The 2026 ICC Arbitration Rules: An Update For International Dispute Resolution

Effective 1 June 2026, the International Chamber of Commerce has published an update to its Arbitration Rules 

On 1 June 2026 the ICC published its revised Arbitration Rules (2026 Rules) applying to all arbitrations commenced on or after that date unless the parties agreed to an earlier version. Last revised five years ago, the Rules follow a consultation inviting feedback from practitioners and the wider arbitration community. The most substantial revision in recent years, they reflect a clear institutional focus on efficiency, transparency, flexibility, and new technologies. Headline changes include abolishing mandatory Terms of Reference, new early determination procedures and the Highly Expedited Arbitration Procedure (HEAP), expanded emergency arbitration provisions, and a heightened focus on arbitrator independence and impartiality.