Ethics and anti-corruption rules for defence contractors in Portugal

Ethics and anti-corruption

When and how may former government employees take up appointments in the private sector and vice versa?

Under Portuguese law, government employees and public administration employees are not able to cumulate the exercise of public and private activities, although there are certain exceptions specifically provided in the law.

In relation to former government employees being able to take up appointments in private sector and vice versa, the rule is the same and the introduction of a cooling-off period is common. Nonetheless, no limitation is applicable when the future functions are not related to the defence and security sectors and the impartiality of the decisions (prior and future) will not be affected.

How is domestic and foreign corruption addressed and what requirements are placed on contractors?

Contractors are obliged to commit themselves to transparency standards during the execution of activities related to defence and security procurement contracts.

What are the registration requirements for lobbyists or commercial agents?

Portugal does not have any legislation regarding lobbyists, so lobbyists and commercial agents are not generally required to register with any government entity (in addition to general business registration requirements).

Are there limitations on the use of agents or representatives that earn a commission on the transaction?

Law 49/2009 of 5 August 2009, provides that all intermediation acts must be authorised in advance by the Portuguese Minister of Defence.

Moreover, the Portuguese Minister for Foreign Affairs is required to give its opinion on the opportunity and convenience of the intermediation act in as regards foreign policy issues.