The European Union has created a website to support consumers in submitting their complaints regarding any disputes they may be involved in.

In the member states, several Alternative Dispute Resolution entities ("ADR Entities") have also been established. These are listed below.

What is alternative dispute resolution?

Alternative dispute resolution is an option available to all consumers, allowing them to contact official entities for help in resolving or mediating a conflict before initiating legal proceedings in court.
As a rule, the procedure is as follows: the consumer asks a neutral third party to act as an intermediary between them and the trader against whom the complaint is made. The intermediary may suggest a solution, impose a solution on both parties, or bring the parties together to find a mutually acceptable resolution.

Alternative dispute resolution is usually less expensive, less formal, and quicker than going through the courts.

European Union website:
https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/odr/main/?event=main.home.show

In the event of a dispute, the customer may contact a Consumer Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Entity for legal information and resolution of a conflict arising from the services provided.

This information is provided in accordance with Article 18 of Law No. 144/2015, of September 8.

Without prejudice to the duty to consult the Consumer Portal https://www.consumidor.gov.pt/, the following ADR entities are listed:

CNIACC – Centro Nacional de Informação e Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo:

https//cniacc.pt

Centro de Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo da Região de Coimbra (CACRC)

https://cacrc.pt/ 

CIAB – Centro de Informação, Mediação e Arbitragem de Consumo

(Tribunal Arbitral de Consumo).

https://www.ciab.pt/pt/