Key Features of CIETAC Arbitration

Broad Case Acceptance Scope & Arbitration Procedure with International Standard

Since its establishment in 1956, the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) has handled over 70,000 arbitration cases, primarily involving international commercial disputes, covering 166 countries and regions. CIETAC accepts both foreign-related and domestic cases, with no restrictions on the parties' industry or nationality. In 2019, CIETAC accepted over 3,000 cases for the first time and has continued to grow annually. By 2024, the number of accepted cases surpassed 6,000 per year for the first time. Since 2018, the total amount in dispute has exceeded CNY 100 billion annually for seven consecutive years. CIETAC ranks among the world’s leading arbitration institutions in terms of caseload, disputed amount, and the number of involved jurisdictions.

From the perspective of its Arbitration Rules and arbitrators, CIETAC arbitration demonstrates strong international characteristics. CIETAC’s first Arbitration Rules was enacted in 1956 and has since undergone nine revisions. The current 10th edition of the Arbitration Rules came into effect on January 1, 2024. The latest edition respects party autonomy, aligns with international arbitration trends, improves the design of the arbitral proceeding while fostering institutional innovation, and enhances the parties’ autonomy, flexibility, fairness, efficiency, and transparency of arbitral proceedings, providing institutional safeguards for high-quality dispute resolution.

Additionally, CIETAC’s Panel of Arbitrators currently includes 1,881 arbitrators from 145 countries and regions, all of whom are renowned experts in arbitration or other professional fields. Among them, 592 are foreign arbitrators, covering 112 countries and regions that have signed the Belt and Road cooperation documents, spanning six continents worldwide. This ensures that CIETAC can meet the diverse dispute resolution needs of both Chinese and international parties.

Independent and Impartial Arbitration with Growing International Credibility

As a leading international arbitration institution, CIETAC operates independently from administrative authorities, and its case handling is free from interference by any administrative body. CIETAC arbitrators, including those selected by the parties, do not represent any party and must remain independent and impartial. During arbitration proceedings, all parties have equal opportunities to present their arguments.

Over the past decades, CIETAC arbitral awards have been widely recognized, enforced, and executed worldwide. Their independence, fairness, efficiency, and quality have earned widespread acclaim from domestic and international parties. In 2021, CIETAC was ranked among the world’s top five most preferred arbitration institutions in the prestigious International Arbitration Survey, marking the first time a Chinese mainland arbitration institution entered the global top five in an authoritative international arbitration report. In 2023, CIETAC was once again awarded the "Top Ten Arbitration Institutions in China" and "Top Ten Arbitration Institutions for Foreign-Related Services" in the 3rd Arbitration Credibility Assessment. It scored 90 points in "Arbitration Credibility" and 98 points in "Foreign-Related Arbitration Services," ranking first in both categories and remaining the only arbitration institution with both scores exceeding 90.

Fast and Efficient Arbitration Procedures

CIETAC respects party autonomy. In practice, parties may agree on how the arbitration procedure should be conducted. CIETAC facilitates the full exchange of evidence and submissions between parties in written or electronic form, and hearings typically last only 1 to 3 days. As a result, CIETAC arbitration is known for its speed and efficiency, with the majority of cases concluded within six months after the tribunal is established.

Relatively Low Arbitration Costs

Based on China’s realities while drawing on international experience, CIETAC adheres to reasonable, transparent, flexible, and compatible standards, establishing a fee system that meets the needs of parties from different legal jurisdictions while balancing Chinese characteristics and international practices.

As an international arbitration institution, CIETAC’s fee structure is relatively economical compared to other major arbitration institutions worldwide. Under similar conditions, its fees are generally comparable to those of other domestic arbitration institutions. Compared with litigation, the finality of arbitral awards and procedural efficiency make it a more cost-effective option for parties.

Combination of Arbitration and Conciliation

A distinctive feature of CIETAC arbitration is the combination of arbitration and conciliation. This mechanism, pioneered by CIETAC and later incorporated into China’s Arbitration Law, has gained increasing recognition in international arbitration circles and is hailed as the "Eastern Experience." Today, it has been adopted by an increasing number of countries and regions in dispute resolution practices. This approach integrates the strengths of arbitration and mediation, not only helping to resolve disputes but also preserving amicable business relationships between parties.

Arbitration-Conciliation Combination can be conducted during the arbitral proceedings. Upon the parties’ request or with their consent, the arbitral tribunal may act as a mediator during the arbitration process to facilitate settlement. If any party believes mediation is unnecessary or unlikely to succeed, they may request termination at any time, and the arbitration proceedings will resume.

If parties reach a settlement agreement through mediation outside CIETAC, they may submit the agreement along with an arbitration agreement designating CIETAC arbitration and request the Chairman of CIETAC to appoint a sole arbitrator to render an arbitral award based on the settlement terms. In such cases, CIETAC may reduce arbitration fees based on the workload and actual expenses.

Professional Arbitration Administration Services

CIETAC has a team of 150 highly qualified professionals responsible for procedural case management. In each arbitration case, after notifying the parties, CIETAC assigns a case manager to oversee procedural matters. Most CIETAC staff hold master’s or doctoral degrees in law, forming a team with strong professional expertise, high foreign language proficiency, extensive case-handling experience, international perspective, and familiarity with cutting-edge arbitration practices. They are committed to providing high-quality services to arbitrators and parties with a proactive attitude and diligent work ethic.