Alternative Dispute Resolution for Consumer Disputes (referred to as ADR) includes mediation, conciliation, and arbitration.
What are Alternative Dispute Resolution Entities for Consumer Disputes?
They are mostly Consumer Conflict Arbitration Centers, which resolve disputes through mediation, conciliation, and arbitration procedures, free of charge or at reduced costs. They provide free information on consumer issues and offer all consumers the possibility to turn to official entities that can help resolve or guide any conflict before initiating litigation processes in the Courts.
Alternative dispute resolution is generally less expensive, less formal, and faster than judicial proceedings.
Algarve
CIMAAL (Centro de Informação, Mediação e Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo do Algarve)
www.consumoalgarve.pt/index.php/pt/
Avª. 5 de Outubro, nº. 55, R/C Dtº.
8000-075 Faro, Portugal
Phone: 289 823 135 (Call to national fixed network)
Email: info@consumoalgarve.pt
Other Regions
Porto
CICAP (Centro de Informação de Consumo e Arbitragem do Porto)
www.cicap.pt
Centro
CACRC (Centro de Arbitragem de Conflitos de Coimbra)
www.centrodearbitragemdecoimbra.com
Lisbon
CACCL (Centro de Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo de Lisboa)
www.centroarbitragemlisboa.pt
Alentejo
CNIACC (Centro Nacional de Informação e Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo)
Madeira
CACCRAM (Centro de Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo da Região Autónoma da Madeira)
For more information, you can access the Consumer Portal: www.consumoalgarve.pt/index.php/pt/
European Union
The European Union has created a website to help consumers file their complaints about any dispute they are involved in.
ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/main/index.cfm?event=main.home2.show&lng=PT