The 2012 ICC Rules of Arbitration – An Accelerated Procedure and Substantial Changes

Abstract

The 2012 International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Rules of Arbitration pave the way for more expeditious arbitral proceedings since under the added requirements, the parties are to provide more extensive information during the initial stages of the proceedings. The delays caused by further submissions are thereby avoided. A wider approach towards the case, may enable the joinder of additional parties, to address claims between multiple parties and multiple contracts ab initio, and to consolidate arbitration proceedings. The new Rules establish an emergency arbitrator procedure for urgent interim or conservatory measures, as well as case management techniques to reduce the costs. The work of the members of the ICC Commission of Arbitration, the ICC National Committees, the International Court of the Arbitration, the representatives of the National Committees, and selected counsels and arbitrators, over a two-year period bore results: in June 2011 in Mexico City, a revised version of the 1998 ICC Rules of Arbitration was adopted by The World Council of the ICC (hereinafter 'the 2012 ICC Rules' and/or 'the new Rules').