ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Alternative dispute resolution is a valuable option for consumers seeking assistance in resolving conflicts. The Online Dispute Resolution website, administered by the European Commission, is an official platform dedicated to guiding consumers and traders through the dispute resolution process, outside of the court system.
To access the Online Dispute Resolution website, please visit: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/odr/main/index.cfm?event=main.home.chooseLanguage
Clients who are considered consumers according to Law 144/2015 and who have entered into purchase, sale, and/or service contracts hold the right to seek assistance from official entities in resolving conflicts related to such contracts. This right is independent of the option to resort to the courts. The Consumer Portal, accessible at www.consumidor.pt, provides an updated list of Alternative Dispute Resolution entities available under Article 17 of Law No. 144/2015, dated September 8th. For additional information, please consult Law 144/2015.
If you encounter disputes arising from online purchases, you can utilize the "ODR Platform - Online Dispute Resolution/RLL," which is an EU-created resolution system. This platform facilitates the settlement of disputes. For more details, please refer to the European Union's ODR Platform.
Below are some recommended centers you may contact:
- CNIACC – Centro Nacional de Informação e Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo: https://www.cniacc.pt/pt
- CIMAAL - Centro de Informação, Mediação e Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo do Algarve: https://consumoalgarve.pt
- Centro de Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo do Distrito de Coimbra: http://www.centrodearbitragemdecoimbra.com
- Centro de Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo de Lisboa: http://www.centroarbitragemlisboa.pt
- Centro de Informação de Consumo e Arbitragem do Porto: http://www.cicap.pt
Additionally, the European online platform for the resolution of disputes is available for your convenience. Visit the platform at: https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/main/index.cfm?event=main.home.chooseLanguage