Course of events

Upon receipt of the request for arbitration, the NAI will send a copy to the respondent, who then has 14 days in which to file a short answer.

In the case of international arbitration, the respondent will be given 28 days in which to file a short answer.

The NAI will then appoint the arbitrator(s) to whom the arbitration file will be submitted, with the request and the short answer. The NAI has 14 days to appoint the arbitrator(s) and again 28 days in case of international arbitration.

The arbitrator will establish the rules of procedure, usually in consultation with the parties.

The normal procedure is that the claimant and the respondent are first given the opportunity to submit a statement of claim and a statement of defence respectively. This may be followed by a second exchange of memorials (memorial of reply and memorial of rejoinder).

The hearing will then take place where parties and/or counsellors can present their case in more detail.