The Consumer Directorate-General is the central body of direct public administration (within the Ministry of Economy) that contributes to the drafting, the definition and implementation of consumer policy in Portugal, aiming to ensure a high level of protection. The Consumer Directorate-General (DGC) has been entrusted, namely, with the responsibility of guaranteeing consumers access to alternative means of dispute resolution (ADR - alternative dispute resolution), namely arbitration centers and municipal centers for consumers information and the responsibility of informing consumers of their rights under the applicable laws and regulations.

The centres of arbitration of consumer conflicts are private entities authorized by the Ministério da Justiça and the Direcção-Geral do Consumidor, empowered to mediate and arbitrate conflicts since the parties agree to resort to this system.

Current relevant legislation.