About the CAC

Commercial Arbitration Centre

The Commercial Arbitration Centre of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CAC) was founded in 1987 and is the oldest commercial arbitration centre in Portugal. The excellence of the service provided over its 35 years has enabled it to establish itself as the reference Arbitration Centre in the area of commercial arbitration in Portugal and the one with the highest number of arbitrations administered.

It should be stressed that the Centre welcomes not only arbitrations resulting from arbitration agreements that elect it, but also ad hoc arbitrations whose parties seek to obtain the service provision necessary for their proper conduct.

Its activity goes beyond the administration of cases, extending also to the organisation of events for promotion of the methods of alternative dispute resolution and professional training. The Centre is now recognised as an important forum for discussion, promotion and study of alternative dispute resolution methods by the Portuguese arbitration community.

The quality of the Centre's specialised service is based on:

  • Observance of the highest standards of integrity, quality and efficiency in monitoring arbitration and alternative dispute resolution proceedings;
  • The rigorous selection of specialised, available and competent arbitrators and mediators;
  • Alignment of its rules with the best international practice;
  • Supporting arbitration tribunals and mediators, through an experienced, dedicated and effective team;
  • The provision of modern and functional facilities in the centre of Lisbon.

Objectives of the Arbitration Centre

Foster and Promote

To foster and promote the resolution of disputes by arbitration or alternative means of dispute resolution, through the organisation and sponsorship of actions to promote, study and deepen matters related to economic litigation.

Administer

To administer institutionalised arbitrations and alternative dispute resolution processes in economic, public or private, domestic or international matters.

Service excellence

To continuously care for the quality of the service provided, maintaining the high levels already practiced by the Centre.

Three-Year Period

Strategic Project
2022-2025

Our advice to Portuguese companies is that they should opt for arbitration in their contracts, especially in investments or international trade relations. And that when they choose arbitration they should avoid ad hoc arbitration, opting for institutional arbitration, as happens when they use the CAC Rules.

CAC statistical data

0
Cases Completed in 2022
0
%
cases only with private entities
0
%
cases concluded with award
0
%
proceedings with foreign persons
0
%
entitlement in the form of adjudication

Proceedings concluded at the Arbitration Centre of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Commercial Arbitration Centre. Consult the statistical data:

Year 2022 [PDF]

Year 2021 [PDF]

Year 2020 [PDF]

year 2023

31
cases
opened
31
cases
completed

year 2022

36
cases
opened
35
cases
completed

year 2021

29
cases
opened
31
cases
completed