Dissolution of COPREC: New Costs and Changes in Consumer Dispute Resolution in the City of Buenos Aires

Decree No. 55/2025 – Secretariat of Domestic Trade, Ministry of Economy of the Argentine Republic

The Secretariat of Domestic Trade has ordered the dissolution of COPREC and the reassignment of consumer claims through alternative channels.

This measure, set forth in Decree No. 55/2025 and published in the Official Gazette on February 3, modifies the consumer dispute resolution system.

From now on, claims filed in the City of Buenos Aires must be processed exclusively through MI RECLAMO, the Consumer Dispute Conciliation System of the Judiciary of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, or through the Participatory Management Centers (CGPs) of each local district.

The proceedings before the CGPs remain free of charge and continue to follow the long-standing structure and procedures. In contrast, MI RECLAMO introduces the following differences compared to CGPs and the former COPREC:

• Legal representation for the Provider is now mandatory.
  
• Attorneys attending hearings must be registered with the Buenos Aires Bar Association (Colegio Público de Abogados de la Capital Federal – CPACF) and enrolled in the Litigant Portal of the City of Buenos Aires.
  
• Complainants may request legal counsel, and such representation becomes mandatory above a certain monetary threshold.
  
• In the event of a settlement and where the complainant is represented by counsel, the Provider must pay legal fees.
  
• Similarly, in the event of a settlement, the conciliator’s fees are to be borne by the Provider.
  

Among the changes introduced by Decree No. 55/2025 are:

• The dissolution of the Pre-Conciliation Service for Consumer Relations (COPREC).
  
• The elimination of the National Registry of Consumer Conciliators.
  
• The abolition of the Financing Fund under the Ministry of Economy, as established by Law No. 26.993.
  

According to the government, these measures aim to avoid overlapping jurisdictions, streamline administrative procedures, and reduce bureaucratic costs.

What happens to ongoing claims?
Cases currently being processed through COPREC will remain under the jurisdiction of the Secretariat of Industry and Commerce of the Ministry of Economy, which will retain all powers granted under the repealed law, including the power to impose sanctions.

Where can claims now be filed in the City of Buenos Aires?

• MI RECLAMO
  
• The Consumer Defense and Protection Directorate of the City Government
  

At the national level:

• Through the corresponding agencies in each province.
  

Conclusion
While an initial decline in the number of claims may be observed, it is expected that filings will rebound once the MI RECLAMO system is widely disseminated. This new process will undoubtedly result in higher costs for Providers.