A new legal framework governing notifications between citizens and the Public Administration will enter into force on 14 January 2025.with a view to modernising public administration and promoting digitalisation. 

Electronic notifications will have legal validity and shall be deemed to have been received when accessed or, if not accessed, on the fifth day following their registration as made available in the information system supporting the public electronic notification service. Such notifications are made available through a digital platform, via the website https://tribunais.org.ptadministered by IGFEJ, I.P.(1)1) which ensures security and data protection, in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).2).  

The registration of the email address for electronic notifications is managed by AMA, I.P. (Administrative Modernisation Agency).3)by linking the email address to the recipient through interoperability. 

Notifications are sent through the digital platform to recipients who have registered their email address. They are issued without the need for a handwritten signature and are authenticated through electronic authentication mechanisms.  

Up close, the platform used to send notifications to entities supervised by the Bank of Portugal, ensures communication with those entities and enables them to submit their responses. Access to the platform is provided through the BPnet system, which ensures the security and confidentiality of the information, while retaining records for 30 days. The technical specifications governing interoperability are agreed between the Bank of Portugal and the competent authorities.  

Finally, a phased implementation schedule has been established for the introduction of this system. During the first six months, public authorities and users will be allowed to adapt to the new rules. Throughout this transitional period, paper-based and electronic notifications will coexist, supported by awareness-raising campaigns. 

(1) Institute for Financial Management and Justice Infrastructure

(2) The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), established by Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016, and Law No. 58/2019 of 8 August.

(3) Administrative Modernisation Agency (AMA, I.P.)