/>iThe China International Economic & Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) approved a new set of arbitration rules effective on January 1, 2015. The 2015 CIETAC Rules include a number of important updates and revisions that bring CIETAC arbitration proceedings closer in line with international arbitration practices. The revisions include the following:
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Establishment of an Arbitration Court to take over case management role from CIETAC’s Secretariat (Article 2)
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“Notarized service” considered “deemed service” (Article 8)
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Use of single arbitration under multiple contracts (Article 14)
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Joinder of third parties (Article 18)
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Provisions providing for compulsory consolidation of cases (Article 19)
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Presiding arbitrator’s right to decide on procedural matters alone (Article 35)
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Summary procedure amount in controversy raised from RMB 2 million ($325,000) to RMB 5 million (US$810,000) (Article 56)
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Addition of special provisions for Hong Kong arbitration matters including a special fee schedule (Articles 73-80)
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Arbitrator compensation to allow for deposits for international arbitrators (Article 82)
