The Macao Consumer Arbitration Centre was established in 1998, and is renamed “Macao Consumer Mediation and Arbitration Centre” according to Dispatch of the Chief Executive No. 228/2020 in 2020. The Centre handles the mediation and arbitration of consumer disputes, aiming to solve civil or business disputes between consumers and traders that arise from the supply of goods or services.

If a consumer has suffered a loss due to the defective goods he/she bought or the service rendered to him/her.

If traders are mindful of the goodwill of their businesses, and wish to resolve any dispute that may arise between them and the consumers.

Both parties may seek for assistance from the Consumer Mediation and Arbitration Centre and solve consumer disputes through mediation or arbitration.

Free of charge：mediation is free of charge to both parties if the claims involved do not exceed the maximum amount prescribed by the Court of First Instance (MOP100,000). (Fees will be charged according to the fee schedule of the Centre if the claims involved exceed the maximum amount prescribed by the Court of First Instance.)

Easy to implement：the arrangement of mediation is voluntary and a solution is reached through negotiation by both parties, this makes it easier for future implementation.

Fast and efficient：a mediation meeting is hosted by a mediator where both parties negotiate directly in a peaceful environment to save time.

Win-win situation：the solution is reached by an agreement which satisfies the needs of both parties, this lowers the risk of losing a lawsuit.

Free of charge： arbitration is free of charge to both parties if the claims involved do not exceed the maximum amount prescribed by the Court of First Instance (MOP100,000). (Fees will be charged according to the fee schedule of the Centre if the claims involved exceed the maximum amount prescribed by the Court of First Instance.)

Lawyer is optional：consumers and traders can choose whether to appoint a lawyer or not.

Fair ： the Arbitral Tribunal is formed by independent arbitrators and the whole arbitration process is regulated by the “Regulations”.

Legally binding：the legal status and effect of an arbitration award is the same as that of a judiciary court order.