DECO

DECO

Associação Portuguesa para a Defesa do Consumidor

Lisboa, Portugal

Justice & Legal aidEnvironment & ClimateWater & SanitationHousing & Homelessness
AssociationFounded 1974National reach
Profile last updated: March 19, 2026

About

Founded in 1974, DECO is a non-profit association based in Lisboa, Portugal working on justice & legal aid, environment & climate, water & sanitation +2 more.

DECO Associação Portuguesa para a Defesa do Consumidor is a private, non-profit association of public utility based in Lisbon, Portugal. Founded in 1974, it defends and represents consumers' rights and interests. Its work includes individual advice and dispute mediation, collective legal actions, lobbying on consumer legislation, and consumer education through schools, training and campaigns. It covers areas such as energy, housing, water, telecommunications, financial services, travel and digital markets. It operates a national headquarters in Lisbon and regional delegations across mainland Portugal and Madeira, and is active in international consumer networks including BEUC.

Location

Lisboa, Portugal

Founded

1974

Organisation type

Association

Legal form

Associação

Legal name

Associação Portuguesa para a Defesa do Consumidor

Members

300,000

Focus areas

consumer protectionconsumer rightsadvocacymediationconsumer educationenergy advicehousing advice

Languages

PT

Causes & programmes

Causes

Justice & Legal aidEnvironment & ClimateWater & SanitationHousing & HomelessnessHealth

How they work

Direct servicesAdvocacy & campaigningAwareness & educationCapacity building

Programmes

Checked by DECO

Other · Portugal

Certification service that evaluates travel agencies and tour operators against consumer rights standards and monitors certified businesses.

Balcões de Habitação e Energia

Housing & Homelessness · Portugal

Free personalised advice on housing and energy for consumers, delivered in participating municipalities.

DECOChangers

Other · Portugal

Forum of young consumers aged 18 to 29 from across the country who debate and develop ideas for consumer society.

DECOPODe

Other · Portugal

Podcast exploring consumption, consumer power and citizenship through guest conversations.

DECOJovem

Education · Portugal

Consumer education programme for schools, running activities for pupils and teachers.

Prémios DECO Municípios and Freguesias

Other · Portugal

Awards recognising municipalities and parish councils for local initiatives that defend consumers.

Countries of operation

Portugal

Funding & support

Funded by

Membership feesEarned income

Ways to support

MembershipCorporate partnership

Credentials & affiliations

Awards

Ordem de Mérito

President of the Republic of Portugal1999

Industry memberships

BEUCConsumers International

Partnerships

APAVT, GEBALIS, AQUANENA, OCU, TestAchats

Other non-profits in Portugal

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