucherrechte/VerbandsklageregisterMusterfeststellungsklagenregister/Verbandsklagenregister/Verbandsklagen/Fragen/Fragen_node.html) 11. Bundesamt für Justiz, Ausfüllanleitung: [https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/DE/Themen/Verbraucherrechte/VerbandsklageregisterMusterfeststellungsklagenregister/Verbandsklagenregister/Verbandsklagen/Ausfuellanleitung/Ausfuellanleitung\_node.html](https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/DE/Themen/Verbraucherrechte/VerbandsklageregisterMusterfeststellungsklagenregister/Verbandsklagenregister/Verbandsklagen/Ausfuellanleitung/Ausfuellanleitung_node.html) 12. Bundesamt für Justiz, registration form, 11 VKl 1/25: [https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/DE/Themen/Verbraucherrechte/VerbandsklageregisterMusterfeststellungsklagenregister/Verbandsklagenregister/Verbandsklagen/Klagen/202505/Anmeldung/Formular\_node.html](https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/DE/Themen/Verbraucherrechte/VerbandsklageregisterMusterfeststellungsklagenregister/Verbandsklagenregister/Verbandsklagen/Klagen/202505/Anmeldung/Formular_node.html) 13. OLG Hamm 12 October 2026, I-2 VKl 1/23: [https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Verbandsklageregister/MFK/20261015\_202401\_Urteil.pdf?\_\_blob=publicationFile](https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Verbandsklageregister/MFK/20261015_202401_Urteil.pdf?__blob=publicationFile) 14. OLG Hamm 5 October 2026, I-2 VKl 2/23: [https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Verbandsklageregister/MFK/20261006\_202402\_Urteil.pdf?\_\_blob=publicationFile](https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Verbandsklageregister/MFK/20261006_202402_Urteil.pdf?__blob=publicationFile) 15. BayObLG 17 July 2026, 102 VKl 1/24 e: [https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Verbandsklageregister/MFK/20260720\_202404\_Urteil.pdf?\_\_blob=publicationFile](https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Verbandsklageregister/MFK/20260720_202404_Urteil.pdf?__blob=publicationFile) 16. KG 30 April 2026, 20 VKl 1/25: [https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Verbandsklageregister/MFK/20260505\_202503\_Urteil.pdf?\_\_blob=publicationFile](https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Verbandsklageregister/MFK/20260505_202503_Urteil.pdf?__blob=publicationFile) 17. HansOLG 24 June 2026, 11 VKl 1/24: [https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Verbandsklageregister/MFK/20260701\_202502\_Zwischenentscheidung.pdf?\_\_blob=publicationFile](https://www.bundesjustizamt.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Verbandsklageregister/MFK/20260701_202502_Zwischenentscheidung.pdf?__blob=publicationFile) 18. BGH 24 April 2023, VIa ZR 1072/22: [https://www.bundesgerichtshof.de/SharedDocs/Entscheidungen/DE/Zivilsenate/VIa\_ZS/2022/VIa\_ZR\_1072-22.pdf](https://www.bundesgerichtshof.de/SharedDocs/Entscheidungen/DE/Zivilsenate/VIa_ZS/2022/VIa_ZR_1072-22.pdf) 19. BGH 24 October 2022, VIa ZR 162/22: [https://www.bundesgerichtshof.de/SharedDocs/Entscheidungen/DE/Zivilsenate/VIa\_ZS/2022/VIa\_ZR\_162-22.pdf](https://www.bundesgerichtshof.de/SharedDocs/Entscheidungen/DE/Zivilsenate/VIa_ZS/2022/VIa_ZR_162-22.pdf) 20. BGH 12 May 2026, KZR 6/24: [https://www.bundesgerichtshof.de/SharedDocs/Entscheidungen/DE/UebrigeSenate/KartS/2024/KZR\_\_\_6-24.pdf](https://www.bundesgerichtshof.de/SharedDocs/Entscheidungen/DE/UebrigeSenate/KartS/2024/KZR___6-24.pdf) 21. BGH 9 September 2021, I ZR 113/20: [https://www.bundesgerichtshof.de/SharedDocs/Entscheidungen/DE/Zivilsenate/I\_ZS/2020/I\_ZR\_113-20.pdf](https://www.bundesgerichtshof.de/SharedDocs/Entscheidungen/DE/Zivilsenate/I_ZS/2020/I_ZR_113-20.pdf) 22. vzbv, 28 February 2020, on the settlement with Volkswagen, a party's own figures: [https://www.vzbv.de/pressemitteilungen/vzbv-und-vw-erzielen-vergleich-fuer-betrogene-kaeufer](https://www.vzbv.de/pressemitteilungen/vzbv-und-vw-erzielen-vergleich-fuer-betrogene-kaeufer) 23. Electronic identification schemes notified pursuant to Article 9(1) of Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, OJ C, C/2024/7543: [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52024XC07543](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52024XC07543) --- # https://vcrs.org/annexes/ie VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 Annex IE: Ireland (representative action under the 2023 Act) ============================================================ What the Representative Actions Act 2023 and the Irish courts require of a register, and what the standard asks beyond them. A filing cites this text at [vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/ie](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/ie), where it stays unchanged. 07 Annexes ------- 9 sections VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2. Draft for consultation. Not legal advice. Law and rulings as read on 19 and 21 October 2026 on the electronic Irish Statute Book, the Courts Service's judgments, the British and Irish Legal Information Institute, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment's register of qualified entities and the European Commission's overview of notified eID schemes. 1. The regime ------------- A collective damages action is a representative action for redress measures under the Representative Actions for the Protection of the Collective Interests of Consumers Act 2023 (No. 22 of 2023), in force since 30 April 2024 (S.I. No. 181/2024). It reaches actions and infringements from the Directive's date of application: the Act 'applies to representative actions brought on or after 25 June 2023 in respect of infringements by traders occurring on or after that date that harm or may harm the collective interests of consumers' (s. 5(1)). An infringement is 'an infringement of a relevant enactment' (s. 2(1)): the European acts and provisions specified in Annex I to the Directive, the Acts, provisions and statutory instruments the Schedule lists, and instruments made under the Acts in its Part 1. A claim on other law has no representative action for redress under the Act. In proceedings commenced from 12 October 2026, Order 15, rules 40 to 46 of the Rules of the Superior Courts set the procedure: 'These Rules shall apply in proceedings commenced from the date on which these Rules come into operation' (S.I. No. 488/2026, r. 2). - **Who may sue.** Only a qualified entity (QE): 'A representative action may only be brought before the Court by a qualified entity' (s. 19(1)), and in it 'a qualified entity shall be the plaintiff' (s. 19(8)). The Minister designates a QE on the criteria of s. 8(1), among them that it 'can demonstrate in the application 12 months of actual public activity in the protection of consumer interests prior to the application' (s. 8(1)(a)), so there is no entity formed for one action. A QE designated in another Member State sues on the Commission's list (s. 19(3)). - **Court.** The High Court (s. 2(1)). - **No number and no similarity test.** The QE gives the court 'the class or classes of consumers affected by the alleged infringement' (s. 19(10)(c)) and 'sufficient information regarding the consumers referred to in subsection (10)(c) in order that the Court may assess the admissibility of the representative action concerned' (s. 19(11)). - **Funding.** The Act admits third-party funding only 'insofar as permitted in accordance with law' (s. 27(1)), and the Supreme Court held that 'third party funding to support a plaintiff (where none of the exceptions apply) is unlawful by reason of the rules on champerty' (Persona Digital Telephony Ltd v Minister for Public Enterprise \[2017\] IESC 27, Denham C.J., para. 54(ix)). 2. Who is bound, and how they join ---------------------------------- - **Opt-in, for everyone who may join.** 'A consumer who has not notified the qualified entity in accordance with this section shall not be represented by the qualified entity in the representative action and shall not be entitled to benefit from the redress measures granted by the Court in respect of that representative action' (s. 24(4)). Those who may notify are consumers 'ordinarily resident in the State or habitually resident in another Member State' (s. 24(1)), so residents and people in other Member States both opt in: `ie.json` sets `opt_in_abroad` and `opt_in_residents` to true, names the QE as the channel, `qe`, and asks every opt-in for the declaration on parallel claims (core 4.6). A person resident outside the Member States cannot notify and is outside the class the QE may represent. The export states no opt-in window: the opt-in is due from the start, so a record counts once the person's notification has reached the QE. - **Joining, by notice to the QE.** The consumer 'shall so notify the qualified entity concerned in the prescribed manner' (s. 24(1)), on Form 3: 'The form set out in Part 3 of the Schedule is prescribed for the purposes of section 24(1) of the Act of 2023' (S.I. No. 182/2024, reg. 5). Form 3 holds the consumer's name, address, Eircode or postcode, phone and email, the trader, the infringement and how the consumer was affected, a signature and a date, and 'This form can be made available in an interactive digital format and completed electronically.' It holds no date of birth, which core 4.1 (6) asks of every natural person, so the register collects one with the notification. - **The deadline.** 'A consumer referred to in subsection (1) may notify the qualified entity at any time until the case has been deemed admissible by the Court in accordance with section 19' (s. 24(2)). Nobody joins after admissibility, or after judgment. - **The declaration.** A consumer who has notified 'shall sign a declaration provided to him or her by the qualified entity', confirming 'that he or she has not previously received compensation from the same trader for the same cause of action' and that compensation here precludes any other (s. 25(1)). Without it the consumer 'shall be precluded from benefiting from any redress measures under section 26 in the representative action concerned' (s. 25(3)). - **The fee.** The QE may charge 'a modest fee' (s. 29(1)), published with its period on the QE's website (s. 29(2)), of at most €25 (S.I. No. 183/2024, reg. 2). 'Where a consumer fails, neglects or refuses to pay the entry fee within the time specified by the qualified entity in accordance with subsection (2), the consumer shall not be represented by the qualified entity in the representative action' (s. 29(3)). - **The effect.** A consumer who notified and paid 'shall not be represented in any other representative action with the same cause of action against the same trader' and 'may not bring an action individually with the same cause of action against the same trader' (s. 24(7)(b), (c)). - **Withdrawal.** By the prescribed form to the QE, at any time: 'Where a consumer no longer seeks to be represented by the qualified entity in any representative action for redress, he or she shall notify the qualified entity in the prescribed manner' (s. 24(5)), and 'A qualified entity shall inform the Court of any notification made by a consumer in accordance with subsection (5).' (s. 24(6)). - **Who holds the list.** The QE. No court registry or state portal takes notifications. The QE lodges the list in court and hands the trader the names (section 3). 3. When the register is tested ------------------------------ | Stage | What it asks of the register | Source | |---|---|---| | Before admissibility | A signed, dated Form 3 per consumer, reaching the QE; the signed declaration; the fee paid within the published period | s. 24(1), (2); s. 25(1); s. 29(2), (3) | | Admissibility | The class or classes affected and sufficient information about the consumers. In proceedings commenced from 12 October 2026, by motion on notice to the defendant, with a list of the names or other unique identifiers of the consumers who notified, lodged in court as near the hearing as practicable and copied to the defendant | s. 19(10)(c), (11); O. 15 r. 42(1), (2)(b), r. 43(1); ICCL v Microsoft \[2026\] IEHC 640, paras. 121 and 122 | | After admissibility | Each notified consumer told of the determination; the trader handed the names of those who notified and signed the declaration | s. 24(3); s. 25(4)(a) | | Withdrawal | The QE informs the court, by an updated list and a list of those who withdrew, copied to the defendant | s. 24(5), (6); O. 15 r. 43(2) | | Trial | An updated list, lodged and delivered as near the trial as practicable | O. 15 r. 43(3) | | Judgment | The class or classes entitled to the redress measures; where the order names no individual consumers, the class or classes in it; the period within which each consumer claims | s. 26(4), (7), (8) | | Settlement | Binds 'the individual consumers represented in the representative action concerned'; where it names none, how the redress reaches each class | s. 30(3); O. 15 r. 46(b) | | Distribution | The names of those eligible for redress who have not obtained compensation by other means; no consumer compensated twice; each represented consumer told how to benefit | s. 25(4)(b); s. 26(3), (5) | **Reference dates.** The day the court deems the action admissible closes the book (s. 24(2)); the list is lodged 'as nearly as practicable prior to the hearing of an application under rule 42' (O. 15 r. 43(1)), and again before trial. For distribution, the day the QE hands the trader the list of those eligible (s. 25(4)(b)). The one judgment under the Act read concerns an action for an injunction alone: 'ICCL does not seek any redress measures in this action.' (ICCL v Microsoft, para. 25). 4. Required items ----------------- A register that claims a level in an Irish action meets every item below. The first table holds what Irish law requires, by statute or a court's holding. The second holds what this standard requires beyond the law, with the reason. ### What the law requires | \# | Item | Core | Source | |---|---|---|---| | IE-1 | Each record holds its opt-in: the day the person's Form 3 notification reached the QE, through the channel `qe`, signed and dated, with the trader, the infringement and how the person was affected. A notification made after the court deemed the action admissible is recorded `excluded` (core 4.1 (1)) | 4.1 (1), 4.6, 5.1 | s. 24(1): the consumer 'shall so notify the qualified entity concerned in the prescribed manner'; s. 24(2): 'A consumer referred to in subsection (1) may notify the qualified entity at any time until the case has been deemed admissible by the Court in accordance with section 19'; s. 24(4); S.I. No. 182/2024, reg. 5 and Form 3 | | IE-2 | Each record holds the person's residence. A person resident neither in the State nor in another Member State cannot notify, and the record states `in_class` false: the class the export states carries that limit | 4.1 (4), 4.6 | s. 24(1): 'A consumer who is ordinarily resident in the State or habitually resident in another Member State' | | IE-3 | Each record holds the declaration the person signed under s. 25, with its date. With the statement IE-10 adds, it is held as `parallel_declared` | 4.1 (8), 4.6 | s. 25(1): the declaration 'shall confirm' (a) 'that he or she has not previously received compensation from the same trader for the same cause of action' and (b) 'that he or she has been informed that receiving compensation in relation to this representative action concerned will preclude him or her from receiving any other compensation from the same trader for the same cause of action'; s. 25(3): without it the consumer 'shall be precluded from benefiting from any redress measures under section 26 in the representative action concerned' | | IE-4 | Where the QE charges an entry fee, the amount, no more than €25, and the day it was paid within the period the QE published. A person who did not pay in time is recorded `excluded` | 4.1 (1), 9 | s. 29(2): the QE 'shall specify on its website the amount of the fee and the time period within which the fee charged in accordance with subsection (1) shall be paid'; s. 29(3): 'the consumer shall not be represented by the qualified entity in the representative action'; S.I. No. 183/2024, reg. 2: 'A fee of €25 is prescribed' | | IE-5 | A withdrawal is recorded `withdrawn` with its date, and the day the QE informed the court | 4.1 (1), 5.3 | s. 24(5); s. 24(6): 'A qualified entity shall inform the Court of any notification made by a consumer in accordance with subsection (5).'; O. 15 r. 43(2) | | IE-6 | A list of the names or other unique identifiers of the consumers who notified, produced before the admissibility hearing, on each withdrawal and before trial. Each version is kept with the day it was lodged and the snapshot root of that day | 5.4, 7 | O. 15 r. 43(1): the QE shall 'lodge in Court a list of the names or other unique identifiers of the consumers who have requested to be represented by that qualified entity in the representative action concerned, and deliver a copy of that list to the defendant'; r. 43(3): 'each qualified entity concerned shall lodge and deliver an updated list as nearly as practicable prior to the commencement of the trial' | | IE-7 | Each record holds the class or classes the person belongs to, so the QE can describe them to the court before admissibility and at judgment | 6.1, 6.4 | s. 19(10)(c), (11); ICCL v Microsoft \[2026\] IEHC 640, para. 122: the information 'must, of necessity, be required to be furnished prior to the court deciding the issue of admissibility'; s. 26(4): the QE 'shall gather, and provide the Court with, information concerning the class or classes of consumers entitled to benefit from redress measures ordered in the representative action concerned' | | IE-8 | The names the trader receives: at admissibility, those who notified and signed the declaration; at the end, those eligible for redress. Each record holds whether the person obtained compensation by other means for the same cause | 4.6, 6.5 | s. 25(4)(a): 'a list of the names of the consumers who have notified their request to be represented in the representative action and have signed a declaration'; s. 25(4)(b): 'a list of the names of the consumers who are eligible to receive redress where such consumers have not obtained compensation through other means for the same cause of action'; s. 26(3): 'A consumer shall not be entitled to receive compensation more than once arising from the same cause of action against the same trader.' | | IE-9 | A contact channel per person that reaches them with the admissibility determination, the redress ordered and the dates that stop and restart the limitation period | 4.1 (7) | s. 24(3); s. 26(5); s. 28(2): 'the qualified entity shall inform consumers represented by a representative action in writing of the following dates' | ### What this standard requires | \# | Item | Core | Reason | |---|---|---|---| | IE-10 | The declaration the QE provides under s. 25 also states that the person is not represented, and does not claim, elsewhere on the same cause of action against the same trader | 4.1 (8), 4.6 | s. 25 asks about compensation received, not about another action. A consumer who notified 'shall not be represented in any other representative action with the same cause of action against the same trader' (s. 24(7)(b)), and nobody is represented twice on the same claim (Directive (EU) 2020/1828, art. 9(4)). `parallel_declaration` applies to every opt-in, so the validator asks it of all | 5. Recommended items -------------------- - **Evidence that each person was affected.** The Act asks for none, but whether the class information suffices 'is clearly a matter of disputed fact' (ICCL v Microsoft, para. 113), and the consumers affected 'may well give rise to issues in dispute in proceedings where the provision of discovery will be both relevant and necessary' (para. 131). - **A last list lodged right before the order.** Joining stays open until the court deems the action admissible (s. 24(2)), so notifications keep arriving after the list of O. 15 r. 43(1). - **Names beside identifiers.** The court list may hold identifiers alone (O. 15 r. 43(1)), but the trader receives names at admissibility (s. 25(4)(a)), so the register keeps both from the start. - **Identity verification.** It protects the declaration and the list of those eligible at the end against challenge. - **The cost of the register in the financial overview.** The QE 'shall disclose to the Court a financial overview that specifies the sources of funds used by it to support the representative action' (s. 27(3)), and the register is paid from the QE's own funds and the fees. - **An operator receiving notifications for the QE.** Each Form 3 is addressed to the QE by name, at a channel the QE publishes as its own; the operator receives it as the QE's processor under a written mandate to receive; the opt-in's day is the day the QE had it, and the register keeps the day the operator received it. A notification counts as made before the action is deemed admissible only where the QE had it in time (s. 24(2)). This lowers the risk of the question section 8 leaves open; it does not settle it. 6. Recognised identification ---------------------------- - **Identity, grade A**: no Irish electronic identification scheme is notified under eIDAS (the European Commission's overview of notified schemes, last updated 2 February 2026). A means another Member State notified at substantial or high counts under `eidas`; `ie.json` names no further scheme. - **Outside sources, grade B**: none named. No Irish ruling has yet examined evidence of membership. 7. The level a typical action needs ----------------------------------- A recommendation, not a court's rule. - **Level 2, Identified.** The law asks for a named, signed and dated notification per consumer, the declaration and the fee, a list lodged in court and names handed to the trader, and no proof of identity or of the claim. A register at grade C with the Form 3 fields answers it. - **Level 3, Verified, for the list of those eligible at the end** (s. 25(4)(b)), where the QE states who has not been compensated elsewhere, and wherever the defendant contests the class information (ICCL v Microsoft, paras. 113 and 131). 8. Unsettled ------------ - No action for redress under the Act had reached a written judgment by 21 October 2026, so no court has yet tested a list of notified consumers. - Whether the declaration under s. 25, which confirms compensation not received, is the declaration on parallel claims core 4.6 asks for. IE-10 adds representation elsewhere so that `parallel_declared` holds both. - Whether the list lodged under O. 15 r. 43 may hold identifiers alone while s. 25(4) sends names to the trader. - Whether a notification an operator receives for the QE is a notification to the QE (s. 24(1)): no source read addresses an agent. Whether a vendor paid a fixed fee by the QE to run the register is caught by the rules on champerty: no court has said, and the Law Reform Commission's report on third-party litigation funding was not published by 21 October 2026. - The export states no opt-in window, since the opt-in is due from the start, so the validator does not test that a notification came before the court deemed the action admissible: IE-1 records a late one `excluded`, and the auditor checks it. - Proceedings commenced before 12 October 2026 run without O. 15 Part V. In ICCL v Microsoft the High Court deemed the action admissible on an ex parte application before the summons issued (para. 15). Sources ------- 1. Representative Actions for the Protection of the Collective Interests of Consumers Act 2023 (No. 22 of 2023), electronic Irish Statute Book, Office of the Attorney General: [https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2023/act/22/enacted/en/print](https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2023/act/22/enacted/en/print) 2. S.I. No. 181/2024, Commencement Order 2024: [https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/181/made/en/print](https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/181/made/en/print) 3. S.I. No. 182/2024, Prescribed Forms Regulations 2024 (Forms 3 and 5): [https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/182/made/en/print](https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/182/made/en/print) 4. S.I. No. 183/2024, (Section 29) (Maximum Fee) Regulations 2024: [https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/183/made/en/print](https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2024/si/183/made/en/print) 5. S.I. No. 488/2026, Rules of the Superior Courts (Representative Actions for the Protection of the Collective Interests of Consumers Act 2023) 2026: [https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2026/si/488/made/en/print](https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2026/si/488/made/en/print) 6. Irish Council for Civil Liberties CLG v Microsoft Ireland Operations Ltd \[2026\] IEHC 640, High Court, 25 September 2026, Courts Service: [https://www2.courts.ie/acc/alfresco/17894922-c4e5-4385-a1fb-749059120aa1/2026\_IEHC\_640.pdf/pdf](https://www2.courts.ie/acc/alfresco/17894922-c4e5-4385-a1fb-749059120aa1/2026_IEHC_640.pdf/pdf) 7. Persona Digital Telephony Ltd v Minister for Public Enterprise \[2017\] IESC 27, Supreme Court, 23 May 2017, British and Irish Legal Information Institute: [https://www.bailii.org/ie/cases/IESC/2017/S27.html](https://www.bailii.org/ie/cases/IESC/2017/S27.html) 8. Register of Qualified Entities, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: [https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/raa-register-of-qualified-entities.html](https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/raa-register-of-qualified-entities.html) 9. Third Party Litigation Funding, project page, Law Reform Commission: [https://www.lawreform.ie/third-party-litigation-funding/](https://www.lawreform.ie/third-party-litigation-funding/) 10. Overview of pre-notified and notified eID schemes under eIDAS, European Commission: [https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/EIDCOMMUNITY/Overview+of+pre-notified+and+notified+eID+schemes+under+eIDAS](https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/EIDCOMMUNITY/Overview+of+pre-notified+and+notified+eID+schemes+under+eIDAS) --- # https://vcrs.org/annexes/it VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 Annex IT: Italy (azione di classe and azione rappresentativa) ============================================================= What the azione di classe, the azione rappresentativa and the Italian courts require of a register, and what the standard asks beyond them. A filing cites this text at [vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/it](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/it), where it stays unchanged. 08 Annexes ------- 9 sections VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2. Draft for consultation. Not legal advice. Law and rulings as read on 19 and 21 October 2026 on Normattiva, the Gazzetta Ufficiale, the Ministero della giustizia and its Portale dei servizi telematici, which publishes the tribunals' orders and judgments in class actions, the Corte d'Appello di Venezia, the Garante per la protezione dei dati personali and the Consiglio nazionale forense. Normattiva's (( )) amendment markers are left out of quotations. 1. The regime ------------- Italy has two routes to collective redress, and they share one machine for joining and for payment. - **The azione di classe**, artt. 840-bis to 840-sexiesdecies of the codice di procedura civile (c.p.c.), inserted by L. 12 aprile 2019, n. 31. It applies from 19 May 2021, and only to 'condotte illecite poste in essere successivamente' (L. 31/2019 art. 7(2)). An action on earlier conduct was declared inadmissible (Trib. Roma, 14 October 2022, RG 21595/2022, Autostrade per l'Italia). - **The azione rappresentativa**, artt. 140-ter to 140-quaterdecies of the Codice del consumo, which transpose the Representative Actions Directive: 'Le disposizioni del presente decreto si applicano a decorrere dal 25 giugno 2023' (D.Lgs. 10 marzo 2023, n. 28, art. 4(1)). It borrows artt. 840-quater to 840-terdecies c.p.c. for redress, so adhesion, verification and payment run as in the azione di classe. - **The old azione di classe**, art. 140-bis of the Codice del consumo, still governs conduct before 19 May 2021 (L. 31/2019 art. 7(2)). It differs for a register in one point: the representative may collect adhesions and deposit them itself (section 2, IT-10). This annex covers all three. Where an item holds in one route alone, it says so. - **Who may sue, azione di classe.** Any member of the class, or a non-profit organisation or association on the Ministero della giustizia's list: 'ciascun componente della classe può agire nei confronti dell'autore della condotta lesiva', and 'possono proporre l'azione di cui al presente articolo esclusivamente le organizzazioni e le associazioni iscritte in un elenco pubblico istituito presso il Ministero della giustizia' (art. 840-bis(2) c.p.c.). The list asks, among other conditions, for 'un ordinamento a base democratica, con convocazione degli iscritti con cadenza almeno annuale' (D.M. 17 febbraio 2022, n. 27, art. 3(1)(d)). Listing does not settle standing: whether the statutes cover the rights pleaded 'è requisito di legge, da accertare a cura del giudice, e del tutto indipendente dai requisiti che devono essere vagliati dal Ministero della Giustizia per fare accedere le associazioni richiedenti all'elenco pubblico' (Trib. Venezia, 2 July 2025, RG 2914/2025, Generali). Members may sue together, 'taluni dei quali costituitisi in Comitato' (Trib. Roma, 8 November 2023, RG 1577/2023, Italia Loyalty). - **Who may sue, azione rappresentativa.** 'Le associazioni dei consumatori e degli utenti inserite nell'elenco di cui all'articolo 137, gli organismi pubblici indipendenti nazionali (...) che facciano richiesta di essere legittimati e gli enti designati in un altro Stato membro e iscritti nell'elenco elaborato e pubblicato dalla Commissione europea (...) sono legittimati' (art. 140-quater(1) Codice del consumo). These entities 'non possono agire con l'azione di classe prevista dal titolo VIII-bis' (art. 140-ter(2)); the Tribunale di Torino read this to leave them their art. 840-bis standing outside the matters of Allegato II-septies (4 April 2025, RG 13711/2024, PSA). - **No numbers.** Neither route asks at filing or at admissibility for a minimum number of members, a test of representativeness or a list of members. The azione di classe tests the claimant's adequacy, inadmissible 'quando il ricorrente non appare in grado di curare adeguatamente i diritti individuali omogenei fatti valere in giudizio' (art. 840-ter(4)(d)); the azione rappresentativa does not: 'la disciplina del Codice del Consumo non richiede di valutare anche se il ricorrente “appaia in grado di curare adeguatamente i diritti omogenei fatti valere in giudizio”' (Trib. Milano, 11 December 2025, RG 6538/2025, Meta). 2. Who is bound, and how they join ---------------------------------- - **Opt-in, for everyone.** In both routes only those who adhere are bound and paid, and neither route distinguishes by residence. An entity in an azione rappresentativa sues 'senza bisogno di mandato da parte dei consumatori interessati' (art. 140-septies(1)), and binds only those who adhere. So everyone in the class opts in, wherever they live: `it.json` sets `opt_in_abroad` and `opt_in_residents` to true and names the portal as the channel, `pst` (core 4.6). The export states as `opt_in_opened_on` the first day of the first term, and as `opt_in_closed_on` the last day of the last term once it is set: after a judgment for the claimant, the second term; after a judgment that rejects the action, the first. Until then `opt_in_closed_on` is null, and a record without a domanda counts on its own facts. The export states `directive` as true in an azione rappresentativa and as false otherwise; under this annex it changes no grade, and it tells the reader which rule on the fondo spese holds (IT-6). - **Adhesion, through the portal.** 'L'adesione all'azione di classe si propone mediante inserimento della relativa domanda nel fascicolo informatico, avvalendosi di un'area del portale dei servizi telematici' (art. 840-septies(1) c.p.c.). The domanda 'produce gli effetti della domanda giudiziale e può essere presentata anche senza il ministero di un difensore' (art. 840-septies(6)). It holds, 'a pena di inammissibilità', the court and the action, 'i dati identificativi dell'aderente', a certified address, the object and the facts of the claim, an index of the documents, an attestation of truth under criminal liability, a mandate to the rappresentante comune, the details for payment and a declaration that the fondo spese was paid (art. 840-septies(2)(a) to (l)). It is presented 'a norma dell'articolo 65, comma 1, lettere b) e c-bis) del codice dell'amministrazione digitale' (art. 840-septies(4)): with the person identified by SPID, the carta di identità elettronica (CIE) or the carta nazionale dei servizi (CNS), or sent from a digital domicile or a PEC address. The portal takes three kinds of filer: 'Aderente persona fisica', 'Legale rappresentante di persona fisica/giuridica' and 'Avvocato (professionista che deposita l'adesione per conto di un suo assistito)' (the portal's Vademecum). - **Two terms.** The order that admits the action opens the first: 'il tribunale fissa un termine perentorio non inferiore a sessanta giorni e non superiore a centocinquanta giorni dalla data di pubblicazione dell'ordinanza nel portale dei servizi telematici (...) per l'adesione' (art. 840-quinquies(1)). The judgment opens the second: it 'dichiara aperta la procedura di adesione e fissa il termine perentorio, non inferiore a sessanta giorni e non superiore a centocinquanta giorni' (art. 840-sexies(1)(e)), which also serves those who adhered earlier 'per l'eventuale integrazione degli atti'. Courts have set 150 days (Genova, Torino and Roma) and 120 days (Milano). - **Not a party.** 'L'aderente non assume la qualità di parte e ha diritto ad accedere al fascicolo informatico e a ricevere tutte le comunicazioni a cura della cancelleria' (art. 840-quinquies(2)). - **Withdrawal.** 'L'adesione diventa inefficace in caso di revoca del potere di rappresentanza (...). La revoca è opponibile all'impresa (...) da quando è inserita nel fascicolo informatico' (art. 840-septies(7)). The portal then shows the adhesion as 'Inefficace'. - **The fondo spese.** In an azione di classe the judgment sets one 'ove necessario' (art. 840-sexies(1)(h)), and 'Il mancato versamento delle somme rende inefficace l'adesione; l'inefficacia opera di diritto ed è rilevabile d'ufficio' (art. 840-sexies(3)). In an azione rappresentativa 'Il giudice determina un contributo di modesta entità (...). È esclusa l'applicazione del terzo comma del medesimo articolo 840-sexies' (art. 140-novies(2) Codice del consumo). The Tribunale di Roma set €150 per adherent (Italia Loyalty, 2026). - **Settlement, adherent by adherent.** Before judgment an agreement 'è comunicato all'indirizzo di posta elettronica certificata (...) indicato da ciascun aderente, il quale può dichiarare di voler accedere all'accordo medesimo mediante dichiarazione inserita nel fascicolo informatico nel termine indicato dal giudice'. After judgment silence is consent to the rappresentante comune's draft: 'Nei confronti degli aderenti che non formulano contestazioni (...) lo schema di accordo si considera non contestato' (art. 840-quaterdecies). - **Who holds the list.** The court. From the first term the list of adherents is the fascicolo informatico on the Portale dei servizi telematici (PST), and the parties see it there: 'La medesima visualizzazione del fascicolo è consentita alle parti del fascicolo' (the portal's Vademecum). Where a defendant could not see the adhesions, the court 'manda alla Cancelleria di comunicare a Banca Popolare dell'Alto Adige S.p.A i dati relativi alle adesioni' (Trib. Venezia, decreto of 22 February 2024, RG 172/2023). After judgment the rappresentante comune, a 'pubblico ufficiale' (art. 840-sexies(2)), holds the adherents' mandates and answers for verification and payment. - **What the representative's register is for.** It is not the list of adherents: a record in it binds no one and pays no one. It holds, before filing, the documents that show a definable and homogeneous group (IT-9); once the terms open, each record's adhesion, reconciled with the fascicolo (IT-1, IT-2); the fondo spese (IT-6); and the documents the judgment lists for each adherent (IT-7), which the defendant contests and the giudice delegato decides on under art. 840-octies. - **The old rito.** Under art. 140-bis an adherent joined 'senza ministero di difensore anche tramite posta elettronica certificata e fax', and 'L'atto di adesione, contenente, oltre all'elezione di domicilio, l'indicazione degli elementi costitutivi del diritto fatto valere con la relativa documentazione probatoria, è depositato in cancelleria, anche tramite l'attore' (art. 140-bis(3), text in force from 25 March 2012). The representative could collect and deposit adhesions, and its register was then the book. In one old-rito action the court directed adhesions through the portal all the same (Trib. Venezia, RG 172/2023, Banca Popolare dell'Alto Adige). 3. When the register is tested ------------------------------ | Stage | What it asks of the register | Source | |---|---|---| | Filing | No list of members. Documents that show the conduct reached a group in the same way; in an azione rappresentativa, also the elements that determine the group and the funding received or promised | art. 840-ter(1) and (2) c.p.c.; art. 140-septies(5) Codice del consumo; Trib. Roma, 14 June 2026, RG 57181/2025 | | Admissibility | A homogeneous group the court can define, shown by documents. No numbers. The order fixes the class and opens the first term | art. 840-ter(4); art. 140-septies(8); art. 840-quinquies(1) | | First term | Each domanda filed on the portal by the term's last day | art. 840-quinquies(1); art. 840-septies | | Hearing | Liability: 'il tribunale può avvalersi di dati statistici e di presunzioni semplici'. Adherents are not parties | art. 840-quinquies(2) and (5) | | Judgment | The class with 'gli elementi necessari per l'inclusione nella classe', the documents each adherent must file, the second term, the giudice delegato, the rappresentante comune and, where needed, the fondo spese | art. 840-sexies(1)(c) to (h) | | Second term | New domande, documents added to earlier ones, and the fondo spese paid | art. 840-sexies(1)(e) and (3); art. 840-septies | | Verification | The defendant takes a position on each adherent's facts within 120 days, 'prendendo posizione sui fatti posti dagli aderenti'; facts 'non specificatamente contestati (...) si considerano ammessi'; the rappresentante comune files a project, 'rassegnando per ciascuno le sue motivate conclusioni'; adherents may add documents within 30 days; 'non sono ammessi mezzi di prova diversi dalla prova documentale' | art. 840-octies(1) to (5) | | Settlement | Per adherent, a declaration to accept or an objection, filed in the fascicolo by the term the judge sets | art. 840-quaterdecies | | Distribution | Payment through an account 'intestato alla procedura'; the rappresentante comune files the plan and 'la documentazione comprovante i pagamenti effettuati' | artt. 840-duodecies, 840-terdecies and 840-quinquiesdecies | **Reference dates.** The last day of each term, after which no domanda is cured. For membership, the date the court fixes in the class definition: points held 'alla data del 27 ottobre 2021' in Italia Loyalty. At verification, the defendant's memoria, due 120 days after the second term, the rappresentante comune's progetto, 90 days later, and the giudice delegato's decree on each adherent. 4. Required items ----------------- A register that claims a level in an Italian action meets every item below. The first table holds what Italian law requires, by statute or a court's holding. The second holds what this standard requires beyond the law, with the reason. ### What the law requires | \# | Item | Core | Source | |---|---|---|---| | IT-1 | Each record holds its opt-in: the day the person's domanda di adesione was filed in the court's fascicolo informatico, through the channel `pst`. A record in the register is support, not adhesion: only the domanda binds the person and makes them eligible for payment. The cross-section (core 6.3) shows those who adhered apart from those yet to file. In an action under art. 140-bis, IT-10 holds instead | 4.1 (8), 4.6, 5.3, 6.3 | art. 840-septies(1) c.p.c.: 'L'adesione all'azione di classe si propone mediante inserimento della relativa domanda nel fascicolo informatico, avvalendosi di un'area del portale dei servizi telematici'; art. 840-septies(6): the domanda 'produce gli effetti della domanda giudiziale' | | IT-2 | Once the last term for adhesion has closed (the second term after a judgment for the claimant, the first after one that rejects the action, and in an action under art. 140-bis the term the admissibility order set), a record with no domanda filed within a term is grade D (core 4.1, rule 8). A domanda is not cured after its term; documents may still be added at verification | 4.1 (8), 4.6, 7 | art. 840-quinquies(1) c.p.c.: 'il tribunale fissa un termine perentorio non inferiore a sessanta giorni e non superiore a centocinquanta giorni dalla data di pubblicazione dell'ordinanza nel portale dei servizi telematici (...) per l'adesione'; art. 840-sexies(1)(e): the judgment 'dichiara aperta la procedura di adesione e fissa il termine perentorio'; art. 840-octies(3): 'Il resistente e gli aderenti, entro trenta giorni dalla comunicazione di cui al secondo comma, possono depositare osservazioni scritte e documenti integrativi' | | IT-3 | For each adherent, whether the domanda carries every element the law lists: identifying data, a certified address, the object and facts of the claim, the index of documents, the attestation of truth, the mandate to the rappresentante comune, the details for payment and the declaration that the fondo spese was paid | 4.2, 5.3 | art. 840-septies(2)(a) to (l) c.p.c., 'a pena di inammissibilità'; (g): 'attesto che i dati e i fatti esposti nella domanda e nei documenti prodotti sono veritieri'; (h): 'il conferimento al rappresentante comune degli aderenti, già nominato o che sarà nominato dal giudice, del potere di rappresentare l'aderente' | | IT-4 | The adherent's contact channel is the certified address the domanda names, the adherent's own or their lawyer's: the registry's communications go there. Where it is the lawyer's, `contact_confirmed` holds only a channel the adherent confirmed themselves | 4.1 (7) | art. 840-septies(2)(c) c.p.c.: 'l'indirizzo di posta elettronica certificata ovvero il servizio elettronico di recapito certificato qualificato dell'aderente o del suo difensore'; art. 840-quinquies(2): the adherent 'ha diritto ad accedere al fascicolo informatico e a ricevere tutte le comunicazioni a cura della cancelleria' | | IT-5 | The domanda is presented with the adherent identified by SPID, the CIE or the CNS, or is sent from a digital domicile or a PEC address. A record states `verified` as `eidas` only where the register knows the adherent was identified by SPID or the CIE, notified under eIDAS, and at which assurance; the CNS and a transmission from a PEC address set no scheme | 4.4 | art. 840-septies(4) c.p.c.: the domanda 'è presentata a norma dell'articolo 65, comma 1, lettere b) e c-bis) del codice dell'amministrazione digitale'; art. 65(1)(b) CAD: 'quando l'istante o il dichiarante è identificato attraverso il sistema pubblico di identità digitale (SPID), la carta di identità elettronica o la carta nazionale dei servizi' | | IT-6 | Where the court set a fondo spese, the record holds whether the adherent paid it. In an azione di classe an adherent who did not pay is recorded `excluded`: the adhesion is void by law. In an azione rappresentativa non-payment does not void the adhesion, and the record stays active | 4.1 (1) | art. 840-sexies(3) c.p.c.: 'Il mancato versamento delle somme rende inefficace l'adesione; l'inefficacia opera di diritto ed è rilevabile d'ufficio'; art. 140-novies(2) Codice del consumo: 'È esclusa l'applicazione del terzo comma del medesimo articolo 840-sexies' | | IT-7 | Membership against the class as the court defines it: the elements for inclusion the order or the judgment names, and for each adherent the documents it lists, each stored with its digest. The register applies the class as the court fixed it, never a later redraft | 3, 4.1 (4), 4.3 | art. 840-sexies(1)(c) c.p.c.: 'specificando gli elementi necessari per l'inclusione nella classe'; (d): 'stabilisce la documentazione che deve essere eventualmente prodotta per fornire prova della titolarità'; Trib. Roma, 14 January 2026, RG 1577/2023, p. 16: documents from each adherent 'al fine di consentire al Giudice delegato di compiere le proprie valutazioni sulla prova fornita da ciascuno degli aderenti'; Trib. Venezia, 2 July 2025, RG 2914/2025, p. 7: 'Le nuove conclusioni riguardo alla classe sono del tutto inammissibili' | | IT-8 | A revocation of the mandate to the rappresentante comune makes the record `withdrawn`. One sent to the representative alone takes the record out of the count as well, and the record notes that the adhesion stands against the defendant until the revocation is in the fascicolo | 4.1 (1) | art. 840-septies(7) c.p.c.: 'L'adesione diventa inefficace in caso di revoca del potere di rappresentanza (...). La revoca è opponibile all'impresa (...) da quando è inserita nel fascicolo informatico' | | IT-9 | At filing, documents that show the conduct reached a group the court can define, in the same way: where the claim rests on standard terms, more than a single specimen of them. In an azione rappresentativa, also the elements that determine the group and the funding received or promised | 3, 6.4, 9 | art. 140-septies(5) Codice del consumo: 'Nel ricorso l'ente legittimato indica gli elementi necessari a determinare il gruppo dei consumatori interessati dall'azione rappresentativa, la sussistenza della giurisdizione e il diritto applicabile, nonché i finanziamenti dell'azione promossa, ricevuti o promessi da parte di terzi'; Trib. Roma, 14 June 2026, RG 57181/2025, p. 9, inadmissible under art. 140-septies(8)(b): 'esclusivamente un unico esemplare di contratto di fideiussione' did not 'identificare in modo chiaro condizioni generali di contratto proposte unilateralmente ad una intera categoria di contraenti'; art. 840-ter(4)(b) c.p.c.: inadmissible 'quando il tribunale non ravvisa omogeneità dei diritti individuali tutelabili ai sensi dell'articolo 840-bis'; Trib. Milano, 8 May 2026, RG 20528/2025, §46: rights 'tendenzialmente standardizzati' | | IT-10 | In an action under art. 140-bis where the representative collects adhesions and deposits them: each atto di adesione with its elezione di domicilio, the elements of the right and its documents, and, as the record's opt-in, the day it arrived by the means the court ordered, inside the term. The admissibility order sets the only term: the export states its first and last day as `opt_in_opened_on` and `opt_in_closed_on`, and the means as `opt_in_channel` | 4.1 (8), 4.6, 5.3 | art. 140-bis(3) Codice del consumo, text in force from 25 March 2012: 'L'atto di adesione, contenente, oltre all'elezione di domicilio, l'indicazione degli elementi costitutivi del diritto fatto valere con la relativa documentazione probatoria, è depositato in cancelleria, anche tramite l'attore'; art. 140-bis(9)(b): the order 'fissa un termine perentorio, non superiore a centoventi giorni dalla scadenza di quello per l'esecuzione della pubblicità, entro il quale gli atti di adesione, anche a mezzo dell'attore, sono depositati in cancelleria'; CA Venezia, 16 November 2023, sentenza n. 2260/2023, §1.7: what counts is 'il fatto che la documentazione sia pervenuta con i mezzi stabiliti nell'ordinanza di ammissibilità dal giudice entro il termine perentorio' | ### What this standard requires | \# | Item | Core | Reason | |---|---|---|---| | IT-11 | The name on each document that places the adherent in the class matches the name on the adhesion; a document in another name is no evidence for the record (core 4.3) | 4.3 | In the Volkswagen action the admission order required 'la contemporanea corrispondenza di tutti e tre i requisiti', and a match on two documents of three 'non dimostra la riferibilità degli stessi all'aderente, laddove la sottoscrizione del medesimo sia diversa' (CA Venezia, sentenza n. 2260/2023, §9.1). The court applied the criteria of its own admission order under art. 140-bis; this standard asks for the match in every Italian action, since the giudice delegato decides each adherent on documents alone (art. 840-octies c.p.c.) | | IT-12 | Promotional contact with identified members of the class only on each person's specific consent, with a notice under art. 13 or 14 GDPR at the first contact; the register holds both for each person it contacted | 5.1, 9 | The Garante per la protezione dei dati personali fined a claims service €15 000 for mailing 'circa 15.000 comunicazioni' to a bank's shareholders 'al fine di raccogliere adesioni all'azione collettiva in corso di svolgimento nei confronti della Banca': 'le stesse potevano essere legittimamente inviate solo se la Società avesse acquisito uno specifico consenso da parte di tutti gli interessati, come previsto dall'art. 130, comma 3, del Codice'. A notice on a website was no notice under art. 14 GDPR (provvedimento of 13 February 2025, doc. web 10119750) | 5. Recommended items -------------------- - **The portal's number for each domanda, and a reconciliation.** Each record holds the number the portal gives its domanda, and the register is reconciled against the list the parties see on the portal, with every difference logged. The parties' view of the fascicolo is the portal's (the portal's Vademecum), and a defendant that could not see it had the registry send the data (Trib. Venezia, decreto of 22 February 2024). - **Deduplication on the codice fiscale**, which the portal asks of every adherent beside the surname and the PEC address (the portal's Vademecum), so that namesakes are told apart and one person files once. - **The person's own documents from the defendant.** Courts accept what the defendant issued: the recall letter in the Volkswagen action ('3) lettera di richiamo di VW', CA Venezia §1.10); in Italia Loyalty, on the defendant's objection that adherents had only self-certified their points ('autocertificare'), the court ordered each to file the promoter's e-mail, an extract of the account, or the request to the promoter with its answer. - **Subgroups by product, contract and applicable law.** Actions failed where the charges followed 'diverse e distinte condotte' (Trib. Milano, 8 May 2026, RG 20528/2025, §48 to 50) and where claims ran under 'diversa legge applicabile alla posizione di ciascun ricorrente (allo stato sette diverse leggi nazionali)' (Trib. Milano, 4 November 2025, RG 23551/2024, Philips). Records coded by subgroup (core 6.4) show where the claims are standard and where they are not, before the class is fixed: a class cannot be redrafted in a later brief (Ryanair, §51 to 53; IT-7). - **A declaration on parallel claims.** An adherent may sue alone only 'a condizione che la domanda di adesione sia stata revocata prima che il decreto sia divenuto definitivo nei suoi confronti' (art. 840-undecies, last comma, c.p.c.). The person's declaration that they claim nowhere else on the same claim, held as `parallel_declared`, answers the defendant's check. - **Each adherent's settlement choice**: the declaration to accept an agreement before judgment, or the objection to the draft after it, with the day it was filed in the fascicolo (art. 840-quaterdecies c.p.c.). - **A sign-up flow that informs and prepares, and leaves filing to the adherent or their lawyer**, with no mandate to a lawyer offered on the operator's pages for a fee (section 8). - **No count target.** Neither route asks for a number. Coverage against the class size (core 6) serves a funder, not the court. 6. Recognised identification ---------------------------- - **Identity, grade A**: SPID and the CIE, two of the means art. 65(1)(b) CAD names for presenting a domanda di adesione, are notified under eIDAS at assurance levels low, substantial and high (the European Commission's overview of notified schemes: SPID, Official Journal 2018/C 318/02; the CIE, 2019/C 309/09), and so covered by `eidas`. The record states the assurance the login reports: a SPID login at low assurance stays at grade B (`assurance_too_low`). The CNS is not notified, and `it.json` names no further scheme. A transmission from a PEC address identifies no one. - **Outside sources, grade B**: the defendant's own records where the court relies on them; in the Volkswagen action the defendant's recall list of 46 998 positions identified those adherents (CA Venezia §1.10 and 1.11). Sources the court names in its order: the Tribunale di Milano let adherents prove their inclusion in a data scrape 'anche avvalendosi delle risultanze dei siti indicati dalla ricorrente nel proprio ricorso' (Meta, dispositivo §5). - **Supplied, grade B**: the documents the judgment lists (art. 840-sexies(1)(d) c.p.c.), such as the '1) certificato di proprietà; 2) carta di circolazione con attestazione delle revisioni; 3) lettera di richiamo di VW' the Volkswagen admission order required. 7. The level a typical action needs ----------------------------------- A recommendation, not a court's rule. - **Two registers.** The register of record is the court's fascicolo, which this standard does not grade. The representative's register is graded: before filing as the list of people who back the action, once the terms open as the reconciliation of each record with its adhesion and its documents. - **To be admitted: no level.** An Italian court counts no one at admissibility; it asks for documents that show a definable, homogeneous group (IT-9). Level 1, Registered, serves a funder who wants to see the backing before filing. - **To be paid: Level 3, Verified, for the adherents.** The defendant takes a position on each adherent's facts and the giudice delegato decides on documents alone, so every adherent needs grade B on the documents the judgment lists. Grade A where the operator verifies identity by SPID or the CIE and checks membership against the defendant's own records. - **Level 2, Identified,** adds little a court reads: the portal identifies every adherent when the domanda is filed. 8. Unsettled ------------ - The decree approving the form of the domanda (art. 840-septies(4) c.p.c.) was not found; the portal builds the form 'in base al template impostato nel sistema'. - Whether the portal accepts eIDAS means or foreign identities. Its Vademecum names a login 'possibile con SPID e Smart Card' only, so a member abroad without SPID may need a lawyer to file. - Whether the parties' view of the fascicolo shows by which means each domanda was presented. Without it, an adhesion sets no scheme on the record (IT-5). - Whether anyone but the adherent, their legal representative or a lawyer may file a domanda for an adherent. The portal takes those three alone; an operator that is not a lawyer can inform and prepare, and the adherent files. - How art. 37 of the Codice deontologico forense applies to a lawyer who files domande that a paid operator brought in. It bars a lawyer from acquiring clients 'a mezzo di agenzie o procacciatori' and from paying 'provvigioni o altri compensi quale corrispettivo per la presentazione di un cliente'. The Consiglio nazionale forense's summary of Cass. SS.UU. 8 March 2022 n. 7501 treats as soliciting 'il modulo per l'adesione ad una class action mediante apposito mandato, da inviare allo studio professionale di un avvocato, previo versamento di una modesta somma'; the judgment's own text speaks of a criminal complaint and was not read at its publisher. - Who may sue under art. 840-bis. The Tribunale amministrativo regionale del Lazio annulled two rules of D.M. 27/2022 (n. 10653 of 23 June 2023, known through the Garante's opinion of 30 January 2025), and no amending regulation was found published. Whether a foundation without members meets art. 3(1)(d) is untested. - The rulings of the Corte di cassazione cited here are known through the lower courts that quote them. - Where Italian law does not fit the core: - The export states one window, from the first day of the first term to the last day of the last, so the validator counts an opt-in dated between the two terms, which the portal does not accept; the auditor checks it against the fascicolo. - One status, `excluded`, covers four outcomes: no domanda in time, a domanda void for an unpaid fondo spese, a domanda the giudice delegato rejects, and a person outside the class. The change log (core 5.3) holds which. - The codice fiscale, which the portal asks of every adherent, has no field in the export; it goes into the deduplication key (core 4.5). - The validator does not read a domanda's elements (IT-3) or the fondo spese (IT-6) beyond the record's status, nor the means of identification (IT-5) beyond `verified`; the auditor checks them. Sources ------- 1. Codice di procedura civile, artt. 840-bis to 840-sexiesdecies, with Normattiva's notes on L. 12 aprile 2019, n. 31, art. 7, Normattiva: [https://www.normattiva.it/atto/caricaArticolo?art.versione=1&art.idGruppo=147&art.flagTipoArticolo=1&art.codiceRedazionale=040U1443&art.idArticolo=840&art.idSottoArticolo=2&art.idSottoArticolo1=10&art.dataPubblicazioneGazzetta=1940-10-28&art.progressivo=0](https://www.normattiva.it/atto/caricaArticolo?art.versione=1&art.idGruppo=147&art.flagTipoArticolo=1&art.codiceRedazionale=040U1443&art.idArticolo=840&art.idSottoArticolo=2&art.idSottoArticolo1=10&art.dataPubblicazioneGazzetta=1940-10-28&art.progressivo=0) (art. 840-bis; the following sottoarticoli give artt. 840-ter to 840-sexiesdecies) 2. Codice del consumo, artt. 137, 140-bis (text in force from 25 March 2012 to 18 November 2020) and 140-ter to 140-quaterdecies, with D.Lgs. 10 marzo 2023, n. 28, art. 4, Normattiva: [https://www.normattiva.it/atto/caricaDettaglioAtto?atto.dataPubblicazioneGazzetta=2005-10-08&atto.codiceRedazionale=005G0232](https://www.normattiva.it/atto/caricaDettaglioAtto?atto.dataPubblicazioneGazzetta=2005-10-08&atto.codiceRedazionale=005G0232) 3. D.M. 17 febbraio 2022, n. 27, Gazzetta Ufficiale: [https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2022/04/12/22G00036/sg](https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2022/04/12/22G00036/sg) 4. Ministero della giustizia, the list of entities under art. 840-bis c.p.c., updated 27 May 2026: [https://www.giustizia.it/giustizia/page/it/class\_action\_iscrizione\_elenco\_legittimati](https://www.giustizia.it/giustizia/page/it/class_action_iscrizione_elenco_legittimati) 5. Ministero della giustizia, Vademecum on class actions in the Portale dei servizi telematici: [https://pst.giustizia.it/PST/resources/cms/documents/VADEMECUM\_Class\_Action\_PST.pdf](https://pst.giustizia.it/PST/resources/cms/documents/VADEMECUM_Class_Action_PST.pdf) 6. Portale dei servizi telematici, Class Action - Azioni di Classe, where every tribunal's order and judgment cited here is published under its proceeding: [https://servizipst.giustizia.it/PST/it/pst\_2\_16.wp](https://servizipst.giustizia.it/PST/it/pst_2_16.wp) 7. Trib. Roma, ordinanza of 14 October 2022, RG 21595/2022 (Autostrade per l'Italia), PST document GLRM 181177761 8. Trib. Roma, ordinanza of 8 November 2023, RG 1577/2023 (Italia Loyalty), PST document GLRM 210325148 9. Trib. Venezia, decreti of 17/18 January 2024 and of 22 February 2024, RG 172/2023 (Banca Popolare dell'Alto Adige), PST documents GLVE 116163618 and 117816890 10. Trib. Genova, ordinanza of 18 October 2024, RG 4482/2024 (Costa Crociere), PST document GLGE 53840245 11. Trib. Torino, ordinanza of 4 April 2025, RG 13711/2024 (PSA), PST document GLTO 155613870 12. Trib. Venezia, ordinanza of 2 July 2025, RG 2914/2025 (Generali), PST document GLVE 137926313 13. Trib. Milano, ordinanza of 4 November 2025, RG 23551/2024 (Philips), PST document GLMI 223169446 14. Trib. Milano, ordinanza of 11 December 2025, RG 6538/2025 (Verbraucherzentrale Südtirol v Meta Platforms Ireland), PST document GLMI 230874795 15. Trib. Roma, sentenza CA 2236/2026 of 14 January 2026, published 12 February 2026, RG 1577/2023 (Italia Loyalty), PST document GLRM 275950798 16. Trib. Milano, ordinanza of 8 May 2026, RG 20528/2025 (Codici v Ryanair), PST document GLMI 236913690 17. Trib. Roma, ordinanza of 14 June 2026, RG 57181/2025 (Movimento Consumatori v BCC di Roma), PST document GLRM 287653451 18. Corte d'Appello di Venezia, sentenza n. 2260/2023, published 16 November 2023, RG 217/2022 (Altroconsumo v Volkswagen): [https://ca-venezia.giustizia.it/cmsresources/cms/documents/Class\_action\_VW\_altroconsumo.pdf](https://ca-venezia.giustizia.it/cmsresources/cms/documents/Class_action_VW_altroconsumo.pdf) 19. Garante per la protezione dei dati personali, provvedimento of 13 February 2025, doc. web 10119750: [https://www.garanteprivacy.it/home/docweb/-/docweb-display/docweb/10119750](https://www.garanteprivacy.it/home/docweb/-/docweb-display/docweb/10119750) 20. Garante per la protezione dei dati personali, parere of 30 January 2025, doc. web 10112347: [https://www.garanteprivacy.it/home/docweb/-/docweb-display/docweb/10112347](https://www.garanteprivacy.it/home/docweb/-/docweb-display/docweb/10112347) 21. Consiglio nazionale forense, Codice deontologico forense, consolidated 2026: [https://www.consiglionazionaleforense.it/web/cnf/codice-deontologico-forense](https://www.consiglionazionaleforense.it/web/cnf/codice-deontologico-forense) 22. Consiglio nazionale forense, summary of Cass. SS.UU. 8 March 2022 n. 7501: [https://codicedeontologico-cnf.it/divieto-di-accaparramento-di-clientela-linvito-ad-aderire-ad-una-class-action-tramite-mandato-professionale-allavvocato-2/](https://codicedeontologico-cnf.it/divieto-di-accaparramento-di-clientela-linvito-ad-aderire-ad-una-class-action-tramite-mandato-professionale-allavvocato-2/) 23. Codice dell'amministrazione digitale, D.Lgs. 7 marzo 2005, n. 82, art. 65, Normattiva: [https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:2005-03-07;82~art65](https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2Ls?urn:nir:stato:decreto.legislativo:2005-03-07;82~art65) 24. European Commission, Overview of pre-notified and notified eID schemes under eIDAS: [https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/EIDCOMMUNITY/Overview+of+pre-notified+and+notified+eID+schemes+under+eIDAS](https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/EIDCOMMUNITY/Overview+of+pre-notified+and+notified+eID+schemes+under+eIDAS) --- # https://vcrs.org/annexes/nl VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 Annex NL: the Netherlands (WAMCA) ================================= What the WAMCA and the Dutch courts require of a register, and what the standard asks beyond them. A filing cites this text at [vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/nl](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/nl), where it stays unchanged. 09 Annexes ------- 9 sections VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2. Draft for consultation. Not legal advice. Law and rulings as read on 19 and 21 October 2026: statutes from the BWB, rulings from rechtspraak.nl, each quote checked against the publisher's text. 1. The regime ------------- A collective action is brought under art. 3:305a BW and art. 1018b to 1018m Rv (the WAMCA, in force since 1 January 2020) by a stichting or vereniging whose statutes cover the interests. Ad hoc and commercially initiated foundations may sue ('De WAMCA biedt uitdrukkelijk ruimte voor ad hoc organisaties en commerciële organisaties', Rb Amsterdam 27 May 2026, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2026:6440, ro. 6.47); who started the case invites critical review, not a bar (Rb Noord-Holland 23 July 2025, ECLI:NL:RBNHO:2025:8944, ro. 4.32). The foundation must be 'voldoende representatief (...), gelet op de achterban en de omvang van de vertegenwoordigde vorderingen' (art. 3:305a lid 2 BW). The Hoge Raad reads this as 'de steun (...) van een voldoende groot deel van de totale groep personen voor wie zij opkomt' (HR 17 July 2026, ECLI:NL:HR:2026:1198, ro. 3.3.5). The statute and the Hoge Raad set no number (ro. 3.3.6). The WAMCA governs a claim filed on or after 1 January 2020 only so far as it concerns events on or after 15 November 2016. For earlier events the conditions in force before 1 January 2020 still apply, 'voor zover de rechtsvordering betrekking heeft op een gebeurtenis of gebeurtenissen die heeft of hebben plaatsgevonden voor 15 november 2016' (art. 119a lid 2 Overgangswet nieuw Burgerlijk Wetboek; HR ro. 3.1.1). A claim that covers events on both sides of the date is split: 'een splitsing van de rechtsvordering moet plaatsvinden' (HR 25 September 2026, ECLI:NL:HR:2026:1551, ro. 3.2.4). Titel 14A Rv, which sets the stages in sections 2 and 3, governs the WAMCA part alone: 'deze titel alleen van toepassing is voor zover de aan de rechter voorgelegde rechtsvordering wordt beheerst door de WAMCA' (ro. 3.2.6). The split does not apply to a claim for the collective interests of consumers under the Representative Actions Directive filed on or after 25 June 2023 (art. 119a lid 3); whether titel 14A Rv then governs the earlier events too is unsettled (section 8). 2. Who is bound, and how they join ---------------------------------- - **Residents: opt-out.** Everyone in the narrowly defined class is bound unless they opt out by written statement to the court registry within the term the court sets after the exclusive representative is appointed (art. 1018f lid 1 Rv). Courts adapt the form, by e-mail to the court for instance (Rb Amsterdam 19 March 2025, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2025:1859, ro. 3.18). - **People living abroad: opt-in.** They are bound only by a written statement to the court registry, within the court's term, that they consent to being represented (art. 1018f lid 5 Rv). In a consumer claim under the Representative Actions Directive they must also state that they are not represented in a parallel action in another EU or EEA state (art. 1018f lid 6 Rv). Outside such claims the court may apply opt-out to them on a party's request (lid 5, last sentence). Both statements are made only after the appointment. A person abroad belongs to the narrowly defined group the foundation acts for (lid 5); whether their support counts before they are bound is unsettled (section 8), and this standard counts it (NL-15). - **Joining the foundation** is not a statutory act. It is evidence of support, and not a condition of being bound: '(behoudens een tijdige opt-out) alle personen die behoren tot de groep (...) door de uitspraak worden gebonden' (HR ro. 3.3.5; art. 1018f lid 1 Rv). Nor is it needed to show support: 'Actieve aanmelding voor de collectieve vordering of lidmaatschap van een belangenorganisatie zijn echter niet vereist om te kunnen aannemen dat sprake is van steun van een voldoende groot deel van de totale groep' (HR ro. 3.3.6). The foundation's website must say how to join and how to leave (art. 3:305a lid 2 sub d 9° BW), so joining is revocable. 3. When the register is tested ------------------------------ | Stage | What it asks of the register | Source | |---|---|---| | Writ | A precise class definition and how representativeness is met | art. 1018c lid 1 sub b and d Rv | | Admissibility | Support relative to the whole class, the size of the claims, attribution to class members, a verifiable count, an accurate sign-up flow. Tested as things stand when the court decides | art. 1018c lid 5 Rv; HR ro. 3.2.2, 3.3.5; Rb Amsterdam 2026:6440 ro. 6.14 | | Exclusive representative | Group size and claim value weigh in the choice between competing claimants | art. 1018e lid 1 Rv | | Notice | The register supplies the known persons who get a letter, unless the court decides otherwise | art. 1018f lid 3 Rv | | After appointment | The court may re-test the exclusive representative's admissibility ('een doorlopende controle kan uitvoeren'), but need not: 'De rechtbank houdt geen doorlopend toezicht op de nakoming van in dit verband gestelde vereisten (hier: het waarborgvereiste)'. A mass opt-out can end the case | HR ro. 3.2.4; Rb Amsterdam 10 January 2024, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2024:83, ro. 2.7; art. 1018f lid 1 Rv | | Distribution | The class minus opt-outs, plus people abroad who opted in; per-person proof of membership at the latest here | art. 1018i lid 1, 1018j lid 1 Rv; Rb Amsterdam 25 September 2024, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2024:5972, ro. 3.5 | Where a claim is split (section 1), these stages apply to its WAMCA part, and the register states class and coverage for each part (NL-16). **Reference date.** The court judges 'naar de toestand zoals die zich voordoet ten tijde van zijn beslissing' (HR ro. 3.2.2, applied to the WAMCA in ro. 3.2.5). The register states a reference date shortly before each oral hearing and regenerates on the court's request. Courts have worked from a count of 1 October 2024 for a hearing of 22 October 2024 (Rb Amsterdam 15 January 2025, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2025:313, ro. 6.8 and 8.4). 4. Required items ----------------- A register that claims a level in a Dutch action meets every item below. The first table holds what Dutch law requires, by statute or a court's holding. The second holds what this standard requires beyond the law, each with the case law that gives the reason. ### What the law requires | \# | Item | Core | Source | |---|---|---|---| | NL-1 | A class definition and a class size with its basis. A range so wide that no conclusion follows from it carries little weight | 3, 6.1 | art. 1018c lid 1 sub b Rv; Rb Noord-Holland 2025:8944 ro. 4.40: 'Die schatting heeft echter een dermate grote bandbreedte dat daaruit geen nauwkeurige conclusies kunnen worden getrokken.' | | NL-2 | Coverage against the whole class, at the date the court decides | 6.2, 7 | HR ro. 3.3.5: 'de steun heeft van een voldoende groot deel van de totale groep personen voor wie zij opkomt'; ro. 3.3.7 rejects 'een niet te verwaarlozen aantal' as 'een te lage drempel' | | NL-3 | The size of the represented claims, where damages are claimed | 6.5 | art. 3:305a lid 2 BW: 'de omvang van de vertegenwoordigde vorderingen'; Rb Noord-Holland 2025:8944 ro. 4.44 and 4.52 | | NL-7 | Every flow version tells the person which claimant, defendant, claim and period they join | 5.1 | Rb Amsterdam 4 February 2026, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2026:1555, ro. 5.24: the process gave 'geen duidelijk (eerlijk) beeld (...) waar deze massaclaim op ziet'; Rb Amsterdam 2021:7647 ro. 5.11; Rb Amsterdam 2026:6440 ro. 6.20 | | NL-8 | The count is verified from the foundation's own administration, never from a list the foundation supplies | 8 | Rb Amsterdam 2024:5972 ro. 3.4: 'De registeraccountant heeft echter niet zelf geverifieerd of het aantal aanmeldingen volgt uit de administratie van ASC, maar heeft zich gebaseerd op een door ASC aangeleverde lijst. Dit is naar het oordeel van de rechtbank onvoldoende.' | | NL-9 | The foundation supplies the figures on its own initiative, in or soon after the writ, and refreshes them for the hearing | 7 | Rb Noord-Holland 2025:8944 ro. 4.52: the foundation 'kan (...) daarmee niet wachten tot zij van de rechtbank daartoe opdracht krijgt'; ro. 4.50 (no further opportunity) | | NL-10 | A published route to join and to leave; a withdrawal takes the record out of the count | 4.1 (1), 5.1 | art. 3:305a lid 2 sub d 9° BW | | NL-11 | For people abroad, once the term the court sets under art. 1018f lid 5 Rv has closed: their written statement to the registry, made within that term, and in a consumer claim under the Directive their statement on parallel actions. The record names the channel as `registry`, or as the route the court set instead, which the export then states as `opt_in_channel`: courts adapt the form ('kan de rechter hiervan afwijken', Rb Amsterdam 2025:1859 ro. 3.18, on lid 1). The export states the term's first and last day as `opt_in_opened_on` and `opt_in_closed_on`; a consent given at sign-up is not this statement | 4.6 | art. 1018f lid 5 and 6 Rv: 'door een schriftelijke mededeling aan de griffie', 'binnen een door de rechter te bepalen termijn van ten minste een maand na de' (...) 'aankondiging van de uitspraak, bedoeld in artikel 1018e', so after the appointment | | NL-13 | Registering and checking the backing is the foundation's own task, whatever it costs | 9 | Rb Noord-Holland 2025:8944 ro. 4.51: 'het haar kerntaak is om op te komen voor de belangen van haar achterban. (...) Het gegeven dat aan die werkzaamheden kosten zullen zijn verbonden doet daaraan niet af' | ### What this standard requires | \# | Item | Core | Reason | |---|---|---|---| | NL-4 | Support attributable to identifiable members of the class, with contact data | 4.1 (5, 7), 4.2 | Active sign-up is not required (HR ro. 3.3.6) and anonymous support is not excluded, but a court must address whether support is anonymous and comes from the class: HR ro. 3.3.11 faults the Hof for not asking 'of (...) de likes volledig anoniem zijn uitgebracht en of daaruit is af te leiden of deze afkomstig zijn van personen die behoren tot de groep'. Without contact data the backing cannot be reached: 'Omdat TPC geen contactgegevens heeft geregistreerd (...) kan zij immers niet communiceren met de door haar gestelde achterban' (Rb Amsterdam 29 December 2021, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2021:7647, ro. 5.12). This standard counts only support it can attribute | | NL-5 | Deduplication on more than an e-mail address | 4.1 (6), 4.5 | The count must be verifiable: 'het gestelde aantal deelnemers wel verifieerbaar moet zijn' (Rb Amsterdam 2024:5972 ro. 3.3). The objection that one person signed up under several addresses failed because SOMI's sign-up asked more: 'moet bij aanmelding niet alleen het e-mailadres worden opgegeven maar ook unieke persoonsgegevens, zoals de voor- en achternaam en (...) ook nog de geboortedatum' (Rb Amsterdam 2026:6440 ro. 6.21) | | NL-6 | Each record affirms membership of the class and support for this claim | 4.2 | One court asked for an accountant's statement that each sign-up had ticked the option confirming a purchase in the class (Rb Amsterdam 2024:5972 ro. 3.4). Another counted support because every sign-up declared 'Ik ben Gedupeerde' and 'Ik steun de bankenclaim van Collectief FGS' (Rb Amsterdam 15 July 2026, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2026:7864, ro. 5.10). An affirmation on each record answers both | | NL-12 | A count per subgroup where the foundation defines subgroups or a subgroup is small | 6.4 | Courts weigh representativeness per group where the claimant itself acts for distinct groups: FGS distinguished the Coronadatalek case because 'de eisende partij in die zaak zelf voor verschillende te onderscheiden groepen opkwam' (Rb Amsterdam 2026:7864 ro. 5.11). SOMI's court waived a count per group because each was large, and set apart cases on '(zeer) kleine groepen' (Rb Amsterdam 2026:6440 ro. 6.23) | | NL-14 | An operator paid regardless of the outcome, tied to the foundation neither through its board nor through a shareholding, whom the foundation can afford to replace | 9 | Outsourcing alone does not connect a servicer to the foundation: 'De enkele omstandigheid dat werkzaamheden worden uitbesteed door een belangenorganisatie maakt niet dat deze ‘derde/dienstverlener’ als een aan de belangenorganisatie verbonden rechtspersoon kan worden beschouwd', and in particular not one paid 'een (redelijke/zakelijke) vergoeding die niet afhankelijk is van de uitkomst van de procedure' (Hof Den Haag 23 December 2025, ECLI:NL:GHDHA:2025:2738, ro. 6.81). That answers the contractual route alone. A connection also runs 'op een formele wijze', 'via haar organen (bestuursfuncties) of als aandeelhouder' (ro. 6.75). The connection there rested on servicers who financed the claim for an outcome-dependent reward, repaid from the proceeds with an uplift (ro. 6.77, 6.78). A foundation tied to its servicer had no room 'om DRRT buiten de deur te zetten' (Rb Den Haag 20 September 2023, ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2023:14036, ro. 5.122). This standard asks for the fee the court names and no formal tie | | NL-15 | Each record holds the person's residence, and a person abroad counts as support until the term of art. 1018f lid 5 Rv closes, with residents and people abroad shown apart in the cross-section (core 6.3). Where the court defines the class by residence on a date, residence on that date is a fact of membership, and a record that lived abroad then falls outside the class (core 4.1 (4)); the record's residence is the one the opt-in turns on | 4.1 (4), 4.6, 6.3 | Residence decides who must opt in (art. 1018f lid 5 Rv). A person abroad belongs to 'de nauw omschreven groep personen wier belangen in deze collectieve vordering worden behartigd' (lid 5), but HR ro. 3.3.5 ties representativeness to the binding effect of the judgment, so a court may leave them out until they are bound (section 8). Showing them apart lets the court weigh support either way. Rb Amsterdam fixed residence for the class at a date, 'Mutaties daarna blijven dus buiten beschouwing', and a member who lived in the Netherlands then and abroad now must opt in: the opt-in 'geldt alleen voor belanghebbenden die op 9 november 2022 verblijfplaats hadden in Nederland maar nu elders verblijven' (Rb Amsterdam 2024:83 ro. 2.23 and 1.5) | | NL-16 | Where a claim covers events before and on or after 15 November 2016, the class size and coverage of each part, with the records coded by part | 6.1, 6.2, 6.4 | Outside art. 119a lid 3 such a claim is split, and the WAMCA and titel 14A Rv govern the later part alone (HR 2026:1551 ro. 3.2.4 and 3.2.6; section 1). For a Directive claim filed on or after 25 June 2023, whether titel 14A Rv governs the earlier events is open (section 8); counts per part serve either reading. Rb Amsterdam asked the foundation for both counts in its interim judgment of 1 February 2023: 'hoeveel afnemers van elektriciteit (ook) na 15 november 2016 de kW-vergoeding gefactureerd hebben gekregen en hebben betaald én hoeveel deelnemers uit die groep zich bij de Stichting hebben aangemeld', and the same for those who paid 'uitsluitend vóór 15 november 2016' (as recited in Rb Amsterdam 25 October 2023, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2023:6683, ro. 2.3) | 5. Recommended items -------------------- - **Documentary proof of membership per record (grade B).** Courts mostly leave actual membership to the damages stage (Rb Amsterdam 2024:5972 ro. 3.5), but demanded it at admissibility for an investor class whose membership turned on records the foundation could have collected (Rb Noord-Holland 2025:8944 ro. 4.42 and 4.43), and accepted a per-participant overview of invoices and contracts with identities withheld from the defendant (Rb Amsterdam 25 October 2023, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2023:6683, ro. 2.7 and 2.8). - **Confirmed sign-ups beside raw sign-ups.** Courts record both figures (Rb Rotterdam 28 May 2025, ECLI:NL:RBROT:2025:6254, ro. 6.34: SDBN's 9 421 forms, 4 186 confirmed by e-mail). - **The cross-section.** The Hoge Raad names whether the people who joined 'een evenwichtige afspiegeling vormen van de totale groep' as a way to infer support of the whole (ro. 3.3.6). - **The auditor's check at Level 3.** An accountant who examined the operator on site and was shown the results of queries on its databases answered the objection that the count came from exports (Rb Amsterdam 2025:313 ro. 8.5.2). An expert with a bailiff present, making test sign-ups and examining the databases, carried SOMI's count (Rb Amsterdam 2026:6440 ro. 6.19). An accountant who only watched the foundation generate the list was accepted as 'minimaal' (Rb Amsterdam 2025:1859 ro. 3.3), before the Hoge Raad raised the bar. - **A report under Standaard 4400N.** It puts the burden on the defendant to say concretely what is wrong: 'Een algemeen verwoord vermoeden is ontoereikend' (Rb Amsterdam 2025:313 ro. 8.5.1). - **Endorsements from organisations with a track record**, recorded apart from the count (core 6.6). The Hoge Raad lets them weigh (ro. 3.3.9); they carried SOMI (Rb Amsterdam 2026:6440 ro. 6.24) and their absence counted against SDBN (Rb Rotterdam 2025:6254 ro. 6.37: 'Dergelijke steunbetuigingen kunnen met name van belang zijn in gevallen waarin er in absolute en relatieve zin een beperkte achterban is.'). - **An explicit mandate per record for a damages claim based on the AVG.** Whether art. 80 AVG requires one is left to the merits (HR ro. 3.4.5), and the Court of Justice may decide whether the WAMCA's requirements apply to such claims at all (C-523/25, pending). - **A consultation channel** the board uses before settling. It counts toward the safeguards (Hof Den Haag 2025:2738 ro. 6.87; Claimcode 2019, principe V.7). 6. Recognised identification ---------------------------- - **Identity, grade A**: iDIN (bank identification) and eHerkenning (for legal persons), beside notified eIDAS means. `nl.json` lists them. DigiD is not available to private parties. - **Outside sources, grade B**: the RDW vehicle register for vehicle classes; the KvK Handelsregister for business classes. 7. The level a typical action needs ----------------------------------- A recommendation, not a court's rule. - **Level 2, Identified, is the floor for a damages action.** Named, contactable, deduplicated people who affirmed membership and support, coverage against the class and its spread, recomputed by an auditor from the source records. Rb Amsterdam accepted counts against the lower test the Hoge Raad rejected, 'een niet te verwaarlozen aantal personen' (stated in 2024:5972 ro. 3.3 and 2025:313 ro. 8.3; a count accepted on it in 2025:1859 ro. 3.3), so no share accepted before 17 July 2026 is safe. - **Level 3, Verified**, when the book will be fought over: a competing claimant in the window of art. 1018d Rv, a defendant attacking the count, a class of millions where the share will be small, a class whose membership turns on records, or a second chance after an adjournment. - **Level 1, Registered**, matches the floor accepted in Rb Amsterdam 2025:1859, which predates the Hoge Raad's ruling. 8. Unsettled ------------ - Whether titel 14A Rv governs a claim under the Representative Actions Directive filed on or after 25 June 2023 for events before 15 November 2016. Art. 119a lid 3 Overgangswet nieuw Burgerlijk Wetboek lifts the split for art. 3:305a BW, but the transitional rule for titel 14A Rv was left as it stood: 'Artikel II van deze wet is van toepassing op gedingen die aanhangig zijn gemaakt op of na het tijdstip van het in werking treden van de wet en die betrekking hebben op een gebeurtenis of gebeurtenissen die heeft of hebben plaatsgevonden op of na 15 november 2016' (art. III, onderdeel 2, WAMCA), and HR 2026:1551 ro. 3.2.6 reads the two rules alike. The explanatory memorandum to lid 3 points the other way without naming art. III: the Directive applies to actions filed on or after 25 June 2023, 'ongeacht wanneer de gebeurtenissen hebben plaatsgevonden' (Kamerstukken II 2024/25, 36638, nr. 3, on art. XIII, onderdeel A). No ruling decides it. - No published ruling applies HR 2026:1198 to representativeness yet; Rb Amsterdam found Milieudefensie representative on 9 September 2026 without citing it (ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2026:9098, ro. 3.13). The Hof Den Haag has not decided the referred TPC case. - Whether support from people abroad counts before any of them is bound. HR ro. 3.3.5 bases the test on the binding effect of the judgment; art. 1018f lid 5 Rv counts people abroad in the group the foundation acts for. No ruling decides it. This standard counts their support and shows it apart (NL-15). - C-523/25 (SDBN v Amazon) asks whether the Netherlands may add admissibility requirements to GDPR claims. If not, privacy damages actions leave the representativeness test. - Whether a foundation may file statements of people abroad with the registry on their behalf, or in bulk. The statute is silent and no ruling was found. - The cabinet's response to the WODC evaluation (Kamerstukken I 2026/27, 34608, C, 12 October 2026) proposes no change to the WAMCA, defers on representativeness to the courts, and plans to explore with the Raad voor de rechtspraak how to make the central register more complete, accessible and searchable. The WODC studies funding and margins next. - `nl.json` asks every record abroad for the statement on parallel actions once the term has closed, though art. 1018f lid 6 Rv requires it only in a consumer claim under the Directive. Outside such a claim, record the statement anyway or note the exception in the conformance statement. - Where the court applies opt-out to people abroad (art. 1018f lid 5 Rv, last sentence), the export states no window (`opt_in_opened_on` and `opt_in_closed_on` null), a record abroad counts without a statement, and the conformance statement names the court's decision. Sources ------- 1. Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 3, art. 3:305a, BWBR0005291, rendition of 1 July 2025: [https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0005291](https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0005291) 2. Wetboek van Burgerlijke Rechtsvordering, art. 1018b to 1018m, BWBR0001827, rendition of 14 July 2026: [https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0001827&boek=Derde&titeldeel=14a](https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0001827&boek=Derde&titeldeel=14a) 3. HR 17 July 2026, ECLI:NL:HR:2026:1198 4. Rb Amsterdam 27 May 2026, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2026:6440 5. Rb Amsterdam 15 July 2026, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2026:7864 6. Rb Amsterdam 4 February 2026, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2026:1555 7. Hof Den Haag 23 December 2025, ECLI:NL:GHDHA:2025:2738 8. Rb Noord-Holland 23 July 2025, ECLI:NL:RBNHO:2025:8944 9. Rb Rotterdam 28 May 2025, ECLI:NL:RBROT:2025:6254 10. Rb Amsterdam 19 March 2025, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2025:1859 11. Rb Amsterdam 15 January 2025, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2025:313 12. Rb Amsterdam 25 September 2024, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2024:5972 13. Rb Amsterdam 25 October 2023, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2023:6683 14. Rb Den Haag 20 September 2023, ECLI:NL:RBDHA:2023:14036 15. Rb Amsterdam 29 December 2021, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2021:7647 16. Kamerstukken I 2026/27, 34608, C (12 October 2026): [https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/kst-1274229](https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/kst-1274229) 17. CJEU C-523/25, SDBN v Amazon, pending: [https://curia.europa.eu/juris/liste.jsf?num=C-523/25](https://curia.europa.eu/juris/liste.jsf?num=C-523/25) 18. Claimcode 2019 (private code; courts apply it) 19. Rb Amsterdam 9 September 2026, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2026:9098 20. Overgangswet nieuw Burgerlijk Wetboek, art. 119a, BWBR0002565, rendition of 8 October 2026: [https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0002565&titeldeel=4&artikel=119a](https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0002565&titeldeel=4&artikel=119a) 21. Wet afwikkeling massaschade in collectieve actie, art. III, BWBR0042074, rendition of 1 January 2020: [https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0042074&artikel=III](https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0042074&artikel=III) 22. HR 25 September 2026, ECLI:NL:HR:2026:1551 23. Rb Amsterdam 10 January 2024, ECLI:NL:RBAMS:2024:83 24. Kamerstukken II 2024/25, 36638, nr. 3 (explanatory memorandum): [https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/kst-36638-3](https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/kst-36638-3) Every ruling is at [https://uitspraken.rechtspraak.nl/details?id=](https://uitspraken.rechtspraak.nl/details?id=) followed by its ECLI. --- # https://vcrs.org/annexes/pl VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 Annex PL: Poland (postępowanie grupowe) ======================================= What the Polish group action act and the Polish courts require of a register, and what the standard asks beyond them. A filing cites this text at [vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/pl](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/pl), where it stays unchanged. 10 Annexes ------- 9 sections VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2. Draft for consultation. Not legal advice. Law and rulings as read on 19 and 21 October 2026 in the Dziennik Ustaw, on the Sąd Najwyższy's site, on the common courts' judgment portals, on the Urząd Ochrony Konkurencji i Konsumentów's register and in the European Commission's overview of notified eID schemes. 1. The regime ------------- A collective damages action is a postępowanie grupowe under the ustawa z dnia 17 grudnia 2009 r. o dochodzeniu roszczeń w postępowaniu grupowym (consolidated text Dz.U. 2024 poz. 1485), which the ustawa z dnia 24 lipca 2024 r. (Dz.U. 2024 poz. 1237) amended to transpose the Directive, in force since 29 August 2024. Cases pending on that day keep the earlier wording: 'Do spraw prowadzonych w postępowaniu grupowym wszczętych i niezakończonych przed dniem wejścia w życie niniejszej ustawy stosuje się przepisy ustawy zmienianej w art. 1, w brzmieniu dotychczasowym' (Dz.U. 2024 poz. 1237, art. 6). - **Two kinds of action, one statute.** 'Powództwo w postępowaniu grupowym wytacza reprezentant grupy, a w sprawach o stwierdzenie stosowania praktyk naruszających ogólne interesy konsumentów lub w sprawach o roszczenia związane z ich stosowaniem wyłącznie podmiot upoważniony' (art. 4 ust. 1). The representative of a member-led action is 'osoba będąca członkiem grupy albo powiatowy (miejski) rzecznik konsumentów' (art. 4 ust. 2), or the Rzecznik Finansowy for clients of the financial market (art. 4 ust. 2a). A podmiot upoważniony is an entity on the register of the Prezes UOKiK, which on 21 October 2026 held the Rzecznik Finansowy and Fundacja LexCultura, or on the Commission's list (art. 46a u.o.k.k.). The export states an action by a podmiot upoważniony as `directive` true. - **The group.** 'Ustawa normuje sądowe postępowanie cywilne w sprawach, w których są dochodzone roszczenia jednego rodzaju, co najmniej 10 osób, oparte na tej samej lub takiej samej podstawie faktycznej (postępowanie grupowe)' (art. 1 ust. 1). Consumers' money claims need not be equalised: 'Przepisów ust. 1 i 2 nie stosuje się w sprawach o roszczenia konsumentów' (art. 2 ust. 2a). A money claim may be limited to establishing the defendant's liability (art. 2 ust. 3). - **Court.** 'Postępowanie grupowe należy do właściwości sądu okręgowego' (art. 3 ust. 1), sitting with three professional judges, the composition order included (Sąd Najwyższy, III CZP 5/25). A lawyer is mandatory (art. 4 ust. 4). 2. Who is bound, and how they join ---------------------------------- - **Opt-in, for everyone.** 'Wszczęcie postępowania grupowego nie wyłącza możliwości dochodzenia swych roszczeń przez osoby, które nie przystąpiły do grupy lub z niej wystąpiły' (art. 1 ust. 3), and 'Wyrok prawomocny ma skutek wobec wszystkich członków grupy' (art. 21 ust. 3). The act draws no line by residence, so residents and people abroad both opt in: `pl.json` sets `opt_in_abroad` and `opt_in_residents` to true, names the representative as the channel, `representative`, for the reprezentant grupy and the podmiot upoważniony alike, and asks every opt-in for the declaration on parallel claims (PL-7, PL-14). - **Before filing.** The claim attaches the founding members' declarations: 'Do pozwu należy dołączyć oświadczenia członków grupy o przystąpieniu do grupy i wyrażeniu zgody co do osoby reprezentanta grupy' (art. 6 ust. 2); in a podmiot upoważniony's action, the declarations and the funding agreement (art. 6 ust. 4). - **After admission.** Once the order admitting the action is final, the court orders an announcement offering others to join 'poprzez złożenie reprezentantowi grupy albo podmiotowi upoważnionemu, w oznaczonym terminie, nie krótszym niż miesiąc i nie dłuższym niż 3 miesiące od dnia ogłoszenia, pisemnego oświadczenia o przystąpieniu do grupy' (art. 11 ust. 2 pkt 3). 'Przystąpienie do grupy po upływie terminu wyznaczonego przez sąd jest niedopuszczalne' (art. 11 ust. 5). A person who sued alone before may join until the first instance ends, and the court discontinues the own action (art. 13 ust. 2). - **No window in the export.** People join from before filing to the end of the court's term, so the opt-in is due from the start: a record counts once it holds the person's written declaration to the representative, and the export states no opt-in window. A declaration after the court's term is recorded `excluded`, save one under art. 13 ust. 2 (PL-2), which the auditor checks (section 8). - **The declaration.** 'W oświadczeniu o przystąpieniu do grupy uprawniony powinien określić swe żądanie oraz wskazać okoliczności uzasadniające żądanie, a także przynależność do grupy oraz przedstawić dowody' (art. 12). It takes effect against the defendant when presented to the court (art. 13 ust. 1). - **Withdrawal.** Until the composition order is final; then 'oświadczenie członka grupy o wystąpieniu z grupy jest bezskuteczne' (art. 17 ust. 3), save that a member of a podmiot upoważniony's action may leave within two weeks of being told of a settlement they reject (art. 19a ust. 1). - **Who holds the list.** 'Wykaz osób, które przystąpiły do grupy, sporządza powód i przedstawia sądowi, dołączając oświadczenia o przystąpieniu do grupy. Sąd doręcza wykaz pozwanemu.' (art. 12). The court's composition order is the list that binds. 3. When the register is tested ------------------------------ | Stage | What it asks of the register | Source | |---|---|---| | Filing | At least 10 declarations attached, each for a claim of one kind on the same or same-type facts; for money claims each member's amount; in a member-led action each founding member's consent to the representative; in a podmiot upoważniony's action the statements of art. 6 ust. 7 and the funding agreement | art. 1 ust. 1; art. 6 ust. 1 pkt 3, ust. 2, 4, 7; SO Warszawa II C 121/11 | | Admission | The court rules on the claim as filed, after hearing the parties, and cannot carve a valid group out of a mixed list | art. 10 ust. 1; SO Warszawa II C 121/11 | | Announcement and joining | Declarations to the representative within the court's term, one to three months from the announcement | art. 11 ust. 2 pkt 3, ust. 5 | | Composition of the group | The list with every declaration, served on the defendant; the defendant's objections to named persons; proof of membership for money claims, plausibility for others; the court's order on each person, open to appeal, after which the group is fixed | art. 12, 15, 16 ust. 1, 17; SN III CZP 5/25; SN III CZP 51/22 | | Judgment | Every member named, and in a money judgment what each receives, in the operative part or a list annexed to it | art. 21 ust. 1, 2, 2a | | Enforcement | An extract per member stating what is due to them | art. 22 | | Settlement | The consent of more than half the members; in a podmiot upoważniony's action, the member's exit within two weeks | art. 19 ust. 1; art. 19a ust. 1 | **Reference dates.** The filing date for the 10 (SO Warszawa II C 121/11). The day the composition order becomes final, which fixes the group: 'Na tym etapie następuje też stabilizacja składu grupy' (SN III CZP 5/25). Per record, the day the declaration reached the representative and the day it was presented to the court. 4. Required items ----------------- A register that claims a level in a Polish action meets every item below. The first table holds what Polish law requires, by statute or a court's holding. The second holds what this standard requires beyond the law, with the reason. ### What the law requires | \# | Item | Core | Source | |---|---|---|---| | PL-1 | At filing, at least 10 records hold a declaration attached to the claim, each for a claim of one kind on the same or same-type facts, so that each list the claim pleads stands on its own | 6.2, 6.4 | art. 1 ust. 1: 'roszczenia jednego rodzaju, co najmniej 10 osób, oparte na tej samej lub takiej samej podstawie faktycznej'; SO Warszawa 8 April 2011, II C 121/11: the thresholds 'muszą być spełnione już w momencie składania pozwu', and the court 'nie ma uprawnień do jego modyfikowania choćby przez selekcję poszczególnych elementów' | | PL-2 | Each record holds its opt-in: the person's written declaration of joining and the day it reached the representative, through the channel `representative`. A declaration made after the court's term is recorded `excluded` (core 4.1 (1)), unless the person sued the defendant on the claim before the group action began and declared before the first instance ended | 4.1 (1), 4.6, 5.3 | art. 11 ust. 2 pkt 3: 'pisemnego oświadczenia o przystąpieniu do grupy'; art. 11 ust. 5: 'Przystąpienie do grupy po upływie terminu wyznaczonego przez sąd jest niedopuszczalne.'; SO Warszawa 16 December 2020, XXIV C 709/15, checking each person: 'oświadczyły o przystąpieniu do grupy we właściwym czasie'; art. 13 ust. 2: such a person 'nie później niż do dnia zakończenia postępowania w pierwszej instancji może złożyć oświadczenie o przystąpieniu do grupy' | | PL-3 | Each declaration states the claim, the facts behind it, why the person is a member, and the evidence | 4.3, 6.5 | art. 12: 'W oświadczeniu o przystąpieniu do grupy uprawniony powinien określić swe żądanie oraz wskazać okoliczności uzasadniające żądanie, a także przynależność do grupy oraz przedstawić dowody.' | | PL-4 | In a money claim each record's membership rests on evidence (core 4.3); in any other claim, on evidence that makes it plausible | 4.3 | art. 16 ust. 1: 'W sprawach o roszczenia pieniężne ciężar udowodnienia przynależności członka do grupy spoczywa na powodzie. W innych sprawach do ustalenia przynależności członka do grupy wystarcza uprawdopodobnienie.'; SO Warszawa 11 September 2017, XXV C 1529/15: 'Konsekwencją nieudowodnienia (nieuprawdopodobnienia) przynależności określonej osoby do grupy (podgrupy) przez powoda jest wyłączenie przez sąd tej osoby ze składu grupy.' | | PL-5 | In a money claim, the amount each member claims | 6.5 | art. 6 ust. 1 pkt 3: 'w przypadku roszczeń pieniężnych określenie wysokości roszczenia każdego z członków grupy lub podgrup' | | PL-6 | In a member-led action, each declaration attached to the claim holds the person's consent to the named representative | 5.1 | art. 6 ust. 2: 'oświadczenia członków grupy o przystąpieniu do grupy i wyrażeniu zgody co do osoby reprezentanta grupy' | | PL-7 | In a podmiot upoważniony's action, each declaration attached to the claim states whether the person joined another group action, or sued, against the defendant over the same infringement, and how the entity is to reach them. The record holds `parallel_declared` true only where the statements show no other group action and no own action other than one filed before the group action began, which the court discontinues on joining (art. 13 ust. 2), and the contact channel is the one the declaration names | 4.1 (7), 4.1 (8), 4.6 | art. 6 ust. 7: the member states '1) czy przystąpił do grupy w innym postępowaniu grupowym wytoczonym przeciwko pozwanemu w związku z tym samym naruszeniem; 2) czy wytoczył przeciwko pozwanemu powództwo w związku z tym samym naruszeniem; 3) o sposobie komunikacji z podmiotem upoważnionym'; art. 10aa ust. 5: 'Przekazanie informacji członkowi grupy przez podmiot upoważniony następuje w sposób wskazany w oświadczeniu o przystąpieniu do grupy.' | | PL-8 | Per record, the day the declaration was presented to the court | 5.3 | art. 13 ust. 1: 'Z chwilą przedstawienia sądowi oświadczenia o przystąpieniu do grupy między członkiem grupy oraz pozwanym powstaje skutek sprawy w toku' | | PL-9 | Per record, the defendant's objection to the person and the court's ruling on them. A person the court refuses is recorded `excluded` | 4.1 (1), 5.3 | art. 15; art. 17 ust. 1; SN 24 July 2025, III CZP 5/25: 'W postanowieniu co do składu grupy sąd rozstrzyga o przyznaniu lub odmowie przyznania statusu członka grupy osobom, które złożyły reprezentantowi grupy oświadczenie o przystąpieniu do grupy' | | PL-10 | A withdrawal before the composition order is final is recorded `withdrawn`. After it a withdrawal has no effect and the record stays `active`, save a member's exit after a settlement in a podmiot upoważniony's action | 4.1 (1) | art. 17 ust. 3: 'Po uprawomocnieniu się postanowienia, o którym mowa w ust. 1, oświadczenie członka grupy o wystąpieniu z grupy jest bezskuteczne.'; art. 19a ust. 1; SA Łódź 4 July 2025, I ACa 202/25: 'Ustawa wyklucza zatem skuteczne wystąpienie z grupy po prawomocnym ustaleniu składu grupy.' | | PL-11 | A member whose claim the court discontinues after the composition order, having settled with the defendant or won a separate judgment, is recorded `excluded` with the day and the reason, and stays in the register | 4.1 (1), 5.3 | SA Łódź I ACa 202/25: 'Sąd Apelacyjny ostatecznie stanął na stanowisku, że zawarte ugody czy wydane wyroki muszą znaleźć odzwierciedlenie w treści rozstrzygnięcia.' | | PL-12 | The register yields the judgment's list: every member by name, told apart from namesakes, with the amount due to each, and an extract per member | 4.1 (6), 9 | art. 21 ust. 1: 'W sentencji wyroku należy wymienić wszystkich członków grupy lub podgrupy.'; art. 21 ust. 2: 'W wyroku zasądzającym świadczenie pieniężne należy ustalić, jaka kwota przypada każdemu członkowi grupy lub podgrupy.'; art. 22 | | PL-13 | In a podmiot upoważniony's action, any joining fee per member: no more than 5 % of the member's money claim and 2000 zł, or 1000 zł for a claim that is not for money, and no other charge to the member | 9 | art. 5a ust. 2: 'nie może przekraczać 5 % wartości dochodzonego przez członka grupy roszczenia pieniężnego, jednak nie może być wyższa niż 2000 zł, a w przypadku roszczenia niepieniężnego wysokość ustalonej opłaty nie może być wyższa niż 1000 zł'; art. 5b: the fee 'stanowi jedyny koszt, jaki konsument ponosi' | ### What this standard requires | \# | Item | Core | Reason | |---|---|---|---| | PL-14 | Every declaration, in either kind of action and whenever made, carries the statements of art. 6 ust. 7 points 1 and 2, held as `parallel_declared` as PL-7 says | 4.1 (8), 4.6 | art. 6 ust. 7 asks them only of the declarations a podmiot upoważniony's claim attaches. A person who sued alone and then joins has the own action discontinued (art. 13 ust. 2), and nobody is represented twice on the same claim (Directive (EU) 2020/1828, art. 9(4)). `parallel_declaration` applies to every opt-in, so the validator asks it of all | | PL-15 | Each declaration is signed by hand, or with a qualified electronic signature | 4.6, 5.3 | The act asks for a 'pisemnego oświadczenia' (art. 11 ust. 2 pkt 3), and for the written form of a legal act the Kodeks cywilny asks 'złożenie własnoręcznego podpisu na dokumencie obejmującym treść oświadczenia woli' (art. 78 § 1), which a qualified electronic signature equals (art. 78¹ § 1 and § 2). No ruling read decides whether a lighter form is 'pisemne', and the defendant may object to the membership of each named person (art. 15), which the court decides on the declarations and documents (XXIV C 709/15). A register that meets a level holds declarations that survive that objection | 5. Recommended items -------------------- - **A margin above 10 at filing, and one list per kind of claim.** The threshold cannot be cured after filing, and in II C 121/11 claims for the death of relatives and for property loss could not be pooled. - **Evidence of consumer status** where the defendant can argue business use: in XXIV C 709/15 the court held that 'Sama okoliczność, że dana osoba wykonuje działalność gospodarczą, nie implikuje domniemania faktycznego' and checked the contracts. - **The declaration in the languages the entity publishes** for joining (art. 46c pkt 2 lit. e u.o.k.k.). - **A record of the announcement**: where and when it was published (art. 11 ust. 3). - **An operator receiving declarations for the representative.** Each declaration is addressed to the representative by name, at a channel the representative publishes as its own; the operator receives it as the representative's processor under a written mandate to receive; the opt-in's day is the day the representative had it, and the register keeps the day the operator received it. A declaration falls within the court's term only where the representative had it in time (art. 11 ust. 2 pkt 3, ust. 5). This lowers the risk of the question section 8 leaves open; it does not settle it. 6. Recognised identification ---------------------------- - **Identity, grade A**: the Public Electronic Identification System, with the profil zaufany and the profil osobisty, notified under eIDAS at assurance levels substantial and high (the European Commission's overview of notified schemes: 2023/C 136/02), and so covered by `eidas`. `pl.json` names no further scheme. - **Outside sources, grade B**: a public register the membership fact can be read in. In XXV C 1529/15 the court checked each declaration against 'odpisów zwykłych ksiąg wieczystych i wypisów z rejestru gruntów'. 7. The level a typical action needs ----------------------------------- A recommendation, not a court's rule. - **Level 3, Verified, for an action for money.** The representative proves each member's membership (art. 16 ust. 1), the defendant may object person by person and the court checks each declaration against documents (XXV C 1529/15, XXIV C 709/15), and the judgment names each member with the amount due (art. 21). - **Level 2, Identified, for an action limited to liability** (art. 2 ust. 3), where plausibility suffices (art. 16 ust. 1), with the evidence behind each record. 8. Unsettled ------------ - Whether art. 4 ust. 1, which reserves claims connected with practices infringing the collective interests of consumers to a podmiot upoważniony, bars a member-led action on facts that are also such a practice. - Whether a declaration signed electronically without a qualified signature, scanned or clicked is 'pisemne' in art. 11 ust. 2 pkt 3. - Whether the 10 are tested again when members fall below 10 after admission. II C 121/11 is a first-instance order. - The export states no opt-in window, since the opt-in is due from the start, so the validator does not test that a declaration came within the court's term: PL-2 records a late one `excluded`, and the auditor checks it. - Whether art. 6 ust. 7's statements bind declarations made after the announcement. PL-14 asks them of all. - Whether a declaration an operator receives for the representative is made to the representative (art. 11 ust. 2 pkt 3). No source read addresses an agent. - No ruling under the 2024 rules on an action by a podmiot upoważniony was found. Sources ------- 1. Ustawa z dnia 17 grudnia 2009 r. o dochodzeniu roszczeń w postępowaniu grupowym, consolidated text, Dz.U. 2024 poz. 1485, Dziennik Ustaw: [https://dziennikustaw.gov.pl/DU/2024/1485](https://dziennikustaw.gov.pl/DU/2024/1485) 2. Ustawa z dnia 24 lipca 2024 r. o zmianie ustawy o dochodzeniu roszczeń w postępowaniu grupowym oraz niektórych innych ustaw, Dz.U. 2024 poz. 1237, Dziennik Ustaw: [https://dziennikustaw.gov.pl/DU/2024/1237](https://dziennikustaw.gov.pl/DU/2024/1237) 3. Ustawa z dnia 16 lutego 2007 r. o ochronie konkurencji i konsumentów, consolidated text, Dz.U. 2025 poz. 1714, Dziennik Ustaw: [https://dziennikustaw.gov.pl/DU/2025/1714](https://dziennikustaw.gov.pl/DU/2025/1714) 4. Kodeks cywilny, consolidated text, Dz.U. 2026 poz. 795, Dziennik Ustaw: [https://dziennikustaw.gov.pl/DU/2026/795](https://dziennikustaw.gov.pl/DU/2026/795) 5. Sąd Najwyższy, uchwała z 24 lipca 2025 r., III CZP 5/25: [https://www.sn.pl/images/Komunikaty\_o\_sprawach/iii\_czp\_5-25.pdf](https://www.sn.pl/images/Komunikaty_o_sprawach/iii_czp_5-25.pdf) 6. Sąd Najwyższy, uchwała z 25 stycznia 2022 r., III CZP 51/22: [https://www.sn.pl/sites/orzecznictwo/Orzeczenia3/III%20CZP%2051-22.pdf](https://www.sn.pl/sites/orzecznictwo/Orzeczenia3/III%20CZP%2051-22.pdf) 7. Sąd Okręgowy w Warszawie, postanowienie z 8 kwietnia 2011 r., II C 121/11, Portal Orzeczeń Sądów Powszechnych: [https://orzeczenia.ms.gov.pl/content/$N/154505000000603\_II\_C\_000121\_2011\_Uz\_2011-04-08\_001](https://orzeczenia.ms.gov.pl/content/$N/154505000000603_II_C_000121_2011_Uz_2011-04-08_001) 8. Sąd Okręgowy w Warszawie, postanowienie z 11 września 2017 r., XXV C 1529/15, Portal Orzeczeń Sądów Powszechnych: [https://orzeczenia.ms.gov.pl/content/$N/154505000007503\_XXV\_C\_001529\_2015\_Uz\_2017-09-11\_001](https://orzeczenia.ms.gov.pl/content/$N/154505000007503_XXV_C_001529_2015_Uz_2017-09-11_001) 9. Sąd Okręgowy w Warszawie, postanowienie z 16 grudnia 2020 r., XXIV C 709/15, Portal Orzeczeń Sądu Okręgowego w Warszawie: [https://orzeczenia.warszawa.so.gov.pl/content/$N/154505000007203\_XXIV\_C\_000709\_2015\_Uz\_2021-01-18\_001](https://orzeczenia.warszawa.so.gov.pl/content/$N/154505000007203_XXIV_C_000709_2015_Uz_2021-01-18_001) 10. Sąd Apelacyjny w Łodzi, wyrok z 4 lipca 2025 r., I ACa 202/25, Portal Orzeczeń Sądu Apelacyjnego w Łodzi: [https://orzeczenia.lodz.sa.gov.pl/content/47/152500000000503\_I\_ACa\_000202\_2025\_Uz\_2025-07-04\_001](https://orzeczenia.lodz.sa.gov.pl/content/47/152500000000503_I_ACa_000202_2025_Uz_2025-07-04_001) 11. Rejestr podmiotów upoważnionych do wytaczania powództw grupowych, Urząd Ochrony Konkurencji i Konsumentów: [https://uokik.gov.pl/bip/rejestr-podmiotow-upowaznionych-do-wytaczania-powodztw-grupowych](https://uokik.gov.pl/bip/rejestr-podmiotow-upowaznionych-do-wytaczania-powodztw-grupowych) 12. Overview of pre-notified and notified eID schemes under eIDAS, European Commission: [https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/EIDCOMMUNITY/Overview+of+pre-notified+and+notified+eID+schemes+under+eIDAS](https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/display/EIDCOMMUNITY/Overview+of+pre-notified+and+notified+eID+schemes+under+eIDAS) --- # https://vcrs.org/annexes/pt VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 Annex PT: Portugal (ação popular and DL 114-A/2023) =================================================== What the ação popular and DL 114-A/2023 require of a register, each item cited, and what the standard recommends beyond them. A filing cites this text at [vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/pt](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/pt), where it stays unchanged. 11 Annexes ------- 9 sections VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2. Draft for consultation. Not legal advice. Law and rulings as read on 19 and 21 October 2026 on the Diário da República, the consolidated database of the Procuradoria-Geral Regional de Lisboa, dgsi.pt and the Direção-Geral do Consumidor. 1. The regime ------------- A collective damages action for consumers runs as an ação popular under Lei n.º 83/95 (the LAP) and, for actions filed from 6 December 2023 within its scope, under Decreto-Lei n.º 114-A/2023, which transposes the Representative Actions Directive and leaves the LAP as subsidiary law (art. 21). Competition damages follow Lei n.º 23/2018, art. 19. The DL governs actions 'intentadas com fundamento em infrações (...) às disposições do direito nacional e da União Europeia (UE) referidas no anexo I da Diretiva' (art. 2(1)), and only those filed from its entry into force on 6 December 2023: it 'aplica-se às ações coletivas intentadas a partir da data da sua entrada em vigor' (art. 24(1), with art. 25). Its rules on people abroad and on unclaimed sums hold in those actions alone. The export states whether the action is one (`directive`, core 4.6). - **Who may sue.** Under the DL: associations and foundations with legal personality, statutes that cover the interests and no competing professional activity, and local authorities (DL arts. 5 and 6(1)). Under the LAP alone, also any citizen in full enjoyment of civil and political rights (LAP art. 2(1)); associations and foundations meet LAP art. 3. A domestic action needs no designation: standing does not depend on 'data em que tenham sido criadas, ao número de membros que tenham ou suficiência de fundos' (Tribunal da Relação de Lisboa, 10 October 2024, proc. 4834/23.0T8VNG.L1-6). Designation by the Direção-Geral do Consumidor (DGC) is for cross-border actions only (DL art. 7); DECO and Ius Omnibus are designated. - **Independence.** The claimant alone decides to sue, withdraw or settle (DL art. 6(1)(d) and (2)); a funder 'não pode impor, impedir ou influenciar por qualquer forma' those decisions, and clauses to the contrary are void (art. 10(5)). In opt-out actions the funder's return may not exceed 'um valor justo e proporcional' (art. 10(6)). 2. Who is bound, and how they join ---------------------------------- - **Residents: opt-out.** The claimant represents every holder of the interests 'com dispensa de mandato ou autorização expressa' (LAP art. 14). The court cites the class by public notice 'sem obrigatoriedade de identificação pessoal dos destinatários' (art. 15(2)), by reference to its universe (art. 15(3)). Silence is acceptance (art. 15(1)). A member may refuse representation 'até ao termo da produção de prova (...) por declaração expressa nos autos' (art. 15(4)). - **People living abroad, in an action under the DL: opt-in.** Consumers without habitual residence in Portugal on the date of the citação are represented only if they 'manifestarem expressamente a sua vontade de serem representados na ação coletiva em causa' (DL art. 12(1)). That expression 'não se encontra sujeita a qualquer formalidade especial' (art. 12(2)). The citação date fixes when residence is tested. It is not a deadline: the statute names none, nor an addressee, nor whether the opt-in can be withdrawn. - **People living abroad, in an action under the LAP or Lei n.º 23/2018 alone.** No statute asks them to opt in: the LAP represents 'todos os demais titulares dos direitos ou interesses em causa' (art. 14) without a rule on residence, and Lei n.º 23/2018 art. 19 adds none. In a follow-on case against a defendant seated in Spain, the defendant argued that Portuguese courts lacked jurisdiction over damages that consumers not resident in Portugal suffered 'em resultado dos factos objeto da DECISÃO', and the court agreed: 'É efetivamente pacífico tal entendimento conforme resulta dos pedidos efetuados e a Autora esclarece na sua resposta' (the Tribunal da Concorrência, Regulação e Supervisão, as transcribed in Tribunal da Relação de Lisboa, 13 July 2022, proc. 6/21.6YQSTR-A.L1-PICRS, paras. 78-79). The point turned on the defendant's seat; no ruling read decides it for a defendant domiciled in Portugal. - **Practice.** The six court notices read from the DGC's list of ongoing actions all confine the class to residents of Portugal, so a person abroad is outside the class (core 4.1 (4)). Joining the association is voluntary and no condition of representation: Ius Omnibus invites represented consumers to register so they are informed and 'não perdem a oportunidade de pedir a sua indemnização'. 3. When the register is tested ------------------------------ | Stage | What it asks of the register | Source | |---|---|---| | Filing | Residents: no list of members. A pleaded, plausible class size and damage, and documents showing the practice reached consumers. A foreign qualified entity: the consumers it represents, individually or by category | STJ 2 June 2026; TRL 20 November 2025; LAP art. 13; DL art. 9(1) | | Citação of the class | In an action under the DL, residence of people abroad is tested at this date, and their opt-in must be evidenced | DL art. 12(1) | | Close of evidence | Last moment for a resident to refuse representation, in the court file | LAP art. 15(4) | | Judgment | The court sets the criteria for identifying consumers and quantifying each identified consumer's damage, a global sum for the unidentified, a paying entity, and how consumers are told and claim | DL art. 16(1), (2), (4), (5); LAP art. 22(2) | | Distribution | Each consumer proves membership and damage by the judgment's criteria, within the judge's period. The right becomes time-barred (prescreve) three years after the judgment becomes final. Under the DL, sums unclaimed within the judge's period pay the claimant's costs, a funder's return among them where the court finds it fair and proportionate. Under Lei n.º 23/2018 they pay the 'custas, encargos, honorários e demais despesas incorridos pelo autor', and the article names no funder. Under the LAP alone, sums for time-barred rights go to the Ministério da Justiça | DL art. 16(6) and (7); Lei n.º 23/2018 art. 19(7); LAP art. 22(3), (4) and (5) | **Reference dates.** The filing date for the mass-situation pleading; the citação for residence of people abroad; and, at distribution, the claim date within the judge's period. No Portuguese opt-out damages action has reached a court-ordered distribution yet. 4. Required items ----------------- A register that claims a level in a Portuguese action meets every item below. Each is what Portuguese law requires; this annex asks nothing beyond it. ### What the law requires | \# | Item | Core | Source | |---|---|---|---| | PT-1 | In an action under the DL, for a person abroad: their residence on the date of the citação, and their express will to be represented in this action, with when and how it was given. No form is required beyond that. There is no opt-in window: the export states `opt_in_opened_on` and `opt_in_closed_on` as null, and the express will is due from the start. The export states `directive` as true in such an action and as false in an action under the LAP or Lei n.º 23/2018 alone, where no opt-in is asked | 4.6 | DL art. 2(1), 12(1) and (2), 24(1) | | PT-2 | A resident's refusal of representation takes effect in law only by the person's own express declaration in the court file. A refusal sent to the association alone takes the record out of the count as withdrawn (core 4.1(1)); the record notes that the person stays represented in law until they file it | 4.1 (1) | LAP art. 15(1) and (4) | | PT-3 | A foreign qualified entity gives the court 'informações suficientes sobre os consumidores representados na ação coletiva, identificados individualmente ou, quando não seja viável a sua individualização, por categoria' | 6.2, 6.3 | DL art. 9(1) | | PT-4 | At distribution: each claim recorded against the identification criteria and the proof the judgment names, with the claim date within the period the judge sets | 4.3, 5.3 | DL art. 16(1), (5), (6) in an action under the DL; Lei n.º 23/2018 art. 19(3) and (7); LAP art. 22(2) and (3) | | PT-5 | The sign-up flow offers no legal advice on a person's own claim unless the operator is entitled to give it (Lei n.º 10/2024 arts. 4 and 7), and does not advertise court representation or any other act of lawyers that the operator is not authorised to practise | 5.1 | Lei n.º 10/2024 art. 12(1) ('a promoção, divulgação ou publicidade de atos próprios, exclusivos ou não, dos advogados ou dos solicitadores, quando efetuada por pessoas (...) não autorizadas a praticar os mesmos'), art. 11(2), art. 6(1) and art. 4(2) | 5. Recommended items -------------------- - **A class size with its method, and the register's coverage against it, at filing.** The Supremo Tribunal de Justiça refused an action where 'nada tendo sido alegado quanto à dimensão do dano e ao número dos consumidores lesados', and requires a mass situation: 'um conjunto provável e relevante de consumidores' (STJ 2 June 2026, proc. 3650/23.3T8BRG.G1.S1, sumário II and III). It added that nobody keeps receipts for such purchases, which made any award impossible. A register that holds members and their proof answers both points. - **A sample of members' documents at filing.** The Relação de Lisboa required 'contratos (ou de contrato-tipo) onde constem as cláusulas em causa e de onde resulte, ao menos indiciariamente, que foram celebrados contratos' (TRL 20 November 2025, proc. 20156/23.3T8LSB.L1-6, sumário VI), under the preliminary filter of LAP art. 13. - **Subgroup coding.** An action fails where the defendant can raise personal defences against some members (STJ 6 July 2023, proc. 26412/16.0T8LSB.L2.S1, sumário III; TRL 26 March 2026, proc. 6308/22.7T8VNG.L1-8). Records coded by subgroup let the court see the claims are homogeneous. - **The register under the association's exclusive control, with no funder access to decisions or member data.** Independence can be put to proof: in one action the trial court listed whether the claimant 'é ou não independente do terceiro financiador' among the issues for proof (as reproduced in TRG 5 February 2026, proc. 406/24.0T8BRG-A.G1). Under DL 114-A/2023 it is a condition of standing (arts. 6(1)(d) and 10(8)); for an action under the LAP alone the Relação de Lisboa held that no further standing requirement may be imposed (TRL 24 September 2026, proc. 5392/23.0T8VNG.L1-6, sumário III). The competition court has asked the Court of Justice whether a funder repaid from unclaimed money conflicts with the class, since how consumers claim and what they must prove decides how many claim (TCRS 10 March 2026, proc. 3/24.0YQSTR, para. 35; C-431/26, pending). Inference: a register that makes claiming easy serves the class against the funder's interest in what goes unclaimed. - **Individual identification before judgment.** A consumer identified to the court can have their damage quantified in the judgment and shares pro rata if the global sum falls short (DL art. 16(1) and (3); in a competition action Lei n.º 23/2018 art. 19(3) and (5)), and is then compensated 'nos termos gerais da responsabilidade civil' (LAP art. 22(3)). - **Notice tracking**, so the court can order direct notice and the claimant can show reach (DL art. 16(5), in an action under the DL). - **Distribution records kept at least until the right to compensation is time-barred**, three years after the judgment becomes final (LAP art. 22(4)). - **A legal basis per record under the GDPR**, and for privacy damages an art. 80(1) mandate (Lei n.º 58/2019 art. 35), until a court settles whether opt-out applies to those claims. 6. Recognised identification ---------------------------- - **Identity, grade A**: Cartão de Cidadão and Chave Móvel Digital, both notified under eIDAS at assurance high, and so covered by `eidas`. `pt.json` names no further scheme. - **Outside sources, grade B**: none named yet. Supplied documents (contracts, invoices) are the evidence courts have asked for. 7. The level a typical action needs ----------------------------------- A recommendation, not a court's rule. - **Residents, to be admitted**: no level is required. Level 1, Registered, with a sample of documents, answers the Supremo Tribunal's mass-situation test. - **People abroad, in an action under the DL, to be bound**: Level 2, Identified. A named person, a residence, an express will tied to the action. - **Everyone, to be paid**: Level 3, Verified, against the proof the judgment names, because payment runs on individual entitlement and the paying entity checks each claim. 8. Unsettled ------------ - Whether art. 12 DL reaches a competition damages action pleaded under the DL and, in the alternative, Lei n.º 23/2018. In one such action the court cited the class 'nos termos e para os efeitos dos artigos 12.º(1) e 21.º da LAC e do artigo 15.º da LAP', the LAC being the DL, and confined it to 'todos os consumidores, com residência em Portugal' (Tribunal da Concorrência, Regulação e Supervisão, proc. 5/26.1YQSTR, notice of 25 May 2026). A register in such an action states `directive` as true, so a person abroad counts only on an opt-in. - The deadline, addressee and revocability of an opt-in from abroad. Every court notice read requires a lawyer for statements in the file; whether art. 12(2) displaces that is untested. - When the citação of an unidentified class takes effect: the day the notice is published, or the end of the dilação. - What proof courts will demand at distribution. No action has reached it. - C-431/26 (Ius Omnibus v ABANCA), on funder-dependent associations and funders repaid from unclaimed money. - Whether GDPR damages may proceed by opt-out ação popular or need a mandate. - The Supremo Tribunal's mass-situation line and the Relação panels that admitted single-store price actions (TRL 5 November 2025, proc. 1990/23.0T8VCT.L1-2; TRL 27 January 2026, proc. 1085/23.7T8PVZ.L1-7) point different ways; how the line applies to large online classes is open. Sources ------- 1. Decreto-Lei n.º 114-A/2023: [https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/decreto-lei/114-a-2023-225265456](https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/decreto-lei/114-a-2023-225265456) 2. Lei n.º 83/95, consolidated: [https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/legislacao-consolidada/lei/1995-34534075](https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/legislacao-consolidada/lei/1995-34534075) 3. Lei n.º 10/2024: [https://www.pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei\_mostra\_articulado.php?nid=3758&tabela=leis&so\_miolo=](https://www.pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=3758&tabela=leis&so_miolo=) 4. Lei n.º 58/2019: [https://www.pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei\_mostra\_articulado.php?nid=3118&tabela=leis&so\_miolo=](https://www.pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=3118&tabela=leis&so_miolo=) 5. DGC, ações coletivas em curso, with the court notices: [https://www.consumidor.gov.pt/consumidor\_4/acoes-coletivas/acoes-em-curso](https://www.consumidor.gov.pt/consumidor_4/acoes-coletivas/acoes-em-curso) 6. DGC, designated qualified entities: [https://www.consumidor.gov.pt/upload/processos/i007227.pdf](https://www.consumidor.gov.pt/upload/processos/i007227.pdf) 7. STJ 2 June 2026, proc. 3650/23.3T8BRG.G1.S1: [https://www.dgsi.pt/jstj.nsf/954f0ce6ad9dd8b980256b5f003fa814/8a9c7ee81d3e51fa80258e1300395c20?OpenDocument](https://www.dgsi.pt/jstj.nsf/954f0ce6ad9dd8b980256b5f003fa814/8a9c7ee81d3e51fa80258e1300395c20?OpenDocument) 8. STJ 6 July 2023, proc. 26412/16.0T8LSB.L2.S1: [https://www.dgsi.pt/jstj.nsf/954f0ce6ad9dd8b980256b5f003fa814/0693f6bec3be6be4802589e5004ed2c3?OpenDocument](https://www.dgsi.pt/jstj.nsf/954f0ce6ad9dd8b980256b5f003fa814/0693f6bec3be6be4802589e5004ed2c3?OpenDocument) 9. TRL 20 November 2025, proc. 20156/23.3T8LSB.L1-6: [https://www.dgsi.pt/jtrl.nsf/33182fc732316039802565fa00497eec/db85428e48d17c1280258d4f0041c240?OpenDocument](https://www.dgsi.pt/jtrl.nsf/33182fc732316039802565fa00497eec/db85428e48d17c1280258d4f0041c240?OpenDocument) 10. TRL 10 October 2024, proc. 4834/23.0T8VNG.L1-6: [https://www.dgsi.pt/jtrl.nsf/33182fc732316039802565fa00497eec/ea03a6eb16fe944a80258bbf003a549d?OpenDocument](https://www.dgsi.pt/jtrl.nsf/33182fc732316039802565fa00497eec/ea03a6eb16fe944a80258bbf003a549d?OpenDocument) 11. TRL 26 March 2026, proc. 6308/22.7T8VNG.L1-8: [https://www.dgsi.pt/jtrl.nsf/33182fc732316039802565fa00497eec/72d67e75afbe472180258dcb004aa5d8?OpenDocument](https://www.dgsi.pt/jtrl.nsf/33182fc732316039802565fa00497eec/72d67e75afbe472180258dcb004aa5d8?OpenDocument) 12. TRG 5 February 2026, proc. 406/24.0T8BRG-A.G1: [https://www.dgsi.pt/jtrg.nsf/86c25a698e4e7cb7802579ec004d3832/2a64963a4d0ba02780258d9a00390140?OpenDocument](https://www.dgsi.pt/jtrg.nsf/86c25a698e4e7cb7802579ec004d3832/2a64963a4d0ba02780258d9a00390140?OpenDocument) 13. TCRS 10 March 2026, proc. 3/24.0YQSTR, reference to the Court of Justice (C-431/26): [https://juris.curia.europa.eu/juris/showPdf.jsf?text=&docid=312738&pageIndex=0&doclang=PT&mode=req&dir=&occ=first&part=1](https://juris.curia.europa.eu/juris/showPdf.jsf?text=&docid=312738&pageIndex=0&doclang=PT&mode=req&dir=&occ=first&part=1) 14. eIDAS notified scheme, Portugal, Chave Móvel Digital: [https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/spaces/EIDCOMMUNITY/pages/78555712/Portugal+-+Chave+M%C3%B3vel+Digital](https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/spaces/EIDCOMMUNITY/pages/78555712/Portugal+-+Chave+M%C3%B3vel+Digital) 15. eIDAS notified scheme, Portugal, Cartão de Cidadão: [https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/spaces/EIDCOMMUNITY/pages/78555468/Portugal+-+Cart%C3%A3o+de+Cidad%C3%A3o](https://ec.europa.eu/digital-building-blocks/sites/spaces/EIDCOMMUNITY/pages/78555468/Portugal+-+Cart%C3%A3o+de+Cidad%C3%A3o) 16. Lei n.º 23/2018, art. 19: [https://www.pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei\_mostra\_articulado.php?nid=2899&tabela=leis&so\_miolo=](https://www.pgdlisboa.pt/leis/lei_mostra_articulado.php?nid=2899&tabela=leis&so_miolo=) 17. Ius Omnibus v JNTL, case page: [https://www.iusomnibus.eu/pt/os-nossos-casos/ius-omnibus-v-jntl-retalho/](https://www.iusomnibus.eu/pt/os-nossos-casos/ius-omnibus-v-jntl-retalho/) 18. TRL 5 November 2025, proc. 1990/23.0T8VCT.L1-2: [https://www.dgsi.pt/jtrl.nsf/33182fc732316039802565fa00497eec/8d5ab360d6ea0f6d80258d41004e60e9?OpenDocument](https://www.dgsi.pt/jtrl.nsf/33182fc732316039802565fa00497eec/8d5ab360d6ea0f6d80258d41004e60e9?OpenDocument) 19. TRL 27 January 2026, proc. 1085/23.7T8PVZ.L1-7: [https://www.dgsi.pt/jtrl.nsf/33182fc732316039802565fa00497eec/1578e0efe43d567b80258d96003fd5e6?OpenDocument](https://www.dgsi.pt/jtrl.nsf/33182fc732316039802565fa00497eec/1578e0efe43d567b80258d96003fd5e6?OpenDocument) 20. TRL 24 September 2026, proc. 5392/23.0T8VNG.L1-6: [https://www.dgsi.pt/jtrl.nsf/33182fc732316039802565fa00497eec/45922e4fd22b97c780258e83004d17fb?OpenDocument](https://www.dgsi.pt/jtrl.nsf/33182fc732316039802565fa00497eec/45922e4fd22b97c780258e83004d17fb?OpenDocument) 21. TRL 13 July 2022, proc. 6/21.6YQSTR-A.L1-PICRS: [https://www.dgsi.pt/Jtrl.nsf/e6e1f17fa82712ff80257583004e3ddc/301d62feb48b59d6802588ad00396601?OpenDocument](https://www.dgsi.pt/Jtrl.nsf/e6e1f17fa82712ff80257583004e3ddc/301d62feb48b59d6802588ad00396601?OpenDocument) --- # https://vcrs.org/annexes/new VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 A new annex =========== The template every annex follows, section by section. 12 Annexes ------- 9 sections VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2. Draft for consultation. Not legal advice. Law as read on <date>. 1. The regime ------------- The instruments, with their official reference and the version read. Who may bring a collective action, and on what terms. 2. Who is bound, and how they join ---------------------------------- Opt-in or opt-out, for residents and for non-residents. The act of joining: its form, where it is filed, its deadline, whether it can be withdrawn. Who holds the list: the representative, a court registry, a state portal. Who is bound only on an opt-in, people abroad (`opt_in_abroad` in the annex JSON), residents (`opt_in_residents`) or both, and whether the opt-in must carry a declaration on parallel claims (`parallel_declaration`). Whether people opt in during a window the court sets after the appointment (`opt_in_window`), what the export's `opt_in_opened_on` and `opt_in_closed_on` hold here, and the channel the law names for an opt-in (`opt_in_channel` in the annex JSON), which a channel the court sets, stated in the export, replaces. 3. When the register is tested ------------------------------ The stage or stages at which a court or an administrator looks at the register (filing, admissibility, hearing, judgment, joining after judgment, distribution), what each stage asks of it, and the reference date the register states for each. 4. Required items ----------------- A register that claims a level in this jurisdiction meets every item, in two tables. ### What the law requires Each item a statute or a published ruling here holds, mapped to the core section it tightens or fills. Every item cites the article or the ruling, with its paragraph, and quotes it in the original language. | \# | Item | Core | Source | |---|---|---|---| ### What this standard requires Each item the standard asks beyond the law, with the case law that gives the reason. Leave the table out where there is none. | \# | Item | Core | Reason | |---|---|---|---| 5. Recommended items -------------------- Good practice here beyond what the law holds, with the reason. 6. Recognised identification ---------------------------- The schemes that count as recognised for grade A (core 4.4), beside notified eIDAS means, and the register checks that count as a source outside the person for grade B (core 4.3). These also go in `.json`. 7. The level a typical action needs ----------------------------------- Which core level a damages action here is likely to need, and when a higher one is worth its cost. A recommendation, not a court's rule. 8. Unsettled ------------ What the courts or the legislator have not decided, and what could move this annex. Sources ------- Numbered, each with its URL, issuer and the date read. --- # https://vcrs.org/apply VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 Apply it ======== From choosing a level to publishing the statement in five steps, and the forms a board fills in on the way. 01 Apply it -------- 1. **Pick the annex and the level.** The annex for the court's country; the level its section 7 recommends for your action. 2. **Define the class and its size.** The board approves a versioned class definition. State the denominator with its source, method and date. 3. **Make the sign-up flow inform.** Every version states the representative, the defendant, the claim and the period, and is captured when it goes live. 4. **Grade every record.** Export the facts ([`templates/records.csv`](https://vcrs.org/apply/spreadsheet) for a spreadsheet, [`schema/export.schema.json`](https://vcrs.org/schema/0.1.0-beta.2/export.schema.json) for a system) and grade each record by section 4 of the core. The [test vectors](https://vcrs.org/format#test-vectors) hold the grade each case must get. 5. **Fix, audit, publish.** Anchor the snapshot root, have the board's auditor check it, and publish the [conformance statement](https://vcrs.org/apply/statement). The [self-assessment](https://vcrs.org/apply/self-assessment) is the same list as questions for the board. --- # https://vcrs.org/apply/self-assessment VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 The self-assessment =================== The board's questions per level, each a yes or a no before it claims one. 02 Apply it -------- 4 sections For the board of a representative, before it claims a level. Each line is a yes or a no; a no is the work left. Section numbers are the core's. The annex adds its own Required items after these. Level 1: Registered ------------------- | \# | Question | Core | |--:|---|---| | 1 | Is the class definition written down, versioned, dated and approved by the board? | 3, 9 | | 2 | Do we state the size of the class with its source, its method and its date, as a range where it is uncertain? | 6.1 | | 3 | Does every version of the sign-up flow state the representative, the defendant, the claim and the period before anyone joins? | 5.1 | | 4 | Is every version of the sign-up flow captured in full, in every language, with the dates it was live? | 5.1 | | 5 | Does every record name the flow version and the terms version it joined through? | 5.1, 5.2 | | 6 | Does every record we count hold a name, a date of birth (or a registration number for a company), and a contact channel the person confirmed? | 4.2 | | 7 | Do we keep a deduplication key per record, and mark the later of two records for one person as the duplicate? | 4.5 | | 8 | Are withdrawals, opt-outs and exclusions recorded with their date, and left out of the count? | 4.1 | | 9 | Where the annex binds people abroad only on an opt-in: does every record hold the person's residence and its source, and, once the opt-in is due, the record of everyone abroad their opt-in and, where the annex asks, their statement on parallel actions? | 4.6 | | 10 | Is every change to a record logged: what, when, by whom, why? | 5.3 | | 11 | At each reference date, do we fix the snapshot root and anchor it in time? | 5.4 | | 12 | Does the board commission an auditor, independent of the operator and the funder, who traces a sample from the register to the source records and back? | 8 | | 13 | Do we own the register, can we export it complete at any time at no extra cost, and can we replace the operator? | 9 | | 14 | Does the operator's fee depend neither on the outcome nor on the number of records? | 9 | Level 2: Identified ------------------- All of Level 1, and: | \# | Question | Core | |--:|---|---| | 15 | Does every flow capture and every terms version carry a digest? | 5.1, 5.2 | | 16 | Does every record carry a digest of its canonical form? | 5.3, 11.3 | | 17 | Do we report how the records spread over the class's own facets, beside the class's spread where the source gives it? | 6.3 | | 18 | Do we report how many records are grade B or better? | 10 | | 19 | Do we regenerate the register at a reference date shortly before each hearing? | 7 | | 20 | Does the auditor recompute every grade and the coverage at each grade from the source records? | 8 | Level 3: Verified ----------------- All of Level 2, and: | \# | Question | Core | |--:|---|---| | 21 | Did a bailiff or a notary witness every version of the sign-up flow? | 5.1 | | 22 | Does every evidence document carry a digest the record names? | 5.3 | | 23 | Do we report coverage per subgroup, or state that the class has none? | 6.4 | | 24 | Do we report how many records are grade A? | 10 | | 25 | Does the auditor run the reproduction test: read-only access to the live system, no export from the operator, every grade and the coverage recomputed, the snapshot root matched, a test sign-up through each live flow version? | 8 | What a validator checks ----------------------- A validator reading the facts export answers questions 3 to 9, 11 (the root, and whether it is anchored), 15 to 18, and 21 to 24. The rest the board answers, and the conformance statement attests. --- # https://vcrs.org/apply/statement VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 The conformance statement ========================= The one page a representative publishes when it claims a level. 03 Apply it -------- 3 sections VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2, core and Annex <XX>. One page, no personal data. The same content as JSON follows `schema/conformance.schema.json`. | | | |---|---| | Representative | <name, registration number> | | Action | <title>, against <defendants>, <court and case number>, <under the forum's transposition of Directive (EU) 2020/1828, or not> | | Operator | <name> | | Level claimed | <Registered, Identified or Verified> | | Reference date | <YYYY-MM-DD> | | Denominator | <low> to <high>, from <source>, as of <date> | Records at the reference date ----------------------------- | Grade | Records | Coverage | |---|--:|--:| | A or better | | | | B or better | | | | C or better | | | | D, not counted | | | | Not active | | | The snapshot ------------ | | | |---|---| | Records in the snapshot | | | Snapshot root | sha256:<64 hex> | | Anchored by | <notary, qualified timestamp or OpenTimestamps>, <reference>, <date> | The independent check --------------------- | | | |---|---| | Auditor | <firm> | | Standard | <ISRS 4400, Standaard 4400N or equivalent> | | Check | <sample tracing, full recomputation or reproduction test> | | Report dated | <YYYY-MM-DD> | The board of <representative> approved the class definition, every version of the sign-up flow and this statement on <date>. --- # https://vcrs.org/apply/spreadsheet VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 The spreadsheet template ======================== The records as CSV and the register as JSON, filled in with the example register. 04 Apply it -------- A register kept in a spreadsheet holds its records in [records.csv](https://vcrs.org/templates/records.csv), one row per record in the columns of the facts export, and its own facts, from the representative and the class to the flows and the terms, in [register.json](https://vcrs.org/templates/register.json) beside it. Both are filled in with the example register, eight records from grade A to D. | id | party | status | joined\_on | flow | terms | name | birth\_date | registration\_number | contact\_confirmed | verified\_scheme | verified\_assurance | verified\_on | basis | in\_class | evidence | checked\_against | dedupe\_key | duplicate\_of | residence\_country | residence\_on | opt\_in\_on | opt\_in\_channel | parallel\_declared | facet.region | facet.period | subgroup | grade | digest | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | r-0001 | natural | active | 2026-09-01 | f1 | t1 | yes | yes | | yes | idin | substantial | 2026-09-01 | checked | yes | | RDW kentekenregister | 4f1c0a9be27d33e1 | | NL | 2026-09-01 | | | | noord | 2021-2023 | | A | sha256:ebb07560340582be3e342b5e68399325d20d35e4adce435f849db37a8ff0a913 | | r-0002 | natural | active | 2026-09-02 | f1 | t1 | yes | yes | | yes | | | | supplied | yes | invoice:sha256:9b74c9897bac770ffc029102a200c5de0c0b5a2a6a4f0e0a9ae6a1b3e0c7d1f2 | | 7d2e91c04ab8f5a6 | | NL | 2026-09-02 | | | | midden | 2024-2026 | | B | sha256:fa0955c8a49e6306770c0ecb51474ad594e71310e01496af77e06247e2ecaf22 | | r-0003 | natural | active | 2026-09-02 | f1 | t1 | yes | yes | | yes | | | | checked | yes | | RDW kentekenregister | c0a83e19f7d2b456 | | NL | 2026-09-02 | | | | zuid | 2021-2023 | | B | sha256:203508b88673bfaa1a8fedc26dbf4f3f5cbc273227cbdab98c8e54354a2a4402 | | r-0004 | natural | active | 2026-09-03 | f1 | t1 | yes | yes | | yes | | | | declared | | | | e5b7d0c3a9f18246 | | NL | 2026-09-03 | | | | noord | 2024-2026 | | C | sha256:9c2be12944f2c8cf4cb8c5872bdd9f244efb598d06aec3f4714460dc14760452 | | r-0005 | natural | active | 2026-09-04 | f1 | t1 | yes | yes | | yes | | | | declared | yes | | | 1a9c4e7f0b3d5826 | | BE | 2026-09-04 | | | | zuid | 2024-2026 | | C | sha256:0ffbe761f3f743c7ac218df46823906ca5e7901ed36931bb09420f1b5d1b3e30 | | r-0006 | natural | active | 2026-09-05 | f1 | t1 | yes | yes | | yes | | | | declared | | | | e5b7d0c3a9f18246 | r-0004 | NL | 2026-09-05 | | | | noord | 2024-2026 | | D | sha256:0b8772809a41fb023ca47571713d5d084097ab9921963efed8d71b3a7de4564e | | r-0007 | natural | active | 2026-09-06 | f1 | t1 | yes | no | | yes | | | | declared | | | | | | NL | 2026-09-06 | | | | midden | 2021-2023 | | D | sha256:70a173658a40c093b65ae4e1fc0888959fba8bfc51466ea5bc821737546dc9aa | | r-0008 | legal | withdrawn | 2026-09-06 | f1 | t1 | yes | | yes | yes | | | | declared | | | | b3f60d2e9c7a1485 | | NL | 2026-09-06 | | | | zuid | 2021-2023 | | D | sha256:c34e8dd6f933efba3cdf813e3ee6a5f29f8798c5f92c2330189ffb048c441b86 | --- # https://vcrs.org/format VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 Format ====== The open format: the schemas, the test vectors, and the implementations checked against them. 01 Format ------ 3 sections Schemas ------- The open format of [core section 11](https://vcrs.org#11), in JSON Schema 2020-12. Each schema answers at the address its $id names. - [The facts export](https://vcrs.org/schema/0.1.0-beta.2/export.schema.json): A claimant register in the open format of VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2, section 11.1: the facts that set each record's grade, without the personal data behind them. - [One record](https://vcrs.org/schema/0.1.0-beta.2/record.schema.json): One person's entry in a facts export: the facts that set its grade (VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2, section 4), without the personal data behind them. - [The conformance statement](https://vcrs.org/schema/0.1.0-beta.2/conformance.schema.json): The one-page statement a representative publishes when it claims a level (VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2, section 11.2). No personal data. An implementation builds in this order: a record's canonical form under RFC 8785 and its SHA-256 digest ([core 11.3](https://vcrs.org#11.3)), the snapshot root over every record's line, its identifier and its digest, as the Merkle Tree Hash of RFC 9162 ([core 5.4](https://vcrs.org#5.4)), then each record's grade, checked against the [test vectors](#test-vectors) below. Test vectors ------------ Each vector is one record with the flows, the annex and the dates it is graded under, and the grade it must get ([core 11.4](https://vcrs.org#11.4)). The reasons say why it holds that grade, in the codes of [core 11.5](https://vcrs.org#11.5). Each description opens the vector's file. ### Annex AT: Austria (Verbandsklage auf Abhilfe) | Record | Grade | Reasons | |---|---|---| | [Named in the claim the qualified entity filed, with the declaration on parallel claims (§ 624(1), § 628(2) ZPO)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/at/c-joined-through-the-qe.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Joined through the qualified entity with the declaration; residence not held, which decides nothing where everyone opts in](https://vcrs.org/vectors/at/c-residence-not-held.json) | C | declared\_only | | [The qualified entity refused the consumer's request to join, so no Beitritt was filed (§ 628(1) ZPO)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/at/d-beitritt-refused.json) | D | not\_active, not\_opted\_in, no\_parallel\_declaration | | [Beitritt filed without the declaration that the claim is pursued nowhere else (§ 628(2) ZPO)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/at/d-no-parallel-declaration.json) | D | no\_parallel\_declaration | | [Signed up with the qualified entity and declared, but no claim or Beitritt was filed for them (§ 628(1) ZPO)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/at/d-not-filed.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | ### Annex BE: Belgium (action en réparation collective) | Record | Grade | Reasons | |---|---|---| | [Resident in France, no option yet, before any judgment or agreement set a window: counts as support](https://vcrs.org/vectors/be/c-abroad-before-window.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Resident in France, opted in at the greffe within the four months after the merits judgment (art. XVII.55/1 CDE), no declaration on parallel actions asked](https://vcrs.org/vectors/be/c-abroad-opted-in.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Resident in France, no option yet, while the four months after the merits judgment run: counts as support](https://vcrs.org/vectors/be/c-abroad-window-open.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Resident in Belgium, no option at the greffe, in an action that binds residents unless they opt out (opt\_in\_residents false): counted](https://vcrs.org/vectors/be/c-resident-opt-out.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Resident in Belgium, option lodged at the greffe within the window, where residents opt in (art. XVII.55/1 §1 CDE)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/be/c-resident-opted-in.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Resident in France, no option at the greffe by the close of the four months after the merits judgment (art. XVII.55/1 CDE): not a member](https://vcrs.org/vectors/be/d-abroad-not-opted-in.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Resident in France, wrote to the greffe before the merits judgment was published, so before the four months began (art. XVII.55/1 CDE): not a member](https://vcrs.org/vectors/be/d-abroad-opted-in-early.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Resident in France, opted in at the greffe after the four months closed (art. XVII.55/1 CDE): not a member](https://vcrs.org/vectors/be/d-abroad-opted-in-late.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Resident in France, signed up with the representative within the four months but lodged nothing at the greffe (art. XVII.55/1 CDE): not a member](https://vcrs.org/vectors/be/d-abroad-opted-in-to-representative.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [No residence held, so the record can't show whether the person must opt in (art. XVII.45 §3, 7° CDE)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/be/d-residence-unknown.json) | D | residence\_unknown | | [Resident in Belgium, no option at the greffe after the window closed, in an export that leaves unstated whether residents opt in: read as opting in (core 4.6)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/be/d-resident-choice-unstated.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Resident in Belgium, no option at the greffe after the window closed, where residents opt in, as after a merits judgment in an action introduced from 10 June 2024 (art. XVII.55/1 §1 CDE)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/be/d-resident-not-opted-in.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [An SME with its principal establishment in Luxembourg, no option at the greffe by the close of the four months after the merits judgment (art. XVII.45 §3, 7° and XVII.55/1 CDE): not a member](https://vcrs.org/vectors/be/d-sme-abroad-not-opted-in.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | ### The core | Record | Grade | Reasons | |---|---|---| | [Checked against an outside source, identity through a notified eIDAS means at substantial](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/a-checked-eidas.json) | A | None | | [As above, at assurance high](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/a-checked-eidas-high.json) | A | None | | [A legal person: registration number, checked against the business register, identified through eIDAS](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/a-legal-person.json) | A | None | | [Checked; identity verified at assurance low only](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/b-checked-low-assurance.json) | B | assurance\_too\_low | | [Checked; identity verified through a scheme the core does not name](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/b-checked-scheme-not-recognised.json) | B | scheme\_not\_recognised | | [Checked against an outside source; identity not verified](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/b-checked-unverified.json) | B | identity\_not\_verified | | [Evidence the person supplied places them in the class; identity not verified](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/b-supplied.json) | B | not\_checked, identity\_not\_verified | | [Supplied evidence and verified identity, but membership not checked against an outside source](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/b-supplied-eidas.json) | B | not\_checked | | [Basis checked, but the outside source is not named](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/c-checked-without-source.json) | C | no\_evidence | | [Evidence stored, but the facts held don't decide class membership](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/c-class-not-established.json) | C | class\_not\_established | | [Named, distinct, contact confirmed, informed; membership on the person's word alone](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/c-declared.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Declared membership stays C even where the declaration places the person in the class](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/c-declared-in-class.json) | C | declared\_only | | [A legal person on its own word](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/c-legal-person-declared.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Basis supplied, but no document is stored](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/c-supplied-without-evidence.json) | C | no\_evidence | | [A natural person whose record omits birth\_date altogether](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/d-birth-date-absent.json) | D | not\_distinct | | [Marked the duplicate of another record](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/d-duplicate.json) | D | duplicate | | [Excluded by the representative](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/d-excluded.json) | D | not\_active | | [A legal person without a registration number](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/d-legal-person-no-number.json) | D | not\_distinct | | [A name but nothing that tells two people with that name apart](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/d-no-birth-date.json) | D | not\_distinct | | [Anonymous: no name held](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/d-no-name.json) | D | no\_name | | [Opted out](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/d-opted-out.json) | D | not\_active | | [The facts held place the person outside the class](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/d-outside-class.json) | D | outside\_class | | [Every rule of 4.1 that applies is reported, in the order of 4.1](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/d-several.json) | D | not\_active, uninformed\_flow, no\_name, unconfirmed\_contact | | [Contact channel never confirmed](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/d-unconfirmed-contact.json) | D | unconfirmed\_contact | | [Joined through a flow version that doesn't state the claim](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/d-uninformed-flow.json) | D | uninformed\_flow | | [Names a flow version the register doesn't hold](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/d-unknown-flow.json) | D | uninformed\_flow | | [Withdrawn before the reference date](https://vcrs.org/vectors/core/d-withdrawn.json) | D | not\_active | ### Annex CZ: Czech Republic (hromadné řízení) | Record | Grade | Reasons | |---|---|---| | [Written consent to the action given before it was filed, which counts as a přihláška (§ 31 odst. 2)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/cz/b-consent-before-filing.json) | B | not\_checked, identity\_not\_verified | | [Resident in Slovakia, a signed přihláška made with the plaintiff (§ 84 odst. 2, § 32 odst. 1)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/cz/b-prihlaska-from-abroad.json) | B | not\_checked, identity\_not\_verified | | [A signed přihláška lodged with the court within the period, which the court passes to the plaintiff (§ 32 odst. 2)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/cz/b-prihlaska-to-the-court.json) | B | not\_checked, identity\_not\_verified | | [A signed přihláška on the ministry's form, made with the plaintiff, with the order confirmation behind the claim (§ 32 odst. 1, § 33)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/cz/b-prihlaska-to-the-plaintiff.json) | B | not\_checked, identity\_not\_verified | | [Signed up on the plaintiff's site and confirmed by mail, but made no signed přihláška (§ 33 odst. 1)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/cz/d-no-prihlaska.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [A přihláška made after the joining period had ended (§ 31 odst. 1, § 34 odst. 2)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/cz/d-prihlaska-after-the-period.json) | D | not\_active | | [A přihláška without the facts of § 33 odst. 2, left uncorrected after the plaintiff's request (§ 34 odst. 2)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/cz/d-prihlaska-uncorrected.json) | D | not\_active | | [Struck from the list on the plaintiff's motion, since membership was not at least probable (§ 41)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/cz/d-struck-from-the-list.json) | D | not\_active | ### Annex DE: Germany (Verbandsklage under the VDuG) | Record | Grade | Reasons | |---|---|---| | [Signed up with the representative, not yet registered with the Bundesamt für Justiz, while the § 46(1) window is still open: counted on the record's own facts](https://vcrs.org/vectors/de/b-window-open.json) | B | not\_checked, identity\_not\_verified | | [Membership rests on the consumer's sworn statement, which is no Berechtigungsnachweis (§ 16(2) VDuG; KG 20 VKl 1/25, p. 35), so it is the person's own word](https://vcrs.org/vectors/de/c-sworn-statement.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Signed up with the representative but never registered the claim with the Bundesamt für Justiz, and the § 46(1) window has closed](https://vcrs.org/vectors/de/d-not-registered.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Registered with the Bundesamt für Justiz after the § 46(1) window had closed](https://vcrs.org/vectors/de/d-registered-late.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Sent the registration to the representative instead of the Bundesamt für Justiz (§ 47(1) VDuG), and the window has closed](https://vcrs.org/vectors/de/d-registered-with-representative.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | ### Annex FI: Finland (ryhmäkanne under the ryhmäkannelaki) | Record | Grade | Reasons | |---|---|---| | [Resident in Sweden, gave the claimant written notice within the period (8 § 1 mom)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/fi/c-joined-from-abroad.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Gave the claimant written notice within the period the court set (8 § 1 mom)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/fi/c-joined-in-the-period.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Signed up with the claimant, no notice yet, while the court's period is still open: counted on the record's other facts (6 § 1 mom)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/fi/c-period-open.json) | C | declared\_only | | [A new member the claimant brought in during preparation by widening the group's definition (12 § 1 mom): a member in law, which the validator does not count (Annex FI, section 8)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/fi/d-added-by-a-wider-definition.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Admitted by the claimant for a special reason after the period, before the refined summons (8 § 2 mom): a member in law, which the validator does not count (Annex FI, section 8)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/fi/d-admitted-late-by-the-claimant.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [A pre-registration taken before the court set the period, with no notice within it (8 § 1 mom)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/fi/d-joined-before-the-period.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Sent the notice to the court, not to the claimant (8 § 1 mom)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/fi/d-joined-to-the-court.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Gave the claimant no written notice, and the court's period has closed (8 § 1 mom)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/fi/d-not-joined.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Did not pay the sign-up fee the designated organisation required (8 § 1 mom)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/fi/d-sign-up-fee-unpaid.json) | D | not\_active | ### Annex IE: Ireland (representative action under the 2023 Act) | Record | Grade | Reasons | |---|---|---| | [Habitually resident in another Member State, notified the qualified entity and signed the declaration (s. 24(1))](https://vcrs.org/vectors/ie/c-notified-from-another-member-state.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Notified the qualified entity on Form 3 and signed the declaration (s. 24(1), s. 25(1))](https://vcrs.org/vectors/ie/c-notified-the-qe.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Did not pay the qualified entity's entry fee within the period it published (s. 29(3))](https://vcrs.org/vectors/ie/d-entry-fee-unpaid.json) | D | not\_active | | [Notified the qualified entity but signed no declaration (s. 25(3))](https://vcrs.org/vectors/ie/d-no-declaration.json) | D | no\_parallel\_declaration | | [Signed up with the qualified entity's site and signed the declaration, but never notified it on Form 3 (s. 24(4))](https://vcrs.org/vectors/ie/d-not-notified.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Notified the qualified entity after the court deemed the action admissible (s. 24(2))](https://vcrs.org/vectors/ie/d-notified-after-admissibility.json) | D | not\_active | | [Notified the trader, not the qualified entity (s. 24(1))](https://vcrs.org/vectors/ie/d-notified-to-another-channel.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Resident outside the Member States, so the person cannot notify (s. 24(1))](https://vcrs.org/vectors/ie/d-resident-outside-the-member-states.json) | D | outside\_class | ### Annex IT: Italy (azione di classe and azione rappresentativa) | Record | Grade | Reasons | |---|---|---| | [Adhered by a domanda in the fascicolo informatico within a term, identified by SPID (notified under eIDAS), membership checked against the defendant's records (art. 840-septies(1) c.p.c.)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/it/a-adhered-through-the-portal.json) | A | None | | [No domanda yet, after the first term and before the judgment sets the second: the person may still adhere (art. 840-sexies(1)(e) c.p.c.), so the record counts on its own facts](https://vcrs.org/vectors/it/a-between-terms.json) | A | None | | [Filed a domanda di adesione after the last term had closed (artt. 840-quinquies(1), 840-sexies(1)(e) c.p.c.)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/it/d-adesione-late.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [No domanda di adesione was filed within a term the court set, and the last term has closed (artt. 840-quinquies(1), 840-sexies(1)(e) c.p.c.)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/it/d-adesione-not-filed.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [The adherent revoked the mandate to the rappresentante comune, so the adhesion is void (art. 840-septies(7) c.p.c.)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/it/d-adesione-revoked.json) | D | not\_active | | [Sent the adhesion to the representative instead of filing it in the fascicolo informatico, and the last term has closed (art. 840-septies(1) c.p.c.)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/it/d-adesione-to-representative.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [In an azione di classe the adherent did not pay the fondo spese the judgment set, so the adhesion is void by law (art. 840-sexies(3) c.p.c.)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/it/d-fondo-spese-unpaid.json) | D | not\_active | ### Annex NL: the Netherlands (WAMCA) | Record | Grade | Reasons | |---|---|---| | [A company checked against the Handelsregister, acting through eHerkenning](https://vcrs.org/vectors/nl/a-eherkenning-kvk.json) | A | None | | [Vehicle checked against the RDW register, identity through iDIN](https://vcrs.org/vectors/nl/a-idin-rdw.json) | A | None | | [Name and birth date given, contact confirmed, invoice supplied: the SOMI pattern plus evidence](https://vcrs.org/vectors/nl/b-email-only-identity.json) | B | not\_checked, identity\_not\_verified | | [Resident in Germany, no opt-in yet, before any window opened: counts as support](https://vcrs.org/vectors/nl/c-abroad-before-window.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Resident in Belgium, opted in and declared no parallel action (art. 1018f lid 5 and 6 Rv)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/nl/c-abroad-opted-in.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Resident in Germany, opted in by e-mail to the court, the route the court set: represented](https://vcrs.org/vectors/nl/c-abroad-opted-in-court-channel.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Resident in Germany, no opt-in yet, while the window is still open: counts as support](https://vcrs.org/vectors/nl/c-abroad-window-open.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Resident in Belgium, opted in, but no declaration on parallel actions, after the opt-in window closed](https://vcrs.org/vectors/nl/d-abroad-no-parallel-declaration.json) | D | no\_parallel\_declaration | | [Resident in Germany, never opted in: not represented in a Dutch action, after the opt-in window closed](https://vcrs.org/vectors/nl/d-abroad-not-opted-in.json) | D | not\_opted\_in, no\_parallel\_declaration | | [Resident in Germany, consent given at sign-up before the window opened: not represented](https://vcrs.org/vectors/nl/d-abroad-opted-in-early.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Resident in Germany, opted in after the window closed: not represented](https://vcrs.org/vectors/nl/d-abroad-opted-in-late.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Resident in Germany, opted in by telling the foundation, not the registry: not represented](https://vcrs.org/vectors/nl/d-abroad-opted-in-to-foundation.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Resident in Germany, never opted in, contact never confirmed: rules 7 and 8 reported in the order of 4.1](https://vcrs.org/vectors/nl/d-abroad-several.json) | D | unconfirmed\_contact, not\_opted\_in, no\_parallel\_declaration | | [No residence held, so the record can't show the person is represented](https://vcrs.org/vectors/nl/d-residence-unknown.json) | D | residence\_unknown | | [A box the person ticked, no name held: the Stellantis and TPC pattern](https://vcrs.org/vectors/nl/d-ticked-box.json) | D | no\_name, not\_distinct, unconfirmed\_contact | ### Annex PL: Poland (postępowanie grupowe) | Record | Grade | Reasons | |---|---|---| | [Resident in Germany, gave the podmiot upoważniony a written declaration with the statements of art. 6 ust. 7](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pl/c-declared-from-abroad.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Gave the group's representative a written declaration of joining, with the statements on parallel claims (art. 11 ust. 2 pkt 3, art. 12)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pl/c-declared-to-the-representative.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Sued the defendant alone before the group action began, then declared after the court's term but before the first instance ended; the court discontinues the own action (art. 13 ust. 2)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pl/c-joined-after-own-action.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Declared a withdrawal after the composition order became final, which has no effect, so the record stays active (art. 17 ust. 3)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pl/c-withdrew-after-the-composition-order.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Declared after the term the court set in the announcement (art. 11 ust. 5)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pl/d-declared-after-the-term.json) | D | not\_active | | [Sent the declaration to the court, not to the representative (art. 11 ust. 2 pkt 3)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pl/d-declared-to-the-court.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [In a podmiot upoważniony's action, the declaration states that the person joined another group action against the defendant over the same infringement (art. 6 ust. 7 pkt 1)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pl/d-joined-another-group-action.json) | D | no\_parallel\_declaration | | [Signed up with the representative's site but gave no written declaration of joining (art. 1 ust. 3, art. 11 ust. 2 pkt 3)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pl/d-no-declaration.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [In a member-led action, the declaration does not say whether the person joined another group action or sued over the same infringement (Annex PL, PL-14)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pl/d-no-parallel-statements.json) | D | no\_parallel\_declaration | | [The court refused the person membership in the composition order (art. 17 ust. 1)](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pl/d-refused-by-the-court.json) | D | not\_active | ### Annex PT: Portugal (ação popular and DL 114-A/2023) | Record | Grade | Reasons | |---|---|---| | [Identity through Chave Móvel Digital, notified under eIDAS at assurance high](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pt/a-chave-movel-digital.json) | A | None | | [Resident in Spain, expressed the will to be represented (art. 12 DL 114-A/2023), no formality and no parallel declaration needed](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pt/c-non-resident-declaration.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Resident in Spain, never expressed the will to be represented, in an action outside DL 114-A/2023: no statute asks people abroad to opt in](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pt/c-non-resident-outside-directive.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Resident in Portugal: represented without opting in (art. 14 Lei 83/95), counted on declared membership](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pt/c-resident.json) | C | declared\_only | | [Resident in Spain, never expressed the will to be represented, in an action under DL 114-A/2023 (art. 12(1))](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pt/d-non-resident-silent.json) | D | not\_opted\_in | | [Resident in Portugal who refused representation to the association alone (art. 15(4) Lei 83/95 takes a declaration in the court file): withdrawn, so not counted](https://vcrs.org/vectors/pt/d-refused-to-association.json) | D | not\_active | Implementations --------------- An implementation conforms when it grades every vector as the vector states: the grade, and the reason codes of [core 11.5](https://vcrs.org#11.5) in their order. | Implementation | Language | Licence | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | [steddle/vcrs](https://github.com/steddle/vcrs) | Markdown, JSON Schema | CC BY 4.0 | The text, the schemas and the test vectors, published read-only. Comments arrive as issues there. | | The reference validator | PHP | Not published | Grades every record of a facts export, measures coverage at each grade, computes the snapshot root with the inclusion proof of each record, and drafts the conformance statement. It grades every vector as stated. Not published. | To be listed, open an issue on [steddle/vcrs](https://github.com/steddle/vcrs/issues) with the implementation's address, its language, its licence and the version of the standard it implements. --- # https://vcrs.org/about VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 About ===== Who writes VCRS and how it changes, what changed, its licence, and how to cite it. 01 About ----- 4 sections Governance ---------- ### Who writes VCRS Steddle drafts and maintains VCRS: Holly Thackwray and Mischa Sigtermans, for Steddle Group B.V., Amsterdam. Steddle builds and runs claimant registers for collective actions, so it has an interest in this standard. That interest is stated here and on every published version. ### What Steddle never does under VCRS - Certify a register, or state that a register meets a level. An independent auditor checks a register (core, section 8) and the representative claims the level. - Make compliance depend on Steddle. The text, the schemas, the vectors and the validator are free to use, and a representative with a spreadsheet, a notary and an auditor can meet Level 1 without any Steddle product. ### How the text is held to the law - Every Required item in an annex cites the statute or the published ruling it rests on, with its paragraph, and quotes it in the original language. An item this standard requires beyond the law stands in a table of its own, with the case law that gives the reason. - The core states no rule of law. It sets what a register must do to claim a level. - An annex may tighten the core and never loosens it. ### Changes and versions - Every change is public, in this repository. - Versions follow Semantic Versioning, `MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH`. Before 1.0, a change to a grade rule or a level's conditions raises the minor, and an editorial correction the patch. A pre-release such as `0.1.0-beta.1` is a draft for review. - An export names the exact version it was produced under, and is checked against that version's schemas. - Each released version is published with a persistent identifier, so a filing cites a text that does not change. - `CHANGELOG.md` records what changed in each version. ### Consultation - Comments arrive as issues in this repository, or by email to [hello@steddle.com](mailto:hello@steddle.com) for anyone who prefers it. Each emailed comment is logged as an issue, with the sender's consent to be named or not. - A draft goes out for consultation to foundations, funders, defendants' counsel, auditors and academics before it is released. - Each annex names who wrote it and who reviewed it. ### The review panel Changes to the standard text are approved by a review panel once one is seated. No operator of claimant registers, Steddle included, holds a majority on it. Until it is seated, Steddle publishes each change for comment before a release. Changelog --------- ### \[0.1.0-beta.2\] - 2026-10-21 **Added** - Annex AT (Verbandsklage auf Abhilfe), each Required item cited to its article or ruling. - Annex DE (Verbandsklage under the VDuG), each Required item cited to its article or ruling. - Annex BE (action en réparation collective), each Required item cited to its article or ruling. - Annex IT (azione di classe and azione rappresentativa), each Required item cited to its article or ruling. - Annex IE (representative action under the 2023 Act), each Required item cited to its section, rule or ruling. - Annex FI (ryhmäkanne under the ryhmäkannelaki), each Required item cited to its section. - Annex PL (postępowanie grupowe), each Required item cited to its article or ruling. - Annex CZ (hromadné řízení), each Required item cited to its section or ruling. - The facts export states whether residents opt in in this action (`opt_in_residents`), where the annex leaves it to the court or an approved agreement (`"action"`). - The facts export and the conformance statement state whether the action is brought under the forum's transposition of Directive (EU) 2020/1828 (`action.directive`, core 4.6 and 11.1). An annex may set `opt_in_abroad` to `"directive"`: people abroad then opt in only in such an action. **Changed** - Under an annex without an opt-in window, the facts export states no window and no channel (`opt_in_opened_on`, `opt_in_closed_on`, `opt_in_channel`); an export that states either meets no level (core 4.6). - The opt-in rule (core 4.1 rule 8, 4.6) also binds residents of the forum where the annex sets `opt_in_residents`; where both opt in, residence decides nothing. The annex key `parallel_declaration_abroad` is `parallel_declaration`, and the declaration goes with every opt-in. - Annex PT binds people abroad on an opt-in only in an action under Decreto-Lei n.º 114-A/2023, which covers actions on the provisions in Annex I of the Directive filed from 6 December 2023, and states the unclaimed-sums rule per regime. - Annex NL states the transitional rule: a claim covering events before and on or after 15 November 2016 is split, and the WAMCA and titel 14A Rv govern the later part (art. 119a Overgangswet nieuw Burgerlijk Wetboek; HR 2026:1551). NL-16 asks for class size and coverage per part. - Annex NL: after the appointment the court may re-test admissibility and need not supervise; NL-14's safe harbour covers outsourcing alone and asks for no tie through the board or a shareholding; NL-15 holds residence on the date the court fixes the class. ### \[0.1.0-beta.1\] - 2026-10-20 The first draft for consultation: a core that holds in every jurisdiction, and annexes that hold what one jurisdiction's law requires. **Added** - The core: grades A to D set by fixed rules, residence and opt-in from abroad, provenance, coverage against a stated denominator, the represented claims, the reference date, the independent check per level, the representative's control, three levels (Registered, Identified, Verified), the open format. - Annex NL (WAMCA) and Annex PT (ação popular and DL 114-A/2023), each Required item cited to its article or ruling. - JSON Schemas for the facts export, one record, and the conformance statement. - Test vectors for the core and each annex. - The self-assessment, a spreadsheet template and a conformance statement template. Licence ------- The text of VCRS, its schemas and its test vectors are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence (CC BY 4.0): anyone may share and adapt them, for any purpose, with credit to the source. The [legal code](https://vcrs.org/legal/licence) is the licence itself, and the [deed](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) says it in short. Citing ------ A filing cites the version, the core and the annex, at the version's own address, as [core 13](https://vcrs.org#13) sets out. [Versions](https://vcrs.org/versions) lists every released version. --- # https://vcrs.org/versions VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 Versions ======== Every released version of VCRS at its own address, unchanged since its release, with its schemas and test vectors. 02 About ----- 2 sections VCRS 0.1.0-beta.2 ----------------- Released on 21 October 2026. Its text stays unchanged at [vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2). - The text: [the core](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2), [Annex AT](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/at), [Annex BE](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/be), [Annex CZ](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/cz), [Annex FI](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/fi), [Annex DE](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/de), [Annex IE](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/ie), [Annex IT](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/it), [Annex NL](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/nl), [Annex PL](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/pl), [Annex PT](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/annexes/pt). - The schemas: [export](https://vcrs.org/schema/0.1.0-beta.2/export.schema.json), [record](https://vcrs.org/schema/0.1.0-beta.2/record.schema.json), [conformance](https://vcrs.org/schema/0.1.0-beta.2/conformance.schema.json). - The test vectors of Annex AT: [c-joined-through-the-qe](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/at/c-joined-through-the-qe.json), [c-residence-not-held](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/at/c-residence-not-held.json), [d-beitritt-refused](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/at/d-beitritt-refused.json), [d-no-parallel-declaration](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/at/d-no-parallel-declaration.json), [d-not-filed](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/at/d-not-filed.json). - The test vectors of Annex BE: [c-abroad-before-window](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/be/c-abroad-before-window.json), [c-abroad-opted-in](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/be/c-abroad-opted-in.json), [c-abroad-window-open](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/be/c-abroad-window-open.json), [c-resident-opt-out](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/be/c-resident-opt-out.json), [c-resident-opted-in](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/be/c-resident-opted-in.json), [d-abroad-not-opted-in](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/be/d-abroad-not-opted-in.json), [d-abroad-opted-in-early](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/be/d-abroad-opted-in-early.json), [d-abroad-opted-in-late](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/be/d-abroad-opted-in-late.json), [d-abroad-opted-in-to-representative](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/be/d-abroad-opted-in-to-representative.json), [d-residence-unknown](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/be/d-residence-unknown.json), [d-resident-choice-unstated](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/be/d-resident-choice-unstated.json), [d-resident-not-opted-in](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/be/d-resident-not-opted-in.json), [d-sme-abroad-not-opted-in](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/be/d-sme-abroad-not-opted-in.json). - The test vectors of the core: [a-checked-eidas](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/a-checked-eidas.json), [a-checked-eidas-high](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/a-checked-eidas-high.json), [a-legal-person](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/a-legal-person.json), [b-checked-low-assurance](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/b-checked-low-assurance.json), [b-checked-scheme-not-recognised](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/b-checked-scheme-not-recognised.json), [b-checked-unverified](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/b-checked-unverified.json), [b-supplied](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/b-supplied.json), [b-supplied-eidas](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/b-supplied-eidas.json), [c-checked-without-source](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/c-checked-without-source.json), [c-class-not-established](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/c-class-not-established.json), [c-declared](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/c-declared.json), [c-declared-in-class](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/c-declared-in-class.json), [c-legal-person-declared](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/c-legal-person-declared.json), [c-supplied-without-evidence](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/c-supplied-without-evidence.json), [d-birth-date-absent](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/d-birth-date-absent.json), [d-duplicate](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/d-duplicate.json), [d-excluded](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/d-excluded.json), [d-legal-person-no-number](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/d-legal-person-no-number.json), [d-no-birth-date](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/d-no-birth-date.json), [d-no-name](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/d-no-name.json), [d-opted-out](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/d-opted-out.json), [d-outside-class](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/d-outside-class.json), [d-several](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/d-several.json), [d-unconfirmed-contact](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/d-unconfirmed-contact.json), [d-uninformed-flow](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/d-uninformed-flow.json), [d-unknown-flow](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/d-unknown-flow.json), [d-withdrawn](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/core/d-withdrawn.json). - The test vectors of Annex CZ: [b-consent-before-filing](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/cz/b-consent-before-filing.json), [b-prihlaska-from-abroad](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/cz/b-prihlaska-from-abroad.json), [b-prihlaska-to-the-court](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/cz/b-prihlaska-to-the-court.json), [b-prihlaska-to-the-plaintiff](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/cz/b-prihlaska-to-the-plaintiff.json), [d-no-prihlaska](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/cz/d-no-prihlaska.json), [d-prihlaska-after-the-period](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/cz/d-prihlaska-after-the-period.json), [d-prihlaska-uncorrected](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/cz/d-prihlaska-uncorrected.json), [d-struck-from-the-list](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/cz/d-struck-from-the-list.json). - The test vectors of Annex DE: [b-window-open](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/de/b-window-open.json), [c-sworn-statement](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/de/c-sworn-statement.json), [d-not-registered](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/de/d-not-registered.json), [d-registered-late](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/de/d-registered-late.json), [d-registered-with-representative](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/de/d-registered-with-representative.json). - The test vectors of Annex FI: [c-joined-from-abroad](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/fi/c-joined-from-abroad.json), [c-joined-in-the-period](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/fi/c-joined-in-the-period.json), [c-period-open](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/fi/c-period-open.json), [d-added-by-a-wider-definition](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/fi/d-added-by-a-wider-definition.json), [d-admitted-late-by-the-claimant](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/fi/d-admitted-late-by-the-claimant.json), [d-joined-before-the-period](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/fi/d-joined-before-the-period.json), [d-joined-to-the-court](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/fi/d-joined-to-the-court.json), [d-not-joined](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/fi/d-not-joined.json), [d-sign-up-fee-unpaid](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/fi/d-sign-up-fee-unpaid.json). - The test vectors of Annex IE: [c-notified-from-another-member-state](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/ie/c-notified-from-another-member-state.json), [c-notified-the-qe](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/ie/c-notified-the-qe.json), [d-entry-fee-unpaid](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/ie/d-entry-fee-unpaid.json), [d-no-declaration](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/ie/d-no-declaration.json), [d-not-notified](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/ie/d-not-notified.json), [d-notified-after-admissibility](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/ie/d-notified-after-admissibility.json), [d-notified-to-another-channel](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/ie/d-notified-to-another-channel.json), [d-resident-outside-the-member-states](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/ie/d-resident-outside-the-member-states.json). - The test vectors of Annex IT: [a-adhered-through-the-portal](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/it/a-adhered-through-the-portal.json), [a-between-terms](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/it/a-between-terms.json), [d-adesione-late](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/it/d-adesione-late.json), [d-adesione-not-filed](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/it/d-adesione-not-filed.json), [d-adesione-revoked](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/it/d-adesione-revoked.json), [d-adesione-to-representative](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/it/d-adesione-to-representative.json), [d-fondo-spese-unpaid](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/it/d-fondo-spese-unpaid.json). - The test vectors of Annex NL: [a-eherkenning-kvk](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/nl/a-eherkenning-kvk.json), [a-idin-rdw](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/nl/a-idin-rdw.json), [b-email-only-identity](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/nl/b-email-only-identity.json), [c-abroad-before-window](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/nl/c-abroad-before-window.json), [c-abroad-opted-in](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/nl/c-abroad-opted-in.json), [c-abroad-opted-in-court-channel](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/nl/c-abroad-opted-in-court-channel.json), [c-abroad-window-open](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/nl/c-abroad-window-open.json), [d-abroad-no-parallel-declaration](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/nl/d-abroad-no-parallel-declaration.json), [d-abroad-not-opted-in](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/nl/d-abroad-not-opted-in.json), [d-abroad-opted-in-early](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/nl/d-abroad-opted-in-early.json), [d-abroad-opted-in-late](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/nl/d-abroad-opted-in-late.json), [d-abroad-opted-in-to-foundation](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/nl/d-abroad-opted-in-to-foundation.json), [d-abroad-several](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/nl/d-abroad-several.json), [d-residence-unknown](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/nl/d-residence-unknown.json), [d-ticked-box](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/nl/d-ticked-box.json). - The test vectors of Annex PL: [c-declared-from-abroad](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pl/c-declared-from-abroad.json), [c-declared-to-the-representative](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pl/c-declared-to-the-representative.json), [c-joined-after-own-action](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pl/c-joined-after-own-action.json), [c-withdrew-after-the-composition-order](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pl/c-withdrew-after-the-composition-order.json), [d-declared-after-the-term](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pl/d-declared-after-the-term.json), [d-declared-to-the-court](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pl/d-declared-to-the-court.json), [d-joined-another-group-action](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pl/d-joined-another-group-action.json), [d-no-declaration](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pl/d-no-declaration.json), [d-no-parallel-statements](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pl/d-no-parallel-statements.json), [d-refused-by-the-court](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pl/d-refused-by-the-court.json). - The test vectors of Annex PT: [a-chave-movel-digital](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pt/a-chave-movel-digital.json), [c-non-resident-declaration](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pt/c-non-resident-declaration.json), [c-non-resident-outside-directive](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pt/c-non-resident-outside-directive.json), [c-resident](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pt/c-resident.json), [d-non-resident-silent](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pt/d-non-resident-silent.json), [d-refused-to-association](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.2/vectors/pt/d-refused-to-association.json). VCRS 0.1.0-beta.1 ----------------- Released on 20 October 2026. Its text stays unchanged at [vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1). - The text: [the core](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1), [Annex NL](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/annexes/nl), [Annex PT](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/annexes/pt). - The schemas: [export](https://vcrs.org/schema/0.1.0-beta.1/export.schema.json), [record](https://vcrs.org/schema/0.1.0-beta.1/record.schema.json), [conformance](https://vcrs.org/schema/0.1.0-beta.1/conformance.schema.json). - The test vectors of the core: [a-checked-eidas](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/a-checked-eidas.json), [a-checked-eidas-high](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/a-checked-eidas-high.json), [a-legal-person](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/a-legal-person.json), [b-checked-low-assurance](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/b-checked-low-assurance.json), [b-checked-scheme-not-recognised](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/b-checked-scheme-not-recognised.json), [b-checked-unverified](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/b-checked-unverified.json), [b-supplied](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/b-supplied.json), [b-supplied-eidas](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/b-supplied-eidas.json), [c-checked-without-source](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/c-checked-without-source.json), [c-class-not-established](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/c-class-not-established.json), [c-declared](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/c-declared.json), [c-declared-in-class](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/c-declared-in-class.json), [c-legal-person-declared](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/c-legal-person-declared.json), [c-supplied-without-evidence](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/c-supplied-without-evidence.json), [d-birth-date-absent](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/d-birth-date-absent.json), [d-duplicate](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/d-duplicate.json), [d-excluded](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/d-excluded.json), [d-legal-person-no-number](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/d-legal-person-no-number.json), [d-no-birth-date](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/d-no-birth-date.json), [d-no-name](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/d-no-name.json), [d-opted-out](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/d-opted-out.json), [d-outside-class](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/d-outside-class.json), [d-several](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/d-several.json), [d-unconfirmed-contact](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/d-unconfirmed-contact.json), [d-uninformed-flow](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/d-uninformed-flow.json), [d-unknown-flow](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/d-unknown-flow.json), [d-withdrawn](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/core/d-withdrawn.json). - The test vectors of Annex NL: [a-eherkenning-kvk](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/nl/a-eherkenning-kvk.json), [a-idin-rdw](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/nl/a-idin-rdw.json), [b-email-only-identity](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/nl/b-email-only-identity.json), [c-abroad-before-window](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/nl/c-abroad-before-window.json), [c-abroad-opted-in](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/nl/c-abroad-opted-in.json), [c-abroad-opted-in-court-channel](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/nl/c-abroad-opted-in-court-channel.json), [c-abroad-window-open](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/nl/c-abroad-window-open.json), [d-abroad-no-parallel-declaration](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/nl/d-abroad-no-parallel-declaration.json), [d-abroad-not-opted-in](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/nl/d-abroad-not-opted-in.json), [d-abroad-opted-in-early](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/nl/d-abroad-opted-in-early.json), [d-abroad-opted-in-late](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/nl/d-abroad-opted-in-late.json), [d-abroad-opted-in-to-foundation](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/nl/d-abroad-opted-in-to-foundation.json), [d-abroad-several](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/nl/d-abroad-several.json), [d-residence-unknown](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/nl/d-residence-unknown.json), [d-ticked-box](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/nl/d-ticked-box.json). - The test vectors of Annex PT: [a-chave-movel-digital](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/pt/a-chave-movel-digital.json), [c-non-resident-declaration](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/pt/c-non-resident-declaration.json), [c-resident](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/pt/c-resident.json), [d-non-resident-silent](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/pt/d-non-resident-silent.json), [d-refused-to-association](https://vcrs.org/v/0.1.0-beta.1/vectors/pt/d-refused-to-association.json). --- # https://vcrs.org/legal Legal. ====== What the site keeps about the people who read it, who processes it for Steddle, and for how long. Steddle Group B.V. is in oprichting (in formation). 01 What we hold to --------------- 3 promises Nobody signs in. The site has no accounts and asks for nothing about you. It sets no cookie of its own, and counts visits without one. The form's answers stay in your browser. The self-assessment form sends nothing to the site. What a board answers there stays in that browser until it is cleared. VCRS gives no legal advice. It describes a register and the check that goes with each level. What the law asks of a register in a given action is for counsel and, in the end, a court. 02 Everyone -------- 1 document [Privacy statement What the site keeps about the people who read it, who processes it for Steddle, and for how long. ](https://vcrs.org/legal/privacy) 03 Reusing the standard -------------------- 1 document [Licence Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International: the terms on which anyone may copy and adapt the text, the schemas and the test vectors of VCRS, with credit. ](https://vcrs.org/legal/licence) --- # https://vcrs.org/legal/privacy [ Legal ](https://vcrs.org/legal) Privacy statement ================= What the site keeps about the people who read it, who processes it for Steddle, and for how long. Steddle Group B.V. is in oprichting (in formation). 02 For every reader ---------------- Document 1 of 2 **This statement is about the people who read vcrs.steddle.com.** Nobody signs in to the site, and it asks for nothing about you. The controller is Steddle Group B.V. in oprichting (in formation), Keizersgracht 520H, 1017 EK Amsterdam, reachable at [hello@steddle.com](mailto:hello@steddle.com). Requests about your data: [privacy@steddle.com](mailto:privacy@steddle.com). When you visit the site ----------------------- | Cookie | What for | How long | |---|---|---| | `__cf_bm` | Cloudflare, which stands in front of the site, tells bots from visitors with it | 30 minutes | This cookie is needed to run the site, and the law asks no consent for that (article 11.7a(3) of the Dutch Telecommunicatiewet). VCRS sets no advertising or tracking cookies. VCRS counts visits with Visitors. On the pages where VCRS loads it, a script from `cdn.visitors.now` sends Visitors, from your browser, the page's address and the referring page, how long the page stays open, how fast it loaded with your connection's type and your device's memory, and the address of a link you follow off the site; as every browser does, it sends your IP address and your browser with each. The script itself comes from Cloudflare's network, which sees your IP address and browser when it hands it over, as it does for the whole site. Visitors keeps no cookie: its script sets a test cookie to learn the site's domain and deletes it at once. Before counting, the script reads one switch in your browser's storage, which turns the counting off, and writes nothing else there. Visitors does not follow you across sites. It reads your city and country off your IP address and then discards the address, unless that address sends so many requests in a short time that Visitors blocks it: then it keeps the address until the block expires. It recognises you within one day by a hash of IP address, browser and a key that changes daily, so tomorrow you are another visitor. It stores a record of each visit at Hetzner in Germany and keeps it for as long as Steddle's account with it exists, the performance measurements for a year; a record links to your other visits of the same day only. It sends no event when your browser has Global Privacy Control or Do Not Track on. Visitors states this in its [data policy](https://visitors.now/data), and its script shows it. The law asks no consent for a measurement like this, which has no or only a slight effect on your privacy (article 11.7a(3)(b) of the Dutch Telecommunicatiewet). Every request reaches the site through Cloudflare and Laravel Cloud, which log it with your IP address and your browser. The table under [Who processes for VCRS](#processors) says for how long. Beyond those logs and the record Visitors keeps of each visit, VCRS keeps nothing about a visit. The self-assessment form ------------------------ The [self-assessment form](https://vcrs.org/forms/self-assessment) keeps your answers in your browser's local storage, under `vcrs.self-assessment.` and the version of the text the form shows, so they are still there when you come back. They are never sent to the site. Clearing the answers on the form, or the site's data in your browser, deletes them. When you write to Steddle ------------------------- The site offers one address, [hello@steddle.com](mailto:hello@steddle.com). A mail there reaches Steddle, and Steddle's own [privacy statement](https://steddle.com/legal/privacy) says what it keeps of it. An issue or a pull request on [GitHub](https://github.com/steddle/vcrs) is public, and GitHub's own privacy statement covers it. On what basis ------------- Cloudflare's cookie, the access logs and the counting of visits Steddle processes on its legitimate interest in keeping the site running and secure, and in knowing how it is read (article 6(1)(f) GDPR). Who processes for VCRS ---------------------- | Party | What it does | Where, and on what ground | |---|---|---| | Laravel Cloud | Hosts VCRS and keeps the platform's access log for [seven days](https://laravel.com/cloud/docs/pricing), the period of the plan Steddle runs on | Frankfurt (`eu-central-1`); Laravel, a company in the United States, is certified under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (article 45 GDPR), its [trust centre](https://trust.laravel.com/?product=cloud) states, which also holds its data processing agreement | | Cloudflare | Stands in front of the site, sets `__cf_bm` and keeps an access log of its own, for as long as the criteria in its [privacy policy](https://www.cloudflare.com/privacypolicy/#11-data-retention) say | Data centres in the EU and the United States; the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (article 45 GDPR) and the standard contractual clauses (article 46 GDPR), as its [GDPR page](https://www.cloudflare.com/trust-hub/gdpr/) states | | Visitors | Counts visits, as above | Visitors Now LLC, a US company, processes the analytics data in the EU, at Hetzner, according to its [data processing agreement](https://visitors.now/dpa), and names no basis for a transfer | The standard contractual clauses Cloudflare relies on are those of Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021/914, which its [data processing addendum](https://www.cloudflare.com/cloudflare-customer-dpa/) incorporates. Your rights ----------- Because Steddle processes your data on its legitimate interest, you can object to that processing at any time, on grounds relating to your particular situation (article 21 GDPR), at [privacy@steddle.com](mailto:privacy@steddle.com). Access, correction, erasure or restriction you ask for at the same address. If you disagree with how VCRS handles your data, you can lodge a complaint with the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens, the Dutch data protection authority. Changes ------- If Steddle changes this statement, the new version stands here with the date it applies from. This version is in force from 21 October 2026. Until Steddle Group B.V. is incorporated, it applies to Steddle Group B.V. in oprichting and whoever acts on its behalf. [ Every document ](https://vcrs.org/legal) Questions: [hello@steddle.com](mailto:hello@steddle.com) --- # https://vcrs.org/legal/licence [ Legal ](https://vcrs.org/legal) Licence ======= Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International: the terms on which anyone may copy and adapt the text, the schemas and the test vectors of VCRS, with credit. Steddle Group B.V. is in oprichting (in formation). 03 For reusing the text -------------------- Document 2 of 2 **The text of VCRS, its schemas and its test vectors are published under this licence, as the standard's folder carries it.** Attribution 4.0 International --- Creative Commons Corporation ("Creative Commons") is not a law firm and does not provide legal services or legal advice. Distribution of Creative Commons public licenses does not create a lawyer-client or other relationship. Creative Commons makes its licenses and related information available on an "as-is" basis. 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