The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has introduced its 2026 Arbitration Rules (“2026 Rules”), which entered into force on 1 June 2026 and will apply to any arbitrations commenced on or after this date, unless the parties have agreed to submit to the Rules in effect on an earlier date. The revisions do not fundamentally alter the ICC arbitration framework but they continue a clear trend towards faster, more proportionate and technology-enabled dispute resolution, while preserving the procedural integrity and enforceability that have long distinguished ICC arbitration.

Key changes include the abolition of the Terms of Reference, a new early determination mechanism, the introduction of a Highly Expedited Arbitration Provisions, change of the automatic threshold for the application of Expedited Procedure Provisions, enhanced disclosure requirements and changes to the emergency arbitrator regime.

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