Serbian consumer law: out with the old, in with the new

Riefa, C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8561-1537 and Durovic, M. (2015) Serbian consumer law: out with the old, in with the new. Maastricht Journal of European and Comparative Law, 22 (6). pp. 862-878. ISSN 1023-263X doi: 10.1177/1023263X1502200605

Abstract/Summary

Serbian consumer law has ben transformed over the last 10 years through the quick succession of no less than 4 incarnation of the Law on Consumer Protection first introduced in 2002 and reformed in 2005, 2010 and 2014. The latest incumbent brings Serbian law in line with Directive 2011/83/EU on Consumer Rights. This article assesses the way in which consumer law has been implemented in the Serbian legal system and assesses its efficacy and prospect of success in future years. It argues that while the new law offers all the hallmark of a fully functioning legal system of protection, Serbian consumer law lacks the teeth needed on the ground to make it a reality. This can be explained by a series of factors including resistance towards the recognition of consumer as an autonomous branch of the law and non-application of consumer law by the Serbian courts, amongst others.