Overview

Full-Fledged Arbitration

The SCCA Arbitration Rules (the “Rules”) are based on the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules and provide parties with a fair, speedy, and cost-effective dispute resolution mechanism for civil and commercial disputes of all sizes and industries.

First adopted on May 1, 2016, and revised on May 1, 2023, the Rules continue to embrace best international practices and encourage the use of the latest technology to minimize the environmental impact and optimize efficiency.

Emphasis has been given to a transparent and trustworthy process with robust governance for even the most complex disputes while upholding the fundamental principle of due process.

Parties also gain access to first-class case administration services and a fully independent SCCA Court composed of luminaries from around the world that decides key administrative aspects of the case.

Procedural Steps

1. Filing of Case: The claimant sends a request for arbitration, along with the contract and any other supporting documents, to SCCA and simultaneously to the respondent. 
2. Commencement of Arbitration: Once SCCA is satisfied that all filing requirements under the Rules are met, it will send a letter to all the parties informing them of the commencement of the arbitration. 
   
3. Administrative Conference: SCCA conducts a conference with all parties and/or representatives via phone or video to address any administrative matters, including the method to select the Arbitral Tribunal. 
   
4. Appointment of Arbitrator(s): The SCCA Court confirms and appoints the Arbitral Tribunal based on a party-agreed selection method. Absent such agreement, the SCCA Court appoints the Arbitral Tribunal directly per the Rules. In case an Arbitrator discloses any conflicts of interest, the SCCA Court determines any arbitrator challenges. 
5. Case Management Conference: The Arbitral Tribunal may conduct a conference with all the parties and/or representatives via video or telephone or video to discuss any threshold matters and all procedural aspects of the case, including a timetable for the proceedings. 
6. Exchange of Submissions and Evidence: The parties exchange any submissions, pleadings, motions, documents, witness statements, expert reports, etc. 
7. Evidentiary Hearings: The parties make oral arguments before the Arbitral Tribunal.   
8. Closing of Proceedings: The Arbitral Tribunal declares the proceedings closed once satisfied that the record is complete and the case ripe for determination. 
9. Arbitral Award: The Arbitral Tribunal issues a reasoned arbitral award to decide the dispute and SCCA closes the case.