The ICC Arbitration Rules have undergone their most comprehensive revision in years, entering into force on 1 June 2026. Some changes – such as the elimination of mandatory Terms of Reference and the introduction of an express early determination mechanism – respond to long-standing calls from the arbitration community to align ICC practice with the procedural tools already available under other major institutional rules. Others, including the new Highly Expedited Arbitration Provisions, break new ground by offering parties an entirely opt-in procedure with a three-month timeline, though its suitability will depend on the complexity of the dispute. This Arbitration Insight examines these and further developments, highlighting both their practical significance and their implications for the conduct of ICC arbitrations going forward.

Our International Arbitration​ Focus Team breaks down these new measures here.