International Arbitration Notes 1/2026

On 1 June 2026, the revised ICC Rules of Arbitration entered into force, replacing the previous version which had been in effect since 1 January 2021.

The 2026 ICC Rules introduce targeted amendments to the 2021 ICC Rules. Among the principal changes, they strengthen the arbitrators' disclosure regime, remove the Terms of Reference as a mandatory procedural step, and enhance the role of the initial Case Management Conference. They also broaden and refine the Emergency Arbitration framework, increase the threshold for the automatic application of the Expedited Procedure Provisions, and introduce a new opt-in Highly Expedited Arbitration mechanism for disputes capable of being resolved within a highly compressed timeframe.

Chiomenti Professionals have analyzed the key innovations of the 2026 ICC Rules, providing a preliminary guide for users to assess their impact both at the contract negotiation stage and during ICC arbitral proceedings.