ARTICLE · 03 JUNE 2026

ICC Arbitration Rules 2026: What Businesses Need To Know

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The International Chamber of Commerce has unveiled its 2026 arbitration rules, marking the most significant procedural overhaul in years by eliminating mandatory Terms of Reference and introducing highly expedited procedures.

IrelandLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration

April McClements

Aisling Kavanagh

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The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has introduced a new set of arbitration rules, effective from 1 June 2026.

The new rules aim to enhance efficiency, clarity and usability to meet the changing needs of parties, reflect the evolution of arbitration practice and changing technological landscape. The new rules will apply to all requests for arbitration filed on or after 1 June 2026. ICC arbitration is a popular dispute resolution mechanism in many different types of agreements and so it is important for clients to understand the potential impact of the changes for existing and future arbitration agreements and, for future contracts whether to opt in / opt out of certain provisions at the time the arbitration clause is drafted.

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