Alternative Consumer Dispute Resolution (called ADR) covers mediation, conciliation and arbitration.
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 Center.
For more information, see:
Video on Alternative Consumer Dispute Resolution
Obligations of Economic Operators
Online Litigation Platform (RLL)
Cross-Border Conflicts - European Consumer Centre
Reports - REPORT OF THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE on the implementation of Directive 2013/11/EU of the European Parliament and the Council on alternative resolution of consumer disputes and Regulation (EU) No 524/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the resolution of online consumer disputes.