The Executive Board of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) announced its approval of revised Arbitration Rules. These rules will enter into force on 1 June 2026 and will apply to all requests for arbitration submitted from that date onward.
This revision aligns with a broader trend among arbitral institutions to modernise their frameworks. Notable recent developments include the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), which introduced new rules on insolvency and ethics on 26 August 2025; the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), which launched a consultation process on 11 March 2026 with a view to updating its rules; and, in Spain, the Corte Española de Arbitraje (CEA), which adopted new rules effective 1 January 2026.
The ICC has not yet released the full text of its revised rules, which is expected ahead of their entry into force. According to the ICC, the update will introduce new procedures and refine existing provisions, with a particular emphasis on expedition and effective case management, while maintaining procedural flexibility. The institution has stressed that parties will retain the ability to shape their arbitration and select procedures suited to their needs.
Although the ICC’s announcement remains concise, specialized sources have already indicated some likely innovations. Among these is the introduction of a “super-fast” arbitration procedure, intended to go beyond the existing Expedited Procedure introduced in 2017. This new mechanism is expected to align with similar procedures adopted by other institutions, such as SIAC’s Streamlined Procedure and CEA’s hyper-expedited procedure, both of which aim to conclude proceedings within three months of the arbitrator’s appointment. Key aspects—such as any monetary threshold for applicability and the parties’ ability to opt out—remain uncertain, with some speculation suggesting that no threshold may apply.
It has also been suggested, though not yet confirmed, that the revision may eliminate the requirement for Terms of Reference. This change would aim to streamline proceedings, potentially by incorporating their substance into the initial Procedural Order, as is already the case in many expedited arbitration frameworks.
More broadly, the renewed focus on efficiency and flexibility is expected to lead to further developments consistent with reforms seen in other institutions. These may include mechanisms for early determination of claims, enhanced transparency regarding third-party funding, and clearer rules governing multiparty and multicontract arbitration, particularly in relation to joinder and consolidation.