ICC's International Court of Arbitration® was founded to resolve business conflicts among internationally trading companies and constitutes a leading centre in providing resolution services for commercial disputes. The court is widely renowned for its strict neutrality. Since its establishment in 1923, the Court has administered more than 28'000 international arbitration cases that have involved parties and arbitrators from more than 100 countries.


Compared with ordinary legal procedures, the advantage of arbitration lies in its highly efficient management of proceedings. Parties are free as regards choosing an arbitrator, particulars concerning the place and language of arbitration, as well as the applicable rules of law. Moreover, arbitral proceedings result in binding awards.

 

The Court of Arbitrations' role lies in providing an organisational framework for the procedures and offer, if necessary, support to arbitrators. It oversees procedures, helps to resolve problems and guarantees the enforcements of awards. Support is granted in French, English, Arab, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Russian.

 

Parties wishing to have recourse to ICC arbitration in case of commercial conflict should introduce specific reference meanwhile negotiating their contract - well ahead signs of commercial dispute appear. For all parties stipulating ICC arbitration as dispute resolution mechanism, the following Standard clause is recommended: «All disputes arising out of or in connection with the present contract shall be finally settled under the Rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce by one or more arbitrators appointed in accordance with the said Rules of Arbitration»


The Court performs an essential role by providing individuals, businesses and governments alike with a variety of customisable services for every stage of their dispute.


Although it is called a court in name, it does not make formal judgments on disputed matters. Instead, it exercises judicial supervision of arbitration proceedings. Its responsibilities include:

 

  • confirming, appointing and replacing arbitrators, as well as deciding on any challenges made against them
  • monitoring the arbitral process to make certain that it is performed properly and with the required speed and efficiency necessary
  • scrutinising and approving all arbitral awards to reinforce quality and enforceability
  • setting, managing and — if necessary — adjusting fees and advances
  • overseeing emergency proceedings before the start of the arbitration


The Court’s purpose is to ensure proper application of the ICC Rules, as well as to assist parties and arbitrators in overcoming procedural obstacles. These efforts are supported by the Court’s Secretariat, which is made up of more than 80 lawyers and support personnel.


English and French are the Court’s official working languages. However, it can administer cases in any language and communicate in all major languages, including Arabic, Chinese, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

 

  • President: Claudia Salomon
  • Secretary General: Alexander G. Fessas
  • Swiss members of the Court: Diana Akikol and Laurent Killias

 

ICC International Court of Arbitration®
Rules of Arbitration