Changes To The BVI Civil Procedure Rules With Effect From 31 July 2023

This is just a reminder that various changes have been made to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Civil Procedure Rules, that will take effect from 31 July 2023. For most clients in foreign jurisdictions, the below amendments are probably the most relevant.

Service Out of the Jurisdiction Without the Court's Permission

Historically, it was necessary to go to the cost and expense of making a formal application for permission to serve BVI court proceedings out of the jurisdiction, where this was necessary. The Civil Procedure Rules have now been amended to permit service of Court process out of the jurisdiction without the Court's permission:

1. Where (i) service is effected through a foreign government; (ii) where process is served on a state; (iii) where service is in accordance with the laws of the foreign state; and (iv) where there is personal service by the claimant or the claimant's agent