All types of consumer actions.
Group actions: Two or more plaintiffs may bring their related or identical claims against a defendant or a group of at least 10 plaintiffs may bring certain collective actions (e.g. claims arising out of consumer or employment agreements) for identical claims subject to provisions of the Hungarian Civil Procedure Act (HCPA).
Representative actions: Authorised representative bodies may bring certain representative actions subject to the special provisions of the HCPA.
Group actions are opt-in in the sense that affected individuals (e.g. consumers) are parties to the proceedings. In representative actions affected individuals are not parties to the proceedings. However, the final and binding judgment also covers each individual unless the defendant fails to notify the individual of the final and binding judgment or if the individual decides to opt-out.
The usual forms of relief (e.g. declaratory actions, injunctions) are permitted. Punitive damages are not allowed.
Yes, bodies representing or protecting consumers are able to bring actions on their behalf. Cross-border actions are not permitted.
But is unregulated.
Consumer groups are allowed to advertise collective actions they are running. Law firms are allowed to advertise their services with strict ethical rules.
General provisions on settlement apply. Affected individuals can choose not to be bound by the settlement in representative actions.
The court may order the publication of the judgment or order the consumer body who brought the action, to do so.
No specific penalties but if the trader does not comply it may have to pay interest on the money claimed, or a fine can be imposed.
The Collective Redress Directive must be implemented in all EU member states by 25 December 2022. To find out more about the current progress of implementation of the Directive in this jurisdiction click here.
The Collective Redress Directive must be implemented in all EU member states by 25 December 2022. To find out more about the current progress of implementation of the Directive in this jurisdiction click here.