Alternative Dispute Resolution

General information regarding Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes

Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (ADR) encompasses mediation, conciliation, and arbitration. ADR entities are entities authorized to conduct mediation, conciliation, and arbitration of consumer disputes in Portugal and must be registered on the list of ADR entities provided for by Law No. 144/2015.

Published on September 8th, Law 144/2015 approved the new legal framework for alternative (out-of-court) dispute resolution mechanisms for consumer disputes, creating the Consumer Arbitration Network in Portugal and establishing a duty to inform companies supplying goods or services about the existence of existing alternative dispute resolution centers applicable to the sector in which the companies operate.

Consumers should always contact the supplier of the goods or the service provider first to try to resolve the problem.

In the event of a dispute, the consumer may resort to an Alternative Dispute Resolution Entity for Consumer Disputes.

CIAC CB - Municipal Consumer Information Center of Castelo Branco;
CNIACC - National Center for Information and Arbitration of Consumer Disputes;
Or even:
European Online Dispute Resolution Platform.

More information is available on the Consumer Portal.