1. What is the difference between an “Adherent” and a “Certified Shop”?
“Adherent” is a scheme set up under the Macao Consumer Mediation and Arbitration Centre, with the aim to protect the rights and interests of consumers, “Adherents” are obliged to resolve consumer disputes through arbitration at the Centre (the claims involved do not exceed the statutory value of appeal interest of the Court of First Instance, i.e. MOP100,000), thus giving confidence to consumers.
“Certified Shop” is an award given to “Adherents” by the Macao Consumer Council. “Adherent” that meets the requirements of becoming a “Certified Shop” and passes the evaluation for the entitlement will be awarded the emblem of “Certified Shop”.
2. How can a business become an “Adherent”?
Any retail business operating in Macao that agrees to submit and resolve consumer disputes (the claims involved do not exceed the statutory value of appeal interest of the Court of First Instance, i.e. MOP100,000) at the Macao Consumer Mediation and Arbitration Centre may apply to become an “Adherent” (not applicable to liberal professionals).
3. Is the “Adherent” qualification being renewed every year?
There is no need to renew for being an “Adherent” but businesses shall submit the latest Business Tax – Tax Demand Note (M/8 format) issued by the Financial Services Bureau to confirm its operation status.
4. How can an “Adherent” update its information?
A. Log in and update online;
B. The completed A4 form (Shop details form) with company stamp may be e-mail to certshop@consume.gov.mo or submit in person at the Consumer Council’s service locations.
5. What is documents collection service?
To facilitate business’ application in becoming “Adherent”, our staff will contact the applying business to agree on a time and venue for documents collection after online application is completed. Our staff will collect the required documents at the agreed venue so that the business may complete the application process without having to visit the Council’s service locations.
6. How to opt out from the “Adherent”/ “Certified Shop” scheme?
“Adherents”/ “Certified Shops” may complete and sign the A5 form (Renunciation application form) which is available on the Council’s website, and submit the original copy of the form together with the necessary documents to the Macao Consumer Mediation and Arbitration Centre for application.
7. If a “Certified Shop” is suspended from being entitled to the emblem, does it mean it has opted out from the “Adherent” scheme?
Being suspended from being entitled to the “Certified Shop” emblem does not mean the business has opted out from the “Adherent” scheme.