Sweden

Abstract

Various forms of representative group litigation have existed for decades in the special Labor and Market Courts, initiated by private organizations such as trade unions and the Consumer Ombudsman. A “true” class action, brought in a general court by a member of a group, or by an organization, or an administrative agency (e.g. the Consumer Ombudsman)—allowing claims both for injunctive relief and individual damages for group members—was introduced in Sweden by the Group Proceedings Act, which entered into force on January 1, 2003. This is an opt-in procedure.