This booklet contains two discrete but complementary dispute resolution procedures offered by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Arbitration under the ICC Arbitration Rules is a formal procedure leading to a binding decision from a neutral arbitral tribunal, susceptible to enforcement pursuant to both domestic arbitration laws and international treaties such as the 1958 New York Convention. Mediation under the ICC Mediation Rules is a flexible procedure aimed at achieving a negotiated settlement with the help of a neutral facilitator. The two sets of Rules are published together in this booklet in answer to the growing demand for a holistic approach to dispute resolution techniques.

Each set of Rules defines a structured, institutional framework intended to ensure transparency, efficiency and fairness in the dispute resolution process while allowing parties to exercise their choice over many aspects of procedure. Arbitration is administered by the International Court of Arbitration and mediation by the International Centre for ADR. These are the only bodies empowered to administer proceedings under their respective Rules, thereby affording parties the benefit of the experience, expertise and professionalism of a leading international dispute resolution provider.

Drafted by dispute resolution specialists and users representing a wide range of legal traditions, cultures and professions, these Rules provide a modern framework for the conduct of procedures and respond to the needs of international trade today. At the same time, they remain faithful to the ethos and essential features of ICC dispute resolution and, in particular, its suitability for use in any part of the world in proceedings conducted in any language and subject to any law.

The Arbitration Rules are those of 2012 when new provisions were added to address such matters as disputes involving multiple contracts and parties; updated case management procedures; the appointment of an emergency arbitrator to order urgent measures; and changes to facilitate the handling of disputes arising under investment treaties and free trade agreements. References to the ICC ADR Rules in Appendices III and IV of the Arbitration Rules have been replaced with references to the Mediation Rules.

The Mediation Rules, in force from 2014, reflect modern practice and set clear parameters for the conduct of proceedings, while recognizing and maintaining the need for flexibility. Like the ADR Rules, which they replace, they can be used for conducting other procedures or combinations of procedures that are similarly aimed at an amicable settlement of the dispute, such as conciliation or neutral evaluation.

Parties wishing to have recourse to ICC arbitration, mediation, or both, are encouraged to include an appropriate dispute resolution clause in their agreements. For this purpose, each set of Rules is followed by model clauses, together with guidance on their use and how they may be adjusted to particular needs and circumstances. The recommended clauses include multi-tiered clauses providing for a combination of techniques as well as clauses contemplating a single technique.

Both the Rules and the model clauses are available for use by parties, whether or not members of the ICC. For the convenience of users, they have been translated into several languages and can be downloaded from the ICC website.

ICC Publication 865-0 ENG