Consumer ADR in Chile

This chapter describes the main features of ADR mechanisms in Consumer Law in Chile. It explains how the legislation has recently changed in this matter, particularly with the incorporation in 2021 of a new procedure of collective mediation. The chapter will first provide a general legal framework for consumer protection in Chilean legislation. Then, the legal enforcement mechanisms will be described. Finally, the strengths and weaknesses of the current ADR mechanisms as an effective tool for the protection of consumers will be analysed. The conclusion is that even though the recent reforms have provided important developments in this matter, primarily through the regulation of collective procedures, there is still much space to improve the enforcement of consumers’ rights in Chile, granting more sanctioning powers to the administrative organism in charge of protecting these rights (SERNAC).