Legal notice

1. Litígios de Consumo (Consumer Disputes):
These are disputes initiated by consumers against suppliers of goods or services, arising from contractual obligations resulting from sales or service contracts between suppliers and consumers in Portugal or the EU.

2. Resolução Alternativa de Litígios de Consumo (ADR):
ADR provides mechanisms for consumers and businesses to resolve disputes outside of courts, including mediation, conciliation, and arbitration.

3. Entidades RAL (ADR Entities):
These are independent entities with specialized staff that assist consumers and businesses in reaching an amicable resolution. They offer mediation, conciliation, and arbitration services.

4. Responsabilidade da Gestão da Lista de Entidades RAL:
The Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs manages the list of ADR entities.

5. Obrigações de Informação aos Consumidores (Consumer Information Obligations):
Businesses must inform consumers about available ADR entities through websites, contracts, or other durable mediums.

6. Fiscalização e Contraordenações (Inspections and Offenses):
The Consumer Protection Authority and sectoral regulators oversee compliance and can impose fines for non-compliance.

7. Penas para Não Cumprimento (Penalties for Non-Compliance):
Failure to inform consumers about ADR entities constitutes an offense punishable by fines.

8. Vigência da Lei (Effective Date of the Law):
The law came into effect on September 23, 2015, with a six-month transition period for businesses to comply.

9. Ligação com o Livro de Reclamações (Connection with Complaints Book):
Compliance with ADR information obligations does not exempt businesses from providing consumers with a complaints book as required by law.

This legal framework aims to streamline consumer dispute resolution by providing accessible and efficient ADR mechanisms, ensuring consumer rights are protected under EU directives. The provided information covers the scope, responsibilities, and penalties associated with ADR obligations for businesses operating in Portugal.