{"id":117488,"date":"2025-11-12T14:26:23","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T14:26:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=117488"},"modified":"2025-11-12T14:26:23","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T14:26:23","slug":"denmark-international-arbitration","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/denmark-international-arbitration\/","title":{"rendered":"Denmark: International Arbitration"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-117488","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-international-arbitration","jurisdictions-denmark"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">DAHL Law Firm<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2024\/07\/DAHL-logo-sort.png\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">DAHL Law Firm<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2024\/07\/DAHL-logo-sort.png\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of International Arbitration laws and regulations applicable in Denmark<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What legislation applies to arbitration in your country? Are there any mandatory laws?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>According to the Danish Arbitration Act (Voldgiftsloven), arbitration may be conducted without the involvement of official institutions or with the involvement of the Danish Institute of Arbitration (Voldgiftsinstituttet). However, there are several mandatory clauses in the Danish Arbitration Act. These include entire chapters, including the general provisions of the Danish Arbitration Act in Chapter 1, the rules on the arbitration agreement in Chapter 2, the setting aside of the arbitral award in Chapter 8 and the recognition and enforcement of the arbitral award in Chapter 9. In addition, the Danish Arbitration Act contains a number of individual paragraphs that are mandatory<sup>1<\/sup>.<\/p>\n<p><u>Footnote(s):<\/u><\/p>\n<p><sup style=\"font-size: 9px\">1<\/sup> <span style=\"font-size: 12px\"> Being \u00a7 11 (3), \u00a7 13 (3), \u00a7 14 (1), \u00a7 16 (3), \u00a7 27, \u00a7 34 (3), \u00a7 12, \u00a7 18, \u00a7 16 (4) and \u00a7 31 (1) (3).<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is your country a signatory to the New York Convention? Are there any reservations to the general obligations of the Convention?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Denmark is a signatory to the New York Convention. The ratification was made without any reservations.<\/p>\n<p>Denmark adheres to a &#8220;dualistic&#8221; system, meaning that international conventions are not directly applicable as domestic law. Consequently, the New York Convention has been implemented into Danish law through its incorporation into the Danish Arbitration Act.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What other arbitration-related treaties and conventions is your country a party to?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In addition to the New York Convention, Denmark is a party to the 1965 ICSID Convention, which is the key instrument for resolving investor-state disputes. While Denmark also acceded to the older 1923 Geneva Protocol and 1927 Geneva Convention, these have been largely superseded by the New York Convention. Therefore, in practice, the New York Convention governs international commercial arbitration, while the ICSID Convention applies specifically to investment treaty arbitration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is the law governing international arbitration in your country based on the UNCITRAL Model Law? Are there significant differences between the two? Are there any impending plans to reform the arbitration laws in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, the Danish Arbitration Act is substantially based on the 1985 UNCITRAL Model Law.<\/p>\n<p>A primary difference is that Denmark has not adopted the 2006 Model Law amendments, particularly regarding the expanded regime for interim measures. Other significant deviations in the Danish Act include the absence of a writing requirement for arbitration agreements, a broader scope that covers domestic and non-commercial disputes, and specific non-waivable consumer protections.<\/p>\n<p>There are currently no impending plans to reform the Act.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What arbitral institutions (if any) exist in your country? When were their rules last amended? Are any amendments being considered?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The primary arbitral institution in Denmark for general commercial disputes is the Danish Institute of Arbitration (DIA), also known as Voldgiftsinstituttet. Its current Rules of Arbitration took effect on 1 May 2021.<\/p>\n<p>For construction disputes, the specialised body is the Danish Building and Construction Arbitration Board (Voldgiftsn\u00e6vnet for bygge- og anl\u00e6gsvirksomhed). Its rules were last amended on 24 June 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Neither institution has publicly announced any immediate plans for further amendments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a specialist arbitration court in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Denmark has specialist arbitral institutions. The leading example is The Danish Building and Construction Arbitration Board (in Danish: Voldgiftsn\u00e6vnet for Bygge og Anl\u00e6g), which is a private body that exclusively administers arbitrations within the construction sector<strong><u>.<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Denmark does not have a specialized state court for arbitration-related matters. All court proceedings concerning arbitration, such as applications to set aside an award or requests for interim measures, are handled by the ordinary Danish court system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the validity requirements for an arbitration agreement under the laws of your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under the Danish Arbitration Act, an arbitration agreement is valid if it concerns a dispute over which the parties have a right of disposition.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike the UNCITRAL Model Law, Danish law enforces the principle of freedom of form, meaning the agreement can be oral or written. It can be a clause within a contract or a separate agreement made before or after a dispute arises.<\/p>\n<p>The primary exception relates to consumer contracts. For an arbitration agreement to be binding on a consumer, it must be concluded after the dispute has arisen. Any pre-dispute arbitration agreement in a consumer contract is invalid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are arbitration clauses considered separable from the main contract?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, Danish law fully recognizes the principle of separability.<\/p>\n<p>The Danish Arbitration Act explicitly states that an arbitration clause forming part of a contract shall be treated as an agreement independent of the other terms. Consequently, a decision by an arbitral tribunal that the main contract is null and void does not automatically invalidate the arbitration clause. This ensures that the tribunal retains its jurisdiction to decide disputes arising from the contract, including those concerning its validity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do the courts of your country apply a validation principle under which an arbitration agreement should be considered valid and enforceable if it would be so considered under at least one of the national laws potentially applicable to it?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under Danish law, the validity of an arbitration agreement is determined by a general choice-of-law approach, not a validation principle.<\/p>\n<p>The court will first examine whether the parties have made an express or tacit choice of law. According to the preparatory works of the Danish Arbitration Act, this choice is assessed under the general principles of Danish private international law, which is understood to be an analogous application of the Rome Convention. This sets a high threshold for finding a tacit agreement. Therefore, a choice-of-law clause for the main contract will not, without other supporting factors, be considered to extend to the arbitration clause.<\/p>\n<p>If no choice of law was made, a fallback rule applies. The primary rule is the law of the seat of the arbitration. If the seat is not designated, the applicable law is that of the country to which the arbitration agreement has its closest connection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are asymmetric arbitration clauses \u2013 for instance, where one party has the right to choose between arbitration or litigation while the other party does not have this option \u2013 valid in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The validity of asymmetric or unilateral arbitration clauses has not been definitively settled by Danish legislation or supreme court case law. Such clauses are not common in Danish practice.<\/p>\n<p>A Danish court would likely assess the validity on a case-by-case basis under general principles of Danish contract law, particularly Section 36 of the Danish Contracts Act concerning fairness. The outcome would depend on the specific circumstances, the bargaining power of the parties, and whether the clause is deemed unconscionably one-sided<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In what instances can third parties or non-signatories be bound by an arbitration agreement? Are there any recent court decisions on these issues?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A third party can be bound by a Danish arbitration agreement primarily through universal succession (e.g., mergers) or a transfer of contract (e.g., assignment, subrogation). A third party\u2019s consent to be bound remains the central requirement. There have been no recent court decisions on this topic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any recent court decisions in your country concerning the choice of law applicable to an arbitration agreement where no such law has been specified by the Parties?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is the law applicable to the substance determined? Is there a specific set of choice of law rules in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The law applicable to the substance of a dispute is primarily determined by the parties&#8217; agreement. The Danish Arbitration Act grants the parties full autonomy to choose the rules of law that will govern their dispute.<\/p>\n<p>If the parties have not designated a choice of law, the arbitral tribunal will determine the applicable law. The Act empowers the tribunal to apply the conflict of laws rules it considers most appropriate to make this determination.<\/p>\n<p>This two-tiered rule, found in Section 28 of the Danish Arbitration Act, constitutes the specific set of choice-of-law rules for arbitrations seated in Denmark.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your country, are there any particular requirements for and\/or restrictions in the appointment of arbitrators?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In Denmark the parties have complete freedom to agree on the qualifications an arbitrator must possess.<\/p>\n<p>The primary legal requirements are impartiality and independence. Under the Danish Arbitration Act, a prospective arbitrator must disclose any circumstances likely to give rise to justifiable doubts as to their impartiality or independence before accepting an appointment. This duty of disclosure is continuous throughout the proceedings. Otherwise, the parties are free to appoint any person they choose<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can the local courts intervene in the selection of arbitrators? If so, how?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, Danish courts can intervene in the selection of arbitrators in two primary instances.<\/p>\n<p>First, if the parties&#8217; appointment mechanism fails &#8211; for example, if a party fails to appoint an arbitrator, the two party-appointed arbitrators fail to agree on a presiding arbitrator, or an institution fails to perform its function &#8211; either party may request the court to make the appointment.<\/p>\n<p>Second, if a party challenges an arbitrator based on justifiable doubts as to their impartiality or independence, and the other party or the arbitral tribunal rejects the challenge, the challenging party may apply to the court for a final decision on the matter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can the appointment of an arbitrator be challenged? What are the grounds for such a challenge? What is the procedure for such a challenge?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, an arbitrator&#8217;s appointment can be challenged.<\/p>\n<p>The sole ground for a challenge under the Danish Arbitration Act is the existence of circumstances that give rise to justifiable doubts as to the arbitrator&#8217;s impartiality or independence. A challenge can also be made if the arbitrator does not possess the qualifications agreed to by the parties.<\/p>\n<p>The parties are free to agree on a challenge procedure. If they have not, a party must submit a written statement of reasons to the arbitral tribunal within 15 days of becoming aware of the grounds for the challenge. If the challenge is unsuccessful, the party may request the ordinary courts to decide on the matter. While such a request is pending, the arbitral tribunal, including the challenged arbitrator, may continue with the proceedings and render an award.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent developments concerning the duty of independence and impartiality of the arbitrators, including the duty of disclosure?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, not to the extent of our knowledge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are arbitrators immune from liability?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, arbitrators do not have statutory immunity from liability in Denmark. The Danish Arbitration Act is silent on the issue, meaning an arbitrator can be held liable for damages under the general rules of Danish tort law, typically requiring gross negligence or wilful misconduct.<\/p>\n<p>However, the rules of the main Danish arbitral institutions provide for extensive immunity. Both the Danish Institute of Arbitration (DIA) and the Danish Building and Construction Arbitration Board (Voldgiftsn\u00e6vnet for Bygge og Anl\u00e6g) have provisions that effectively grant arbitrators immunity for acts or omissions in connection with a case, except where such a limitation is prohibited by law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is the principle of competence-competence recognized in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, the principle of competence-competence is fully recognized in Denmark.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s explicitly enshrined in Section 16(1) of the Danish Arbitration Act. This provision empowers the arbitral tribunal to rule on its own jurisdiction, including any objections regarding the existence or validity of the arbitration agreement. This ensures that the tribunal itself can decide on jurisdictional challenges as a preliminary matter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the approach of local courts towards a party commencing litigation in apparent breach of an arbitration agreement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The approach is clear and pro-arbitration. If a party starts litigation in breach of an arbitration agreement, the court must dismiss the case upon a timely request from the other party.<\/p>\n<p>This obligation, rooted in Section 8 of the Danish Arbitration Act, is mandatory unless the court finds the arbitration agreement is manifestly null and void, inoperative, or incapable of being performed. The defendant must raise the objection before submitting their first defense on the merits.<\/p>\n<p>If arbitral proceedings have already started, the court&#8217;s power to review the agreement is even more limited, respecting the principle of competence-competence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What happens when a respondent fails to participate in the arbitration? Can the local courts compel participation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>If a respondent fails to participate, the arbitral tribunal will continue the proceedings and issue an award based on the evidence presented. This is known as an ex parte proceeding. The tribunal will not treat the failure to participate as an admission of the claimant&#8217;s allegations but will decide the case on its merits.<\/p>\n<p>Local courts cannot compel a party to participate in the arbitration. The Danish Arbitration Act provides that the courts shall not intervene except where the Act explicitly provides for it, and compelling participation is not one of those instances. The claimant&#8217;s remedy is the continuation of the arbitration, not a court order.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can third parties voluntarily join arbitration proceedings? If all parties agree to the intervention, is the tribunal bound by this agreement? If all parties do not agree to the intervention, can the tribunal allow for it?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>A third party cannot unilaterally join an arbitration in Denmark; joinder is strictly based on consent.<\/p>\n<p>If all original parties and the third party consent to the joinder, the arbitral tribunal is generally bound by this agreement and must allow the intervention. The parties&#8217; consent effectively creates a new arbitration agreement encompassing the third party.<\/p>\n<p>However, if even one party objects, the tribunal cannot compel the joinder. The consensual nature of arbitration is paramount, and a tribunal has no power to extend its jurisdiction to a third party without the express agreement of all involved.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What interim measures are available? Will local courts issue interim measures pending the constitution of the tribunal? Are anti-suit and\/or anti-arbitration injunctions available and enforceable in your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Both arbitral tribunals and state courts can grant interim measures. A tribunal, unless the parties agree otherwise, has the power to order any interim measure it deems appropriate. The state courts can grant the full range of interim relief available under the Danish Administration of Justice Act, including injunctions and securing of evidence.<\/p>\n<p>A party can apply to a local court for interim measures at any time, including before the arbitral tribunal is constituted. The court&#8217;s power to grant such measures runs in parallel with the tribunal&#8217;s.<\/p>\n<p>Anti-suit and anti-arbitration injunctions are not available under Danish law. Danish courts consider such measures incompatible with foundational principles of access to justice and international comity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there particular rules governing evidentiary matters in arbitration? Will the local courts in your jurisdiction play any role in the obtaining of evidence? Can local courts compel witnesses to participate in arbitration proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The parties have broad autonomy to agree on the rules governing evidence. While there are no mandatory statutory rules, parties in Danish-seated arbitrations frequently adopt the IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence in International Arbitration. If no specific rules are chosen, the tribunal has wide discretion to determine the admissibility, relevance, and weight of any evidence.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, local courts can play a role. Under the Danish Arbitration Act, the arbitral tribunal, or a party with the tribunal&#8217;s approval, can request court assistance in taking evidence. This includes ordering the production of documents from third parties.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly, local courts can compel witnesses to participate. If a witness refuses to appear voluntarily, the court can use its coercive powers to order the witness to attend the hearing and give testimony, ensuring their participation in the arbitration proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What ethical codes and other professional standards, if any, apply to counsel and arbitrators conducting proceedings in your country? Do these codes and professional standards apply only to counsel and arbitrators having the nationality of your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Danish Arbitration Act does not prescribe a specific ethical code.<\/p>\n<p>Arbitrators are bound by the statutory duties of impartiality and independence, and often adhere to the IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest.<\/p>\n<p>Counsel are governed by their own home jurisdiction&#8217;s professional standards. Danish lawyers must always follow the Code of Conduct for the Danish Bar and Law Society. The IBA Guidelines on Party Representation are often accepted as a common standard for all counsel in the proceedings, regardless of nationality.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In your country, are there any rules with respect to the confidentiality of arbitration proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Danish Arbitration Act does not impose a statutory duty of confidentiality on the parties. Confidentiality is therefore a matter of party autonomy, and it is recommended to include an express confidentiality clause in the arbitration agreement if it is desired.<\/p>\n<p>In contrast, arbitrators and the staff of arbitral institutions, such as the Danish Institute of Arbitration, are bound by a clear duty of confidentiality that is explicitly stated in their institutional rules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are the IBA guidelines on conflicts of interest and other similar soft law sources viewed by courts and tribunals in your jurisdiction? Are they frequently applied?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>While not legally binding, the IBA Guidelines and similar soft law sources are highly influential and frequently applied in Danish-seated arbitrations.<\/p>\n<p>Arbitral tribunals and courts view them as an authoritative expression of international best practice, particularly for guiding decisions on arbitrator challenges (IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest) and structuring evidentiary proceedings (IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are the costs of arbitration proceedings estimated and allocated? Can pre- and post-award interest be included on the principal claim and costs incurred?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The arbitral tribunal has broad discretion to allocate the costs of the proceedings. The general principle, often referred to as &#8220;costs follow the event,&#8221; is that the unsuccessful party is ordered to pay the successful party&#8217;s reasonable legal fees and other expenses, in addition to the tribunal&#8217;s fees and administrative costs.<\/p>\n<p>Both pre- and post-award interest can be included. An arbitral tribunal has the power to award interest on the principal claim, typically calculated from the date the obligation was due until the date of payment. The tribunal can also award interest on the costs of the arbitration, usually running from the date of the award until the costs are paid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How are applications for security for costs viewed in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The default position under the Danish Arbitration Act is that an arbitral tribunal does not have the power to order security for costs. The preparatory works for the Act explicitly state that without the parties&#8217; agreement, a tribunal cannot require a party to provide security for the other party&#8217;s legal costs.<\/p>\n<p>However, this default rule is almost always modified by institutional rules. For example, the rules of the Danish Institute of Arbitration (DIA) expressly grant the arbitral tribunal the power to order security for costs upon a party&#8217;s request. Therefore, in practice, applications for security for costs are frequently made and considered in institutional arbitrations seated in Denmark.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What legal requirements are there in your country for the recognition and enforcement of an award? Is there a requirement that the award be reasoned, i.e. substantiated and motivated?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>For an award to be recognized and enforced in Denmark, it must meet several formal requirements. Under the Danish Arbitration Act, the award must be in writing, signed by a majority of the arbitrators, state the date, and specify the seat of the arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, an award must be reasoned. The Act requires the tribunal to state the reasons upon which the award is based, unless the parties have explicitly agreed that no reasons are to be given.<\/p>\n<p>To initiate enforcement, the party must supply a certified copy of the award and the arbitration agreement to the court, along with a certified Danish translation if necessary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the estimated timeframe for the recognition and enforcement of an award (domestic and international)? Can a party bring a motion for the recognition and enforcement of an award on an ex parte basis? Would the standard of review be different for domestic and international awards?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The timeframe for recognition and enforcement is typically swift, often taking between a few weeks to a few months, depending on the court&#8217;s caseload and the complexity of the assets involved.<\/p>\n<p>No, a motion for recognition and enforcement cannot be brought on an ex parte basis. The opposing party must be notified and given an opportunity to be heard.<\/p>\n<p>The standard of review is the same for both domestic and foreign awards. The Danish Arbitration Act provides a single, unified regime for the recognition and enforcement of all arbitral awards, irrespective of their origin, applying the grounds for refusal listed in the New York Convention to all awards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can arbitration awards be appealed or challenged in local courts? What are the grounds and procedure in this regard? Is it possible for parties to waive any rights of appeal or challenge to an award by agreement?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, an arbitral award can be challenged in the local courts, but it cannot be appealed on the merits. The only recourse is an action to set aside the award on very narrow procedural grounds.<\/p>\n<p>The grounds are exhaustively listed in the Danish Arbitration Act and mirror those in the UNCITRAL Model Law. They include issues such as the invalidity of the arbitration agreement, serious due process violations (e.g., a party being unable to present its case), the tribunal exceeding its jurisdiction, or the award being contrary to public policy (ordre public). The application to set aside must be filed within three months of receiving the award.<\/p>\n<p>No, the parties cannot waive their right to bring a setting-aside action in advance. This right is considered a mandatory protection under Danish law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In what instances can third parties or non-signatories be bound by an award? To what extent might a third party challenge the recognition of an award?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>An award is binding only on the parties to the arbitration. A third party or non-signatory is therefore only bound by an award if they are also considered bound by the underlying arbitration agreement. This occurs in limited circumstances, primarily through universal succession (e.g., a merger) or transfer of the underlying contract.<\/p>\n<p>A third party who is a stranger to the arbitration has no standing to challenge an award. However, if a party seeks to enforce an award against a third party (e.g., a successor company), that third party has the full right to challenge the recognition and enforcement of the award. They can raise all the grounds for refusal available under the Danish Arbitration Act, including arguing that they are not rightfully bound by the arbitration agreement in the first place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any rules \/ court decisions that regulate or prohibit third party funding of arbitration proceedings \u2013 for instance, where funding by an entity not involved in the dispute in return for a share of the eventual award may be barred \u2013 in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, there are no specific laws or court decisions in Denmark that prohibit third-party funding in arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>However, the rules of the Danish Institute of Arbitration (DIA) now require a party to promptly disclose the identity of any third-party funder with an economic interest in the outcome of the case. This disclosure is relevant for assessing potential conflicts of interest and may be a factor considered by a tribunal in an application for security for costs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is emergency arbitrator relief available in your country? Are decisions made by emergency arbitrators readily enforceable?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Danish Arbitration Act does not cover the use of emergency arbitrators, but the concept of emergency arbitrator relief is recognized, particularly under the rules of major arbitration institutions such as the Danish Institute of Arbitration. The parties must adhere to the decisions issued by the emergency arbitrator.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there arbitral laws or arbitration institutional rules in your country providing simplified or expedited procedures for claims under a certain value? Are they often used?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, while the Danish Arbitration Act itself does not provide for expedited procedures, the rules of the main arbitral institutions do.<\/p>\n<p>The Danish Institute of Arbitration (DIA) offers an expedited procedure for all cases, regardless of the amount in dispute, if the parties agree to it. The rules provide for a sole arbitrator, shorter time limits, and a more limited procedure.<\/p>\n<p>The Danish Building and Construction Arbitration Board (Voldgiftsn\u00e6vnet for Bygge og Anl\u00e6g) has a specific simplified procedure for disputes valued up to DKK 1 million.<\/p>\n<p>These expedited procedures are often used in practice for smaller, less complex disputes, as they provide a significant saving in both time and cost.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent court decisions in your country considering the setting aside of an award that has been enforced in another jurisdiction or vice versa?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, not to the extent of our knowledge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent court decisions in your country considering the issue of corruption? What standard do local courts apply for proving corruption? Which party bears the burden of proving corruption?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, not to the extent of our knowledge. The burden of proof would fall squarely on the party alleging corruption<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent court decisions in your country with respect to intra-European investor-State arbitration generally or enforcement of awards stemming from proceedings of this nature? Are there any pending decisions?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, not to the extent of our knowledge<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have arbitral institutions in your country implemented reforms towards greater use of technology and a more cost-effective conduct of arbitrations? Have there been any recent developments regarding virtual hearings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The 2021 revision of the Danish Institute of Arbitration Rules was partly aimed at adopting a more digitalized process. Tribunals have the authority to conduct proceedings &#8220;in such a manner as it considers appropriate,&#8221; which fully permits the use of remote technology to save time and costs for the parties.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have there been any recent developments in your jurisdiction with regard to disputes involving ESG issues such as climate change, sustainability, social responsibility and\/or human rights?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, there have been significant developments regarding ESG issues in Denmark. Danish and EU legislation increasingly impose ESG-related obligations on companies, particularly concerning sustainability, climate change, and human rights due diligence in supply chains.<\/p>\n<p>These new legal requirements are being incorporated into commercial contracts, which often contain arbitration clauses. This is expected to create a new category of commercial arbitrations where the core of the dispute is an alleged breach of ESG obligations.<\/p>\n<p>A key unresolved legal question is the extent to which these disputes are &#8220;arbitrable&#8221; under Danish law, especially when they involve public interests or fundamental rights. While no court decisions have yet emerged on this specific issue, it is a developing area that will likely see future disputes and clarifications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have any international economic sanctions regimes been implemented (either independently, or based on EU law) in your jurisdiction recently? Have there been any recent decisions in your country considering the impact of sanctions on international arbitration proceedings?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes, as a member of the European Union, Denmark has fully implemented all EU international economic sanctions, most notably the extensive packages imposed against Russia since 2022.<\/p>\n<p>However, there have been no public court decisions in Denmark to date that consider the specific impact of these sanctions on international arbitration proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Has your country implemented any rules or regulations regarding the use of artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence or large language models in the context of international arbitration?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, Denmark has not implemented any specific laws or institutional rules regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI, or large language models in international arbitration.<\/p>\n<p>The Danish Arbitration Act and the rules of the Danish Institute of Arbitration (DIA) do not currently address the use of AI. However, the existing legal framework provides significant procedural flexibility, allowing tribunals and parties to agree on the use of such technologies on a case-by-case basis.<\/p>\n<p>While no official guidelines exist in Denmark yet, international soft law instruments, such as those from the SCC and CIArb, are emerging and may influence future Danish practice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">4805<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/117488","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=117488"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}