The LCIA is a leading London-based arbitration institution that administers domestic and international arbitrations under the LCIA Arbitration Rules.

What is GAFTA arbitration used for?

GAFTA arbitration is commonly used for disputes involving international grain, feed, pulses, and rice trade contracts.

What is FOSFA arbitration used for?

FOSFA arbitration is typically used for disputes involving oils, seeds, and fats trade contracts.

Can parties choose their own arbitration rules in the UK?

Yes. Under the Arbitration Act 1996, parties generally have wide freedom to choose their preferred arbitration institution, rules, seat, language, and procedure.

What should an arbitration clause say about institutions and rules?

A contract should usually identify the arbitration institution, applicable rules, seat of arbitration, number of arbitrators, language, and scope of disputes covered.

Why does the seat of arbitration matter?

The seat of arbitration determines the legal framework supervising the arbitration. A London or England and Wales seat usually means the Arbitration Act 1996 applies.

What is the difference between ad hoc and institutional arbitration?

Ad hoc arbitration is not administered by an institution. Institutional arbitration is managed under an institution’s rules, often with administrative support and appointment procedures.

Can an arbitration agreement be created online for use in the UK?

Yes. An online arbitration agreement can be legally effective if it clearly records the parties’ consent to arbitrate and meets the requirements of applicable law.

Are arbitration agreements enforceable in the UK?

English law generally recognises written arbitration agreements, including clauses in contracts and separate arbitration agreements, subject to the Arbitration Act 1996.

Why choose arbitration in the United Kingdom?

UK arbitration is often private, flexible, specialist, and internationally enforceable. It is commonly used in commercial, maritime, construction, and trade disputes.

How does this page help with creating an arbitration agreement?

This page helps compare UK arbitration institutions and rules. You can use the main arbitration agreement category page to generate an arbitration agreement or clause tailored to your needs.

EN-GB>Disputes>Arbitration Agreement>UK Arbitration Institutions and Rules

Arbitration Institutions And Rules In The United Kingdom

Created: 8 Jun 2026

This guide explains key arbitration institutions and rules relevant to UK agreements, helping readers choose suitable procedures with confidence. For related drafting support, explore our AI Generated British Arbitration Agreement resources.

Arbitration Model	Typical Use	Geographic Suitability	Drafting Notes
London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	London-seated and international commercial disputes needing administered arbitration.	Both domestic and international	Use the LCIA model clause specify seat, law, language and number of arbitrators.
ICC Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	High-value cross-border commercial, infrastructure, energy and M&A disputes.	International	Use ICC standard clause identify seat, governing law, language and arbitrator number.
UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules
Ad hoc arbitration	Ad hoc international arbitration without full institutional administration.	International	Name an appointing authority and specify seat to avoid procedural deadlock.
CIArb Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Commercial disputes requiring a recognised professional arbitration framework.	Both domestic and international	State seat, tribunal size and whether CIArb is to administer or appoint only.
Arbitration Act 1996
Ad hoc arbitration	Default legal framework for arbitrations seated in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.	UK domestic	Do not call it institutional rules specify seat for the Act to apply as curial law.
Arbitration (Scotland) Act 2010 and Scottish Arbitration Rules
Ad hoc arbitration	Arbitrations seated in Scotland, including Scottish domestic commercial disputes.	UK domestic	Use a Scottish seat if the Scottish statutory rules are intended.
London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) Terms
Trade association rules, Specialist sector rules	Shipping, charterparty, shipbuilding, offshore and maritime trade disputes.	International	Use LMAA wording align with charterparty terms, seat and appointment process.
LMAA Small Claims Procedure
Specialist sector rules, Trade association rules	Lower-value maritime claims needing faster and cheaper determination.	International	Check current monetary limit and expressly opt in where needed.
LMAA Intermediate Claims Procedure
Specialist sector rules, Trade association rules	Mid-value maritime disputes needing proportionate procedure.	International	Confirm value threshold and consistency with any incorporated charterparty arbitration clause.
GAFTA Arbitration Rules
Trade association rules, Specialist sector rules	International grain, feed and agricultural commodity trade disputes.	International	Use GAFTA standard forms carefully observe short claim and appeal time limits.
FOSFA Arbitration and Appeal Rules
Trade association rules, Specialist sector rules	Oilseeds, oils and fats commodity disputes.	International	Ensure the relevant FOSFA contract form and arbitration clause are incorporated.
Refined Sugar Association Arbitration Rules
Trade association rules, Specialist sector rules	International refined sugar trade disputes.	International	Incorporate RSA rules and check quality, sampling and appeal provisions.
London Metal Exchange (LME) Arbitration Regulations
Trade association rules, Specialist sector rules	Disputes under LME contracts and exchange-related metals transactions.	Both domestic and international	Check whether LME rules apply automatically via exchange contract documentation.
London Chamber of Arbitration and Mediation (LCAM) Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Commercial disputes involving SMEs and international parties seeking London administration.	Both domestic and international	Use LCAM model clause and specify seat, law and language.
CEDR Rules for the Facilitation of Settlement in International Arbitration
Institutional arbitration	Arbitrations where structured settlement facilitation is desired.	International	Clarify interaction between arbitration procedure and settlement facilitation steps.
Society for Computers and Law Adjudication Rules
Specialist sector rules	Technology and IT disputes needing fast expert determination style procedure.	UK domestic	Not conventional arbitration use only if adjudication rather than arbitral award is intended.
ICSID Convention Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration, Specialist sector rules	Investor-state disputes under investment treaties, legislation or investment contracts.	International	Requires ICSID jurisdiction and consent unsuitable for ordinary private commercial contracts.
ICSID Additional Facility Rules
Institutional arbitration, Specialist sector rules	Investor-state disputes not qualifying for ICSID Convention arbitration.	International	Check nationality, state consent and enforcement route before selecting.
Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration, Ad hoc arbitration	State, intergovernmental, investor-state and complex public international disputes.	International	Specify PCA role, appointing authority function, seat and applicable public law instruments.
Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Asia-related international trade, investment, technology and commercial disputes.	International	Use SIAC model clause do not assume Singapore seat unless stated.
Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) Administered Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	China, Hong Kong and Asia-Pacific cross-border disputes.	International	Specify seat and law consider Hong Kong seat for Mainland China enforcement strategy.
SCC Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Nordic, European, energy, construction and investment-related disputes.	International	Use SCC model clause specify seat, language and applicable law.
Swiss Rules of International Arbitration
Institutional arbitration	European and international commercial disputes with neutral-seat preference.	International	Specify seat Swiss rules do not require a Swiss seat.
DIS Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	German and European commercial, engineering and corporate disputes.	Both domestic and international	Use DIS clause and specify whether expedited or ordinary procedure is intended.
VIAC Rules of Arbitration and Mediation (Vienna Rules)
Institutional arbitration	Central and Eastern European commercial disputes.	International	Use VIAC model clause specify seat, language and substantive law.
Paris Arbitration Centre (CPA) Rules
Institutional arbitration	French and international commercial disputes requiring Paris-based administration.	Both domestic and international	State seat and language avoid confusing CPA with the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Netherlands Arbitration Institute (NAI) Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Dutch and international commercial disputes.	Both domestic and international	Specify seat if not the Netherlands use current NAI clause wording.
CEPANI Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Belgian, Benelux and international commercial disputes.	Both domestic and international	Use CEPANI model clause and specify seat, language and arbitrator number.
Madrid International Arbitration Centre (MIAC) Rules
Institutional arbitration	Spanish, Latin American and international commercial disputes.	International	Specify seat and language consider Spanish or bilingual documentation needs.
Milan Chamber of Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Italian and international commercial disputes.	Both domestic and international	Use model clause specify seat if not Milan or Italy.
Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Middle East construction, energy, trade and commercial disputes.	International	Specify seat clearly, especially where DIFC, Dubai or foreign seat is intended.
DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Rules (Legacy Clauses)
Institutional arbitration	Legacy Middle East contracts referring to the former DIFC-LCIA centre.	International	Avoid for new clauses check successor administration and transition provisions.
Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration (QICCA) Rules
Institutional arbitration	Qatar and Gulf construction, infrastructure and commercial disputes.	International	Specify seat, language and governing law to avoid local-law uncertainty.
Bahrain Chamber for Dispute Resolution (BCDR) Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Bahrain, Gulf and international financial or commercial disputes.	International	State whether BCDR institutional arbitration or statutory court-linked process is intended.
ICDR International Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	US-linked and global cross-border commercial disputes.	International	Use ICDR clause distinguish from AAA domestic rules if non-US parties are involved.
AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	US domestic commercial disputes and some US-facing contracts.	International	For UK parties, consider ICDR instead for international administration.
JAMS Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures
Institutional arbitration	US commercial, technology, employment and consumer-related disputes.	International	Check mandatory consumer or employment protocols before using in standard terms.
CPR Administered Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Complex US and international business-to-business disputes.	International	Decide between administered and non-administered CPR rules in the clause.
CIETAC Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	China-related international trade, investment and commercial disputes.	International	Specify CIETAC commission, seat, language and governing law clearly.
Shanghai International Arbitration Center (SHIAC) Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Shanghai, China and international commercial disputes.	International	Use current institutional name and specify seat, language and commission details.
Beijing Arbitration Commission / Beijing International Arbitration Center Rules
Institutional arbitration	China-related domestic and international commercial disputes.	Both domestic and international	State BAC/BIAC name accurately and specify language for foreign parties.
Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA) Commercial Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Japan-related international commercial and technology disputes.	International	Choose between JCAA commercial, interactive or UNCITRAL-based rules if relevant.
KCAB International Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Korea-related international construction, trade and technology disputes.	International	Use KCAB International clause and specify seat, language and governing law.
ACICA Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Australia, Asia-Pacific, construction, infrastructure and trade disputes.	International	Use ACICA model clause specify seat if not Australia.
New Zealand International Arbitration Centre (NZIAC) Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	New Zealand and Pacific region commercial disputes.	Both domestic and international	Specify seat and rules edition consider expedited procedure for smaller claims.
ADR Institute of Canada Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Canadian domestic and international commercial disputes.	Both domestic and international	Clarify province, seat, appointing authority and bilingual requirements if relevant.
Vancouver International Arbitration Centre (VanIAC) International Commercial Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Canada, Pacific Rim and international commercial disputes.	International	Use VanIAC model clause specify seat and governing law.
CAM-CCBC Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Brazilian and Latin American corporate, infrastructure and commercial disputes.	International	Specify language, seat and Brazilian-law formalities where applicable.
ICDR Canada Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Canadian cross-border commercial disputes administered by ICDR Canada.	International	Distinguish ICDR Canada from ICDR international or provincial domestic rules.
CCJA Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration, Specialist sector rules	Disputes connected with OHADA member states in Africa.	International	Use where OHADA enforcement and CCJA supervision are commercially relevant.
Cairo Regional Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (CRCICA) Rules
Institutional arbitration	Middle East and North Africa commercial and construction disputes.	International	Specify seat, language and law rules are UNCITRAL-inspired but institution-administered.
Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC) Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	East African commercial, infrastructure and investment-related disputes.	International	Specify seat and language consider regional enforcement and neutrality factors.
Mauritius International Arbitration Centre (MIAC) Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Africa, India-related and offshore investment commercial disputes.	International	Specify seat do not assume Mauritius seat merely from MIAC administration.
Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA) International Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Southern African and international commercial disputes.	International	Use AFSA international clause and specify seat, language and governing law.
WIPO Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration, Specialist sector rules	Intellectual property, technology, life sciences and licensing disputes.	International	Useful for confidentiality and technical expertise specify seat and IP governing law.
WIPO Expedited Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration, Specialist sector rules	Lower-value or time-sensitive IP and technology disputes.	International	Expressly select expedited rules and consider limits on evidence and timetable.
Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Code of Sports-Related Arbitration
Institutional arbitration, Specialist sector rules	Sports governance, disciplinary, doping and commercial sports disputes.	International	Use only for sports disputes check federation statutes and appeal jurisdiction.
The Sugar Association of London Arbitration Rules
Trade association rules, Specialist sector rules	Raw sugar and related commodity trade disputes.	International	Check whether raw or refined sugar rules are the correct market standard.
RICS Dispute Resolution Service Arbitration
Specialist sector rules	Property, rent review, valuation and real estate disputes.	UK domestic	State whether arbitration, expert determination or adjudication is intended.
Football Association Rule K Arbitration
Specialist sector rules	English football participant and club disputes within FA jurisdiction.	UK domestic	Generally arises from football rules avoid using outside FA-governed disputes.
JCT Construction Industry Model Arbitration Rules (CIMAR)
Specialist sector rules	UK construction disputes under JCT and related building contracts.	UK domestic	Coordinate with statutory adjudication rights and JCT dispute resolution options.
Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 Adjudication Regime
Specialist sector rules	UK construction contracts where adjudication may sit alongside arbitration.	UK domestic	Adjudication rights may be mandatory arbitration can govern final determination.
TeCSA Arbitration Rules
Specialist sector rules	Technology and construction disputes needing specialist UK practitioners.	UK domestic	Check appointment body wording and relationship with adjudication or court options.
P.R.I.M.E. Finance Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration, Specialist sector rules	Complex finance, derivatives and banking disputes.	International	Consider compatibility with ISDA documentation and court jurisdiction clauses.
UKJT Digital Dispute Resolution Rules
Specialist sector rules	Digital asset, blockchain, smart contract and crypto disputes.	International	Useful for on-chain enforcement concepts specify seat and technical appointment process.
Energy Charter Treaty Arbitration Options
Specialist sector rules, Ad hoc arbitration, Institutional arbitration	Energy investment disputes between investors and states under treaty consent.	International	Treaty-based do not use as ordinary commercial rules in private contracts.
International Commercial Arbitration Court at the Ukrainian CCI (ICAC) Rules
Institutional arbitration	Ukraine, CIS and international trade disputes.	International	Specify institution accurately to avoid confusion with other ICAC bodies.
ICAC at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation Rules
Institutional arbitration	Russia-related commercial disputes and legacy CIS contracts.	International	Consider sanctions, enforceability and institutional status before new use.
Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Malaysia, ASEAN, construction and international commercial disputes.	International	Use AIAC model clause and specify seat, language and applicable law.
Thailand Arbitration Center (THAC) Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Thailand and ASEAN commercial disputes.	International	Specify seat and language consider local court support and enforcement.
BANI Arbitration Center Rules
Institutional arbitration	Indonesia-related domestic and international commercial disputes.	Both domestic and international	Identify the intended BANI institution precisely and specify language.
Philippine Dispute Resolution Center (PDRC) Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration	Philippines-related domestic and international commercial disputes.	Both domestic and international	Specify seat, venue and language check whether international rules apply.
Mumbai Centre for International Arbitration (MCIA) Rules
Institutional arbitration	India-related commercial, infrastructure and finance disputes.	International	Use model clause and specify seat Mumbai venue is not automatically the legal seat.
Delhi International Arbitration Centre (DIAC India) Rules
Institutional arbitration	India-related domestic and international commercial disputes.	Both domestic and international	Avoid confusion with Dubai DIAC define the institution by full name.
UAE Federal Arbitration Law
Ad hoc arbitration	Legal framework for arbitrations seated onshore in the UAE.	International	Distinguish onshore UAE seat from DIFC or ADGM seat in the clause.
UNCITRAL Expedited Arbitration Rules
Ad hoc arbitration	Ad hoc international disputes needing a shorter and simpler procedure.	International	Expressly opt in and name an appointing authority and seat.
New York Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards
Ad hoc arbitration, Institutional arbitration	Framework for cross-border recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards.	International	Choose a convention-state seat and produce an award capable of enforcement abroad.
Arbitration Act 1996 Sections 100-104 New York Convention Awards
Institutional arbitration, Ad hoc arbitration	Recognition and enforcement of foreign convention awards in England and Wales.	International	Relevant to enforcement, not procedural rules keep arbitration clause valid and written.
DIFC Arbitration Law
Ad hoc arbitration	Legal framework for arbitrations seated in the Dubai International Financial Centre.	International	State DIFC as seat if DIFC court supervision is intended.
ADGM Arbitration Regulations 2015
Ad hoc arbitration	Legal framework for arbitrations seated in Abu Dhabi Global Market.	International	Specify ADGM seat and avoid ambiguity with onshore Abu Dhabi seat.
eBRAM Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration, Specialist sector rules	Online arbitration for cross-border commercial and technology disputes.	International	Check platform, electronic service and data security provisions before adoption.
International Islamic Centre for Reconciliation and Arbitration (IICRA) Arbitration Rules
Institutional arbitration, Specialist sector rules	Islamic finance, banking and Sharia-compliant commercial disputes.	International	Clarify governing law, Sharia principles and seat to avoid interpretive conflict.
Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) Rules
Trade association rules, Specialist sector rules	Shipping, maritime, offshore and trade disputes in Asia-Pacific markets.	International	Specify SCMA rules, seat and appointment process in maritime contracts.
Society of Maritime Arbitrators (SMA) Rules
Trade association rules, Specialist sector rules	New York maritime, shipping and charterparty disputes.	International	Specify New York or other seat and align with charterparty forum clause.
German Maritime Arbitration Association (GMAA) Rules
Trade association rules, Specialist sector rules	German and international maritime, shipping and offshore disputes.	International	Specify seat, usually Hamburg or another chosen place, and arbitrator qualifications.
Chambre Arbitrale Maritime de Paris (CAMP) Rules
Trade association rules, Specialist sector rules	French and international maritime, transport and shipping disputes.	International	Use CAMP clause and specify language if non-French parties are involved.

Which Arbitration Rules Should A UK Contract Choose?

LCIA, ICC, UNCITRAL and CIArb rules are the most common starting points for UK-facing commercial arbitration clauses. LCIA is often preferred for London-seated international disputes, ICC for high-value cross-border contracts, UNCITRAL where parties want ad hoc arbitration, and CIArb where a lighter administered framework is desired.

Why Does The Seat Matter In A UK Arbitration Clause?

If the clause provides for a London or England and Wales seat, the Arbitration Act 1996 will generally supply the curial law, including rules on tribunal powers, court support and challenges to awards. The institution administers the case, but the seat controls the legal framework for the arbitration.

When Are Specialist Arbitration Rules Better Than General Rules?

Specialist rules can be useful where the dispute is likely to involve maritime, commodities, construction, technology, finance, sport or intellectual property. For example, LMAA and GAFTA are common in shipping and commodities, while WIPO is designed for IP and technology disputes.

What Should Be Included When Referring To Arbitration Rules?

Name the institution or rules precisely, including any version or current rules wording where relevant.
State the seat, especially if UK court support and Arbitration Act 1996 supervision are desired.
Specify the number of arbitrators and appointment method if the chosen rules leave scope for uncertainty.
Check sector rules carefully, because some trade association rules assume membership, standard form contracts, short time limits or specialist appeal mechanisms.
Avoid mixing inconsistent rules, such as naming one institution but another body\'s appointment procedure, unless deliberate and clear.

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FAQs

What are the main arbitration institutions in the United Kingdom?

The main arbitration institutions in the UK include the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA), and sector-specific bodies such as the Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA) and the Federation of Oils, Seeds and Fats Associations (FOSFA).

Which arbitration rules are commonly used in the UK?

What is the LCIA?

What is the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators?

When are LMAA Terms used?

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