RAL

Alternative dispute resolution is the possibility that all consumers have at their disposal to turn to official organisations to help them resolve or steer a conflict before opening litigation in the courts.

What is alternative dispute resolution?

Arbitration Centre - Law 144/2015

Alternative dispute resolution is the possibility that all consumers have at their disposal to turn to official organisations to help them resolve or steer a conflict before opening litigation in the courts.

As a general rule, the procedure is as follows: the customer asks an impartial third party to act as an intermediary between them and the trader who is the subject of their complaint. The intermediary can suggest a solution to your complaint, impose a solution on both parties or bring the parties together to find a solution.

You may know the concept of alternative dispute resolution by another name: 'mediation', 'conciliation', 'arbitration' or 'consumer dispute commission'. Alternative dispute resolution is generally less expensive, less formalised and quicker than the judicial route.

 

We've provided contact details for some of these organisations that can help you present your arguments:

Ave Valley Information and Arbitration Centre (TRIAVE) - Guimarães - 253 422 410

Algarve Consumer Information, Mediation and Arbitration Centre (CIMAAL) - 289 823 135

Cávado Valley Information and Arbitration Centre (CIAB) - Braga - 103 617 604

Consumer Conflict Arbitration Centre of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (CACRAM) - 291 203 800

Lisbon Consumer Conflict Arbitration Centre (CACCL) – 218 80 70 30

Coimbra District Consumer Conflict Arbitration Centre (CACCDC) – 239 821 690

Porto Consumer Information and Arbitration Centre (CICAP) - 22 550 83 49

National Consumer Conflict Information and Arbitration Centre (CNIACC) - 21 384 74 84

More information on the consumer portal: www.consumidor.pt