Arbitration Rules & Guidelines

HKIAC Arbitration (Institutional Arbitration)

Institutional arbitration has the benefit of ensuring that the proceedings are administered in an orderly and regular manner. Arbitration institutes may also exercise a degree of “quality control” over arbitrators and their awards. Adopting an established set of arbitration rules has the benefit of avoiding arbitrators constantly having to reinvent the wheel in applying appropriate procedures.

Parties to arbitrations heard at or administered by the HKIAC are free to choose the procedural rules for their arbitrations. The HKIAC has formulated several sets of rules for domestic arbitrations, “short form” proceedings, small claims, documents only proceedings and electronic transaction disputes, which the parties are free to adopt.

In September 2008, the HKIAC issued the HKIAC Administered Arbitration Rules. These provide for a “light touch” administered arbitration modeled on the Swiss Rules and may be used in either domestic or international arbitrations.

• HKIAC Administered Arbitration Rules 
• HKIAC Procedures for The Administration of International Arbitration 

Ad Hoc Arbitration

Ad hoc arbitrations are arranged solely between the arbitrators and the parties. They may adopt a ready-made set of arbitration rules (such as UNCITRAL Rules of Arbitration) or be conducted under the rules drawn up by the parties.

• HKIAC Domestic Arbitration Rules (1993 Edition)
• UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules (1976)
• UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules (2010)
• Arbitration (Appointment of Arbitrators and Umpires) Rules
  • Download Form 1
  • Download Form 2

Other HKIAC Rules

• HKIAC Securities Arbitration Rules
• HKIAC Electronic Transaction Arbitration Rules
• HKIAC Short Form Arbitration Rules
• HKIAC Small Claims and 'Documents Only' Procedures

Other Useful Guidelines

• Revised Guide to Arbitration under the Domestic Arbitration Rules 1993
• HKIAC Maritime Arbitration Guide
• IBA Guidelines for Drafting International Arbitration Clauses
• IBA Rules of Evidence
• IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration