Meaning
The procedure provided by the International Chamber of Commerce allows parties to seek urgent temporary relief before the formal tribunal is established. Applying for icc emergency arbitration can result in an order that maintains the status quo or prevents the dissipation of assets. This system provides a neutral alternative to national courts during the early days of a high-stakes dispute.
Rapid Response
Appointments occur within days of the request being filed with the secretariat. Because icc emergency arbitration is designed for speed, the entire process from application to the first order often takes less than three weeks. The emergency arbitrator is a sole practitioner who does not sit on the final merits board.
Procedural Window
Relief is only available to those who are signatories to the arbitration agreement.
Relief Permanence
Orders issued under this framework are temporary and can be modified or vacated by the main tribunal later. Since icc emergency arbitration creates a binding obligation, parties generally comply to avoid prejudice in the main case. The final award in the dispute will determine whether the interim measures were justified and who should bear the costs.
This mechanism ensures that the ability to resolve a conflict is not lost through the passage of time.
