Independent entities, with specialized staff, impartially, help the consumer and the company/professional to reach a friendly solution through mediation or conciliation. If such an agreement is not reached, the arbitral tribunal may also be appealed to the arbitral tribunal, through a simple and rapid and most often free procedure. The arbitral award has executive force (mandatory characteristic) and is equated to a decision of a court of first instance.  

What are Alternative Consumer Dispute Resolution Entities?

Most Consumer Dispute Arbitration Centres are resolving disputes through mediation, conciliation and arbitration procedures, free of charge or at reduced costs. They provide free information on consumer issues.

Where are they located?

These entities are located in several areas of Portugal, and the entire national territory is covered by at least one of these entities/Arbitration Centre:

The map and entity list

Obligations of ADR Entities

Obligations of Economic Operators

Online Litigation Platform (RLL)

Cross-Border Conflicts - European Consumer Centre