On 30 May 2022, China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) issued the “Special Relief Arrangements on Arbitration Fees Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic” (关于应对新冠肺炎疫情纾困当事人减退仲裁费的特别安排, hereinafter referred to as the “Arrangements”).
CIETAC is the most prominent international arbitration institution in China.
The Arrangements conveys two key messages.
1. Arbitration fees can be reduced under certain conditions.
For cases where the claimant has submitted the Request for Arbitration, CIETAC shall deduct 12% of the arbitration fees calculated under the Arbitration Fees Schedule; such discount shall also apply to the counterclaims and the amendments to the claims/counterclaims of the cases described above filed during the implementation period of the Arrangements.
2. Parties are encouraged to resolve disputes online.
If, before the first hearing, both parties agree to conduct arbitral proceedings online (including procedures of document exchange, oral hearing, etc.), CIETAC may reduce the arbitration fees by 15%.
The Arrangements came into effect on 1 Jun. 2022 and will expire on 31 Oct. 2022.
Cover Photo by Zhipeng Ya on Unsplash
Contributors: CJO Staff Contributors Team
