Dispute Resolution

litigation case

Under the terms of article 14 of Law no. 24/96, of July 31, in its current wording, all Portuguese companies are linked to Alternative Dispute Resolution Entities (Entidades de Resolução Alternativa de Litigio), for conflicts with a value not exceeding €5,000.

In the event of a dispute due to an inability to reach an agreement on how to resolve the situation complained about, the consumer may resort to an Alternative Dispute Resolution (Resolução Alternativa de Litigio - RAL) Entity. These entities provide easier and more simplified access to justice and will be responsible for mediation, conciliation and arbitration of the dispute between the parties.

In distance contracts, the competent centre for resolving the dispute is the one whose area of jurisdiction includes the consumer's residency. For most of Portugal, this centre is the following:

 

 

Other Alternative Dispute Resolution Entities are available.

For a detailed list of all entities, you can check the list available on the website of the Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs or the detailed information on the Arbitration and Consumer Network available on the CNIACC website.