New 2026 ICC Arbitration Rules: A Stronger Focus On Efficiency, Flexibility And Early Case Management

The 2026 ICC Arbitration Rules introduce significant reforms aimed at improving efficiency, flexibility and early case management. Key changes include removing mandatory Terms of Reference, raising the Expedited Procedure threshold, introducing the opt-in Highly Expedited Arbitration Procedure, formalising early determination, and expanding emergency arbitration measures. The Rules also strengthen arbitrator disclosure requirements and promote streamlined, cost-effective proceedings under the 2026 Rules.

Introduction

The International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC”) has introduced its revised Arbitration Rules (“2026 Rules” or “Rules”), which entered into force on 1 June 2026. The Rules apply to arbitrations commenced on or after that date, unless the parties have agreed that an earlier version of the ICC Arbitration Rules would apply.