Still in 1997, TRIAVE – Vale do Ave Consumer Conflict Arbitration Center – came into operation, with generic competence, unlimited value in terms of competence due to value and free of charge for users. It has the following associated entities: the Association of Municipalities of Vale do Ave; the Bar Association, the Municipal Chamber of Cabeceiras de Basto, DECO – Portuguese Association for Consumer Protection, ACOP – Portuguese Consumer Association, ACIF – Commercial and Industrial Association of Guimarães, the ACIV – Commercial and Industrial Association de Vizela and the Business Association of Fafe, Cabeceiras de Basto and Celorico de Basto.