2018 HKIAC Administered Arbitration Rules

Effective from 1 November 2018

HomeArbitrationRules & Practice NotesAdministered Arbitration Rules2018 HKIAC Administered Arbitration Rules

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SECTION V.  AWARDS, DECISIONS AND ORDERS OF THE ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL


Article 33 – Decisions
33.1 When there is more than one arbitrator, any award or other decision of the arbitral tribunal shall be made by a majority of the arbitrators. If there is no majority, the award shall be made by the presiding arbitrator alone.

33.2 With the prior agreement of all members of the arbitral tribunal, the presiding arbitrator may make procedural rulings alone.

Article 34 – Costs of the Arbitration

34.1 The arbitral tribunal shall determine the costs of the arbitration in one or more orders or awards. The term “costs of the arbitration” includes only:

(a) the fees of the arbitral tribunal, as determined in accordance with Article 10;

(b) the reasonable travel and other expenses incurred by the arbitral tribunal;

(c) the reasonable costs of expert advice and of other assistance required by the arbitral tribunal, including fees and expenses of any tribunal secretary;

(d) the reasonable costs for legal representation and other assistance, including fees and expenses of any witnesses and experts, if such costs were claimed during the arbitration; and

(e) the Registration Fee and Administrative Fees payable to HKIAC in accordance with Schedule 1, and any expenses payable to HKIAC.

34.2 With respect to the costs of legal representation and other assistance referred to in Article 34.1(d), the arbitral tribunal, taking into account the circumstances of the case, may direct that the recoverable costs of the arbitration, or any part of the arbitration, shall be limited to a specified amount.

34.3 The arbitral tribunal may apportion all or part of the costs of the arbitration referred to in Article 34.1 between the parties if it determines that apportionment
is reasonable, taking into account the circumstances of the case.

34.4 The arbitral tribunal may take into account any third party funding arrangement in determining all or part of the costs of the arbitration referred to
in Article 34.1.

34.5 Where arbitrations are consolidated pursuant to Article 28, the arbitral tribunal in the consolidated arbitration shall determine the costs of the arbitration in accordance with Articles 34.2 to 34.4. Such costs include, but are not limited to, the fees of any arbitrator designated, confirmed or appointed and any other costs incurred in an arbitration that was subsequently consolidated into another arbitration.

34.6 When the arbitral tribunal issues an order for the termination of the arbitration or makes an award on agreed terms, it shall determine the costs of the arbitration referred to in Article 34.1 (to the extent not already determined) and may apportion all or part of such costs, in the text of that order or award.

Article 35 – Form and Effect of the Award
35.1 The arbitral tribunal may make a single award or separate awards regarding different issues at different times and in respect of all parties involved in the arbitration in the form of interim, interlocutory, partial or final awards. If appropriate, the arbitral tribunal may also issue interim awards on costs and any awards pursuant to Article 41.5.

35.2 Awards shall be made in writing and shall be final and binding on the parties and any person claiming through or under any of the parties. The parties and any such person waive their rights to any form of recourse or defence in respect of the setting-aside, enforcement and execution of any award, in so far as such waiver can validly be made.

35.3 The parties undertake to comply without delay with any order or award made by the arbitral tribunal or any emergency arbitrator, including any order or award made in any proceedings under Articles 27, 28, 29, 30 or 43.

35.4 An award shall state the reasons upon which it is based unless the parties have agreed that no reasons are to be given.

35.5 An award shall be signed by the arbitral tribunal. It shall state the date on which it was made and the seat of arbitration as determined under Article 14 and shall be deemed to have been made at the seat of the arbitration. Where there are three arbitrators and any of them fails to sign, the award shall state the reason for the absence of the signature(s).

35.6 The arbitral tribunal shall communicate to HKIAC originals of the award signed by the arbitral tribunal. HKIAC shall affix its seal to the award and, subject to any lien, communicate it to the parties.

Article 36 – Applicable Law, Amiable Compositeur
36.1 The arbitral tribunal shall decide the substance of the dispute in accordance with the rules of law agreed upon by the parties. Any designation of the law or legal system of a given jurisdiction shall be construed, unless otherwise expressed, as directly referring to the substantive law of that jurisdiction and not to its conflict of laws rules. Failing such designation by the parties, the arbitral tribunal shall apply the rules of law which it determines to be appropriate.

36.2 The arbitral tribunal shall decide as amiable compositeur or ex aequo et bono only if the parties have expressly agreed that the arbitral tribunal should do so.

36.3 In all cases, the arbitral tribunal shall decide the case in accordance with the terms of the relevant contract(s) and may take into account the usages of the trade applicable to the transaction(s).

Article 37 – Settlement or Other Grounds for Termination
37.1 If, before the arbitral tribunal is constituted, a party wishes to terminate the arbitration, it shall communicate this to all other parties and HKIAC. HKIAC shall set a time limit for all other parties to indicate whether they agree to terminate the arbitration. If no other party objects within the time limit, HKIAC may terminate the arbitration. If any party objects to the termination of the arbitration, the arbitration shall proceed in accordance with the Rules.

37.2 If, after the arbitral tribunal is constituted and before the final award is made:

(a) the parties settle the dispute, the arbitral tribunal shall either issue an order for the termination of the arbitration or, if requested by the parties and accepted by the arbitral tribunal, record the settlement in the form of an arbitral award on agreed terms. The arbitral tribunal is not obliged to give reasons for such an award.

(b) continuing the arbitration becomes unnecessary or impossible for any reason not mentioned in Article 37.2(a), the arbitral tribunal shall issue an order for the termination of the arbitration. The arbitral tribunal shall issue such an order unless a party raises a justifiable objection, having been given a reasonable opportunity to comment upon the proposed course of action.

37.3 The arbitral tribunal shall communicate copies of the order to terminate the arbitration or of the arbitral award on agreed terms, signed by the arbitral
tribunal, to HKIAC. Subject to any lien, HKIAC shall communicate the order for termination of the arbitration or the arbitral award on agreed terms to the parties. Where an arbitral award on agreed terms is made, the provisions of Articles 35.2, 35.3, 35.5 and 35.6 shall apply.

Article 38 – Correction of the Award
38.1 Within 30 days after receipt of the award, either party, with notice to all other parties, may request the arbitral tribunal to correct in the award any errors in computation, any clerical or typographical errors, or any errors of similar nature. The arbitral tribunal may set a time limit, normally not exceeding 15 days, for all other parties to comment on such request.

38.2 The arbitral tribunal shall make any corrections it considers appropriate within 30 days after receipt of the request but may extend such time limit if necessary.

38.3 The arbitral tribunal may within 30 days after the date of the award make such corrections on its own initiative.

38.4 The arbitral tribunal has the power to make any further correction to the award which is necessitated by or consequential on (a) the interpretation of any point or part of the award under Article 39; or (b) the issue of any additional award under Article 40.

38.5 Such corrections shall be in writing, and the provisions of Articles 35.2 to 35.6 shall apply.

Article 39 – Interpretation of the Award
39.1 Within 30 days after receipt of the award, either party, with notice to all other parties, may request that the arbitral tribunal give an interpretation of the award. The arbitral tribunal may set a time limit, normally not exceeding 15 days, for all other parties to comment on such request.

39.2 Any interpretation considered appropriate by the arbitral tribunal shall be given in writing within 30 days after receipt of the request but the arbitral tribunal may extend such time limit if necessary. 

39.3 The arbitral tribunal has the power to give any further interpretation of the award which is necessitated by or consequential on (a) the correction of any error in the award under Article 38; or (b) the issue of any additional award under Article 40.

39.4 Any interpretation given under Article 39 shall form part of the award and the provisions of Articles 35.2 to 35.6 shall apply.

Article 40 – Additional Award
40.1 Within 30 days after receipt of the award, either party, with notice to all other parties, may request the arbitral tribunal to make an additional award as to claims presented in the arbitration but omitted from the award. The arbitral tribunal may set a time limit, normally not exceeding 30 days, for all other parties to comment on such request.

40.2 If the arbitral tribunal considers the request for an additional award to be justified, it shall make the additional award within 60 days after receipt of the
request but may extend such time limit if necessary.

40.3 The arbitral tribunal has the power to make an additional award which is necessitated by or consequential on (a) the correction of any error in the
award under Article 38; or (b) the interpretation of any point or part of the award under Article 39.

40.4 When an additional award is made, the provisions of Articles 35.2 to 35.6 shall apply.


Article 41 – Deposits for Costs
41.1 As soon as practicable after receipt of the Notice of Arbitration by the Respondent, HKIAC shall, in principle, request the Claimant and the Respondent each to deposit with HKIAC an equal amount as an advance for the costs referred to in Article 34.1(a), (b), (c) and (e). HKIAC shall provide a copy of such request to the arbitral tribunal.

41.2 Where the Respondent submits a counterclaim or cross-claim, or it otherwise appears appropriate in the circumstances, HKIAC may request separate deposits.

41.3 During the course of the arbitration, HKIAC may request the parties to make supplementary deposits with HKIAC. HKIAC shall provide a copy of such
request to the arbitral tribunal.

41.4 If the required deposits are not paid in full to HKIAC within 30 days after receipt of the request, HKIAC shall so inform the parties in order that one or another of them may make the required payment. If such payment is not made, the arbitral tribunal may order the suspension or termination of the arbitration or continue with the arbitration on such basis and in respect of such claim or counterclaim as the arbitral tribunal considers fit.

41.5 If a party pays the required deposits on behalf of another party, the arbitral tribunal may, at the request of the paying party, make an award for reimbursement
of the payment.

41.6 When releasing the final award, HKIAC shall render an account to the parties of the deposits received by HKIAC. Any unexpended balance shall be returned to the parties in the shares in which it was paid by the parties to HKIAC, or as otherwise instructed by the arbitral tribunal.

41.7 HKIAC shall place the deposits made by the parties in an account at a reputable licensed deposit-taking institution. In selecting the account, HKIAC shall have due regard to the possible need to make the deposited funds available immediately.

SECTION VI.  OTHER PROVISIONS

Article 42 – Expedited Procedure
42.1 Prior to the constitution of the arbitral tribunal, a party may apply to HKIAC for the arbitration to be conducted in accordance with Article 42.2 where:

(a) the amount in dispute representing the aggregate of any claim and counterclaim (or any set-off defence or cross-claim) does not exceed the amount set by HKIAC, as stated on HKIAC’s website on the date the Notice of Arbitration is submitted; or

(b) the parties so agree; or

(c) in cases of exceptional urgency.

42.2 When HKIAC, after considering the views of the parties, grants an application made pursuant to Article 42.1, the arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with an Expedited Procedure based upon the foregoing provisions of these Rules, subject to the following changes:

(a) the case shall be referred to a sole arbitrator, unless the arbitration agreement provides for three arbitrators;

(b) if the arbitration agreement provides for three arbitrators, HKIAC shall invite the parties to agree to refer the case to a sole arbitrator. If the parties do not agree, the case shall be referred to three arbitrators;

(c) HKIAC may shorten the time limits provided for in the Rules, as well as any time limits that it has set;

(d) after the submission of the Answer to the Notice of Arbitration, the parties shall in principle be entitled to submit one Statement of Claim and one Statement of Defence (and Counterclaim) and, where applicable, one Statement of Defence in reply to the Counterclaim;

(e) the arbitral tribunal shall decide the dispute on the basis of documentary evidence only, unless it decides that it is appropriate to hold one or more hearings;

(f) subject to any lien, the award shall be communicated to the parties within six months from the date when HKIAC transmitted the case file to the arbitral tribunal. In exceptional circumstances, HKIAC may extend this time limit;

(g) the arbitral tribunal may state the reasons upon which the award is based in summary form, unless the parties have agreed that no reasons are to be given.

42.3 Upon the request of any party and after consulting with the parties and any confirmed or appointed arbitrators, HKIAC may, having regard to any new circumstances that have arisen, decide that the Expedited Procedure under Article 42 shall no longer apply to the case. Unless HKIAC considers that it is appropriate to revoke the confirmation or appointment of any arbitrator, the arbitral tribunal shall remain in place.

Article 43 – Early Determination Procedure
43.1 The arbitral tribunal shall have the power, at the request of any party and after consulting with all other parties, to decide one or more points of law or fact by way of early determination procedure, on the basis that:

(a) such points of law or fact are manifestly without merit; or

(b) such points of law or fact are manifestly outside the arbitral tribunal’s jurisdiction; or

(c) even if such points of law or fact are submitted by another party and are assumed to be correct, no award could be rendered in favour of that party.

43.2 Any party making a request for early determination procedure shall communicate the request to the arbitral tribunal, HKIAC and all other parties.

43.3 Any request for early determination procedure shall be made as promptly as possible after the relevant points of law or fact are submitted, unless the arbitral
tribunal directs otherwise.

43.4 The request for early determination procedure shall include the following:

(a) a request for early determination of one or more points of law or fact and a description of such points;

(b) a statement of the facts and legal arguments supporting the request;

(c) a proposal of the form of early determination procedure to be adopted by the arbitral tribunal;

(d) comments on how the proposed form referred to in Article 43.4(c) would achieve the objectives stated in Articles 13.1 and 13.5; and

(e) confirmation that copies of the request and any supporting materials included with it have been or are being communicated simultaneously to all other parties by one or more means of service to be identified in such confirmation.

43.5 After providing all other parties with an opportunity to submit comments on the request, the arbitral tribunal shall issue a decision either dismissing the  request or allowing the request to proceed by fixing the early determination procedure in the form it considers appropriate. The arbitral tribunal shall make such decision within 30 days from the date of filing the request. This time limit may be extended by agreement of the parties or, in appropriate circumstances, by HKIAC.

43.6 If the request is allowed to proceed, the arbitral tribunal shall make its order or award, which may be in summary form, on the relevant points of law or fact. The arbitral tribunal shall make such order or award within 60 days from the date of its decision to proceed. This time limit may be extended by agreement of the parties or, in appropriate circumstances, by HKIAC.

43.7 Pending the determination of the request, the arbitral tribunal may decide whether and to what extent the arbitration shall proceed.

Article 44 – Disclosure of Third Party Funding of Arbitration

44.1 If a funding agreement is made, the funded party shall communicate a written notice to all other parties, the arbitral tribunal, any emergency arbitrator and HKIAC of:

(a) the fact that a funding agreement has been made; and

(b) the identity of the third party funder.

44.2 The notice referred to in Article 44.1 must be communicated:

(a) in respect of a funding agreement made on or before the commencement of the arbitration, in the application for the appointment of an emergency arbitrator, the Notice of Arbitration, the Answer to the Notice of Arbitration, the Request for Joinder or the Answer to the Request for Joinder (as applicable); or

(b) in respect of a funding agreement made after the commencement of the arbitration, as soon as practicable after the funding agreement is made.

44.3 Any funded party shall disclose any changes to the information referred to in Article 44.1 that occur after the initial disclosure.

Article 45 – Confidentiality

45.1 Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, no party or party representative may publish, disclose or communicate any information relating to:

(a) the arbitration under the arbitration agreement; or

(b) an award or Emergency Decision made in the arbitration.

45.2 Article 45.1 also applies to the arbitral tribunal, any emergency arbitrator, expert, witness, tribunal secretary and HKIAC.

45.3 Article 45.1 does not prevent the publication, disclosure or communication of information referred to in Article 45.1 by a party or party representative:

(a)      (i) to protect or pursue a legal right or interest of the party; or


(ii) to enforce or challenge the award or Emergency Decision referred to in Article 45.1;

in legal proceedings before a court or other authority; or

(b) to any government body, regulatory body, court or tribunal where the party is obliged by law to make the publication, disclosure or communication; or

(c) to a professional or any other adviser of any of the parties, including any actual or potential witness or expert; or

(d) to any party or additional party and any confirmed or appointed arbitrator for the purposes of Articles 27, 28, 29 or 30; or

(e) to a person for the purposes of having, or seeking, third party funding of arbitration.

45.4 The deliberations of the arbitral tribunal are confidential.

45.5 HKIAC may publish any award, whether in its entirety or in the form of excerpts or a summary, only under the following conditions:

(a) all references to the parties’ names and other identifying information are deleted; and

(b) no party objects to such publication within the time limit fixed for that purpose by HKIAC. In the case of an objection, the award shall not be
published.

Article 46 – Exclusion of Liability

46.1 None of the Council members of HKIAC nor any body or person specifically designated by it to perform the functions in these Rules, nor the Secretary-General of HKIAC or other staff members of the Secretariat of HKIAC, the arbitral tribunal, any emergency arbitrator, tribunal-appointed expert or tribunal secretary shall be liable for any act or omission in connection with an arbitration conducted under these Rules, save where such act was done or omitted to be done dishonestly.

46.2 After the award has been made and the possibilities of correction, interpretation and additional awards referred to in Articles 38 to 40 have lapsed or been exhausted, neither HKIAC nor the arbitral tribunal, any emergency arbitrator, tribunal-appointed expert or tribunal secretary shall be under an obligation to make statements to any person about any matter concerning the arbitration, nor shall a party seek to make any of these persons a witness in any legal or other proceedings arising out of the arbitration.

 

SCHEDULE 1

REGISTRATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE FEES

(All amounts are in Hong Kong Dollars, hereinafter “HKD”)
Effective 1 November 2018

1.    Registration Fee
1.1    When submitting a Notice of Arbitration, the Claimant shall pay a Registration Fee in the amount set by HKIAC, as stated on HKIAC's website on the date the Notice of Arbitration is submitted.

1.2     If the Claimant fails to pay the Registration Fee, HKIAC shall not proceed with the arbitration subject to Article 4.6 of the Rules.

1.3    The Registration Fee is not refundable save in exceptional circumstances as determined by HKIAC in its sole discretion.

2.    HKIAC’s Administrative Fees
2.1    HKIAC’s Administrative Fees shall be determined in accordance with the following table:

Sum in dispute (in HKD)Administrative fee (in HKD)
Up to 400,00019,800
From 400,001 to 800,00019,800 + 1.300% of amt. over 400,000
From 800,001 to 4,000,00025,000 + 1.000% of amt. over 800,000
From 4,000,001 to 8,000,00057,000 + 0.545% of amt. over 4,000,000
From 8,000,001 to 16,000,00078,800 + 0.265% of amt. over 8,000,000
From 16,000,001 to 40,000,000100,000 + 0.200% of amt. over 16,000,000
From 40,000,001 to 80,000,000148,000 + 0.110% of amt. over 40,000,000
From 80,000,001 to 240,000,000192,000 + 0.071% of amt. over 80,000,000
From 240,000,001 to 400,000,000305,600 + 0.059% of amt. over 240,000,000
Over 400,000,000400,000

2.2    Claims and counterclaims are added for the determination of the amount in dispute. The same rule applies to any set-off defence or cross-claim, unless the arbitral tribunal, after consulting with the parties, concludes that such set-off defence or cross-claim will not require significant additional work.

2.3    An interest claim shall not be taken into account for the calculation of the amount in dispute, except where HKIAC determines that doing so would be appropriate.

2.4    Where there are alternative claims, only the principal claim shall be taken into account for the calculation of the amount in dispute, except where HKIAC considers it appropriate to take into account the amount of any alternative claim.

2.5    Pursuant to Articles 18.2, 27.15, 28.10 or 30.2 or where in the opinion of HKIAC there are exceptional circumstances, HKIAC may depart from the table in paragraph 2.1 when calculating its Administrative Fees.

2.6    If the amount in dispute is not quantified, HKIAC’s Administrative Fees shall be fixed by HKIAC, taking into account the circumstances of the case.

2.7    Amounts in currencies other than Hong Kong Dollars shall be converted into Hong Kong Dollars at the rate of exchange published by HSBC Bank on the date the Notice of Arbitration is submitted or at the time any new claim, set-off defence, cross-claim or amendment to a claim or defence is filed.

2.8    The parties are jointly and severally liable for HKIAC’s Administrative Fees.

SCHEDULE 2

ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL'S FEES, EXPENSES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Based on Hourly Rates
Effective 1 November 2018

1.    Scope of Application and Interpretation
1.1    Subject to any variations agreed by all parties or changes HKIAC considers appropriate, this Schedule shall apply to arbitrations in which the arbitral tribunal's fees and expenses are to be determined in accordance with Article 10.1(a) of the Rules and to the appointment of an emergency arbitrator under Schedule 4.

1.2    HKIAC may interpret the terms of this Schedule as well as the scope of application of the Schedule as it considers appropriate.

1.3    This Schedule is supplemented by the Practice Note on Costs of Arbitration Based on Schedule 2 and Hourly Rates in force on the date the Notice of Arbitration is submitted.

2.    Payments to Arbitral Tribunal
2.1    Payments to the arbitral tribunal shall generally be made by HKIAC from funds deposited by the parties in accordance with Article 41 of the Rules. HKIAC may direct the parties, in such proportions as it considers appropriate, to make one or more interim or final payments to the arbitral tribunal.

2.2    If insufficient funds are held at the time a payment is required, the invoice for the payment may be submitted to the parties for settlement by them direct.

2.3    Payments to the arbitral tribunal shall be made in Hong Kong Dollars unless the tribunal directs otherwise.

2.4    The parties are jointly and severally liable for the fees and expenses of an arbitrator, irrespective of which party appointed the arbitrator.


3.    Arbitral Tribunal's Expenses
3.1    The arbitral tribunal shall be reimbursed for its reasonable expenses in accordance with the Practice Note referred to at paragraph 1.3.

3.2    The expenses of the arbitral tribunal shall not be included in the arbitral tribunal's fees charged by reference to hourly rates under paragraph 9 of this Schedule.

4.    Administrative Expenses
The parties shall be responsible for expenses reasonably incurred and relating to administrative and support services engaged for the purposes of the arbitration, including, but not limited to, the cost of hearing rooms, interpreters and transcription services. Such expenses may be paid directly from the deposits referred to in Article 41 of the Rules as and when they are incurred.

5.    Fees and Expenses Payable to Replaced Arbitrators
Where an arbitrator is replaced pursuant to Articles 12, 27, 28 or 42.3 of the Rules, HKIAC shall decide the amount of fees and expenses to be paid for the replaced arbitrator's services (if any), having taken into account the circumstances of the case, including, but not limited to, the applicable method for determining the arbitrator's fees, work done by the arbitrator in connection with the arbitration, and the complexity of the subject-matter.

6.    Fees and Expenses of Tribunal Secretary
Where the arbitral tribunal appoints a secretary in accordance with Article 13.4 of the Rules, such secretary shall be remunerated at a rate which shall not exceed the rate set by HKIAC, as stated on HKIAC's website on the date the Notice of Arbitration is submitted. The secretary's fees and expenses shall be charged separately. The arbitral tribunal shall determine the total fees and expenses of a secretary under Article 34.1(c) of the Rules.

7.    Lien on Award
HKIAC and the arbitral tribunal shall have a lien over any awards issued by the arbitral tribunal to secure the payment of their outstanding fees and expenses, and may accordingly refuse to communicate any such awards to the parties until all such fees and expenses have been paid in full, whether jointly or by one or other of the parties.

8.    Governing law
The terms of this Schedule and any non-contractual obligation arising out of or in connection with them shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Hong Kong law.

9.    Arbitral Tribunal's Fee Rates
9.1 An arbitrator shall be remunerated at an hourly rate for all work reasonably carried out in connection with the arbitration.

9.2  Subject to paragraphs 9.3 to 9.5 of this Schedule, the rate referred to in paragraph 9.1 is to be agreed in accordance with Article 10.2 of the Rules. An arbitrator shall agree upon fee rates in accordance with paragraph 9 of this Schedule prior to his or her confirmation or appointment by HKIAC.

9.3  An arbitrator's agreed hourly rate shall not exceed a rate set by HKIAC, as stated on HKIAC's website on the date the Notice of Arbitration is submitted.

9.4  Subject to paragraph 9.3, an arbitrator may review and increase his or her agreed hourly rate by no more than 10% on each anniversary of his or her confirmation or appointment.

9.5  Higher rates may be charged if expressly agreed by all parties to the arbitration or if HKIAC so determines in exceptional circumstances.

9.6  If an arbitrator is required to travel for the purposes of fulfilling obligations as an arbitrator, the arbitrator shall be entitled to charge and to be reimbursed for:

(a) time spent travelling but not working at a rate of 50% of the agreed hourly rate; or

(b) time spent working whilst travelling at the full agreed hourly rate.

10.    Cancellation Fees
10.1    All hearings booked shall be paid for, subject to the following conditions:

(a) if a booking is cancelled at the request of the arbitral tribunal, it will not be charged;

(b) if a booking is cancelled at the request of any party less than 30 days before the first day booked it shall be paid at a daily rate of 75% of eight times the applicable hourly rate;

(c) if a booking is cancelled at the request of any party less than 60 days but more than 30 days before the first day booked it shall be paid at a daily rate of 50% of eight times the applicable hourly rate;

(d) if a booking is cancelled at the request of any party more than 60 days before the first day booked it will not be charged; and

(e) in all cases referred to above, if an arbitrator has spent time on the case during the day(s) booked, he or she shall be paid based on (i) the hourly rate pursuant to paragraph 9; or (ii) the cancellation fee pursuant to paragraph 10.1(b) to (d), whichever is higher.

10.2    Where hearing days are cancelled or postponed other than by agreement of all parties or request of the arbitral tribunal, this may be taken into account when considering any subsequent apportionment of costs.

SCHEDULE 3 

ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL'S FEES, EXPENSES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Based on Sum in Dispute
(All amounts are in Hong Kong Dollars, hereinafter “HKD”)
Effective 1 November 2018

1.    Scope of Application and Interpretation
1.1    Subject to paragraph 1.2 below and any variations agreed by all parties or changes HKIAC considers appropriate, this Schedule applies to arbitrations in which the arbitral tribunal's fees and expenses are to be determined in accordance with Article 10.1(b) of the Rules.

1.2    This Schedule shall not apply to the appointment of an emergency arbitrator under Schedule 4.

1.3    HKIAC may interpret the terms of this Schedule as well as the scope of application of the Schedule as it considers appropriate.

1.4    This Schedule is supplemented by the Practice Note on Costs of Arbitration Based on Schedule 3 and the Sum in Dispute in force on the date the Notice of
Arbitration is submitted.

2.    Payments to Arbitral Tribunal
2.1    Payments to the arbitral tribunal shall generally be made by HKIAC from funds deposited by the parties in accordance with Article 41 of the Rules. HKIAC may direct the parties, in such proportions as it considers appropriate, to make one or more interim or final payments to the arbitral tribunal.

2.2    If insufficient funds are held at the time a payment is required, the invoice for the payment may be submitted to the parties for settlement by them direct.

2.3    Payments to the arbitral tribunal shall be made in Hong Kong Dollars unless the tribunal directs otherwise.

2.4    The parties are jointly and severally liable for the fees and expenses of an arbitrator, irrespective of which party appointed the arbitrator.

3.    Arbitral Tribunal's Expenses
3.1    The arbitral tribunal shall be reimbursed for its reasonable expenses in accordance with the Practice Note referred to at paragraph 1.4.

3.2    The expenses of the arbitral tribunal shall not be included in the determination of fees charged in accordance with paragraph 6 of this Schedule.

4.    Administrative Expenses
The parties shall be responsible for expenses reasonably incurred and relating to administrative and support services engaged for the purposes of the arbitration, including, but not limited to, the cost of hearing rooms, interpreters and transcription services. Such expenses may be paid directly from the deposits referred to in Article 41 of the Rules as and when they are incurred.

5.    Fees and Expenses Payable to Replaced Arbitrators
Where an arbitrator is replaced pursuant to Articles 12, 27, 28 or 42.3 of the Rules, HKIAC shall decide the amount of fees and expenses to be paid for the replaced arbitrator's services (if any), having taken into account the circumstances of the case, including, but not limited to, the applicable method for determining the arbitrator's fees, work done by the arbitrator in connection with the arbitration, and the complexity of the subject-matter.

6.    Determination of Arbitral Tribunal's Fees
6.1    The arbitral tribunal’s fees shall be calculated in accordance with the following table. The fees calculated in accordance with the table represent the maximum amount payable to one arbitrator.

 

ARBITRAL TRIBUNAL FEE

Sum in dispute (in HKD)Arbitrator's Fees (in HKD)
Up to 400,00011.000% of amount in dispute
From 400,001 to 800,00044,000 + 10.000% of amt. over 400,000
From 800,001 to 4,000,00084,000 + 5.300% of amt. over 800,000
From 4,000,001 to 8,000,000253,600 + 3.780% of amt. over 4,000,000
From 8,000,001 to 16,000,000404,800 + 1.730% of amt. over 8,000,000
From 16,000,001 to 40,000,000543,200 + 1.060% of amt. over 16,000,000
From 40,000,001 to 80,000,000797,600 + 0.440% of amt. over 40,000,000
From 80,000,001 to 240,000,000973,600 + 0.250% of amt. over 80,000,000
From 240,000,001 to 400,000,0001,373,600 + 0.228% of amt. over 240,000,000
From 400,000,001 to 600,000,0001,738,400 + 0.101% of amt. over 400,000,000
From 600,000,001 to 800,000,0001,940,400 + 0.067% of amt. over 600,000,000
From 800,000,001 to 4,000,000,0002,074,400 + 0.044% of amt. over 800,000,000
Over 4,000,000,0003,482,400 + 0.025% of amt. over 4,000,000,000

Maximum of 12,574,000

6.2    The arbitral tribunal’s fees shall cover the activities of an arbitrator from the time of his or her confirmation or appointment until the last award.

6.3    Claims and counterclaims are added for the determination of the amount in dispute. The same rule applies to any set-off defence or cross-claim, unless
the arbitral tribunal, after consulting with the parties, concludes that such set-off defence or cross-claim will not require significant additional work.

6.4    An interest claim shall not be taken into account for the calculation of the amount in dispute, except where HKIAC determines that doing so would be appropriate.

6.5    Where there are alternative claims, only the principal claim shall be taken into account for the calculation of the amount in dispute, except where HKIAC considers it appropriate to take into account the amount of any alternative claim.

6.6    Pursuant to Articles 10.3(c), 18.2, 27.15, 28.10 or 30.2 or where in the opinion of HKIAC there are exceptional circumstances, the arbitral tribunal’s fees may depart from the amounts calculated in accordance with paragraph 6.1.

6.7 If the amount in dispute is not quantified, the arbitral tribunal's fees shall be fixed by HKIAC, taking into account the circumstances of the case.

7.    Lien on Award
HKIAC and the arbitral tribunal shall have a lien over any awards issued by the arbitral tribunal to secure the payment of their outstanding fees and expenses, and may accordingly refuse to communicate any such awards to the parties until all such fees and expenses have been paid in full, whether jointly or by one or other of the parties.

8.    Governing law
The terms of this Schedule and any non-contractual obligation arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Hong Kong law.

SCHEDULE 4

EMERGENCY ARBITRATOR PROCEDURES

Effective 1 November 2018

1.   A party requiring Emergency Relief may submit an application (the "Application") for the appointment of an emergency arbitrator to HKIAC (a) before, (b) concurrent with, or (c) following the filing of a Notice of Arbitration, but prior to the constitution of the arbitral tribunal.

2.   The Application shall be submitted in accordance with any of the means specified in Articles 3.1 and 3.2 of the Rules. The Application shall include the following information: 

(a) the names and (in so far as known) the addresses, facsimile numbers and/or email addresses of the parties to the Application and of their representatives;

(b) a description of the circumstances giving rise to the Application and of the underlying dispute referred to arbitration;

(c) a statement of the Emergency Relief sought;

(d) the reasons why the applicant needs the Emergency Relief on an urgent basis that cannot await the constitution of an arbitral tribunal;

(e) the reasons why the applicant is entitled to such Emergency Relief;

(f) any relevant agreement and, in particular, the arbitration agreement;

(g) comments on the language, the seat of the Emergency Relief proceedings , and the applicable law;

(h) confirmation of payment of the amount referred to in paragraph 5 of this Schedule (the “Application Deposit”);

(i) the existence of any funding agreement and the identity of any third party funder pursuant to Article 44; and

(j) confirmation that copies of the Application and any supporting materials included with it have been or are being communicated simultaneously to all other parties to the arbitration by one or more means of service to be identified in such confirmation.

3.  The Application may contain such other documents or information as the applicant considers appropriate or as may contribute to the efficient examination of the Application.

4.    If HKIAC determines that it should accept the Application, HKIAC shall seek to appoint an emergency arbitrator within 24 hours after receipt of both the Application and the Application Deposit.

5.   The Application Deposit is the amount set by HKIAC, as stated on HKIAC's website on the date the Application is submitted. The Application Deposit consists of HKIAC's emergency administrative fees and the emergency arbitrator's fees and expenses. The emergency arbitrator's fees shall be determined by reference to his or her hourly rate subject to the terms of Schedule 2 and shall not exceed the amount set by HKIAC, as stated on HKIAC’s website on the date the Application is  submitted unless the parties agree or HKIAC determines otherwise in exceptional circumstances. HKIAC may, at any time during the Emergency Relief proceedings, request additional deposits to cover any increase in the emergency arbitrator's fees or HKIAC's emergency administrative fees, taking into account, inter alia, the nature of the case and the nature and amount of work performed by the emergency arbitrator and HKIAC. If the party which submitted the Application fails to pay the additional deposits within the time limit fixed by HKIAC, the Application shall be dismissed.

6.   Once the emergency arbitrator has been appointed, HKIAC shall communicate the appointment to the parties to the Application and shall communicate the case file to the emergency arbitrator. Thereafter, the parties shall communicate with the emergency arbitrator directly, with a copy to all other parties to the Application and HKIAC. Any written communications from the emergency arbitrator to the parties shall also be copied to HKIAC. 

7.   Article 11 of the Rules shall apply to the emergency arbitrator, except that the time limits set out in Articles 11.7 and 11.9 are shortened to three days. 

8.   Where an emergency arbitrator dies, has been successfully challenged, has been otherwise removed, or has resigned, HKIAC shall seek to appoint a substitute emergency arbitrator within 24 hours. If an emergency arbitrator withdraws or a party agrees to terminate an emergency arbitrator's appointment under paragraph 8 of this Schedule, no acceptance of the validity of any ground referred to in Article 11.6 of the Rules shall be implied. If the emergency arbitrator is replaced, the Emergency Relief proceedings shall resume at the stage where the emergency arbitrator was replaced or ceased to perform his or her functions, unless the substitute emergency arbitrator decides otherwise.

9.   If the parties have agreed on the seat of arbitration, such seat shall be the seat of the Emergency Relief proceedings. Where the parties have not agreed on the seat of arbitration, and without prejudice to the arbitral tribunal's determination of the seat of arbitration pursuant to Article 14.1 of the Rules, the seat of the Emergency Relief proceedings shall be Hong Kong.

10.   Taking into account the urgency inherent in the Emergency Relief proceedings and ensuring that each party has a reasonable opportunity to be heard on the Application, the emergency arbitrator may conduct such proceedings in such a manner as the emergency arbitrator considers appropriate. The emergency arbitrator shall have the power to rule on objections that the emergency arbitrator has no jurisdiction, including any objections with respect to the existence, validity or scope of the arbitration clause or of the separate arbitration agreement, and shall resolve any disputes over the applicability of this Schedule. 

11.    Articles 23.2 to 23.8 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to any Emergency Relief granted by the emergency arbitrator.

12.    Any decision, order or award of the emergency arbitrator on the Application (the "Emergency Decision") shall be made within 14 days from the date on which HKIAC transmitted the case file to the emergency arbitrator. This time limit may be extended by agreement of the parties or, in appropriate circumstances, by HKIAC.

13.    The Emergency Decision may be made even if in the meantime the case file has been transmitted to the arbitral tribunal.

14.    Any Emergency Decision shall:

    1. be made in writing;
       
    2. state the date when it was made and reasons upon which the Emergency Decision is based, which may be in summary form (including a determination on whether the emergency arbitrator has jurisdiction to grant the Emergency Relief); and
       
    3. be signed by the emergency arbitrator.

15.    Any Emergency Decision may fix and apportion the costs of the Emergency Relief proceedings, subject always to the power of the arbitral tribunal to fix and apportion finally such costs in accordance with Article 34 of the Rules. The costs of the Emergency Relief proceedings include HKIAC's emergency administrative fees, the fees and expenses of the emergency arbitrator and any tribunal secretary, and the reasonable legal and other costs incurred by the parties for the Emergency Relief proceedings.

16.    Any Emergency Decision shall have the same effect as an interim measure granted pursuant to Article 23 of the Rules and shall be binding on the parties when rendered.

17.    Any Emergency Decision ceases to be binding:

(a) if the emergency arbitrator or the arbitral tribunal so decides;

(b) upon the arbitral tribunal rendering a final award, unless the arbitral tribunal expressly decides otherwise;

(c) upon the termination of the arbitration before the rendering of a final award; or

(d) if the arbitral tribunal is not constituted within 90 days from the date of the Emergency Decision. This time limit may be extended by agreement of the parties or, in appropriate circumstances, by HKIAC.

18.    Subject to paragraph 13 of this Schedule, the emergency arbitrator shall have no further power to act once the arbitral tribunal is constituted.

19.    The emergency arbitrator may not act as arbitrator in any arbitration relating to the dispute that gave rise to the Application and in respect of which the emergency arbitrator has acted, unless otherwise agreed by the parties to the arbitration.

20.    The Emergency Arbitrator Procedure is not intended to prevent any party from seeking urgent interim or conservatory measures from a competent authority at any time.

21.   The Emergency Arbitrator Procedure shall be terminated if a Notice of Arbitration has not been submitted by the applicant to HKIAC within seven days of HKIAC’s receipt of the Application, unless the emergency arbitrator extends this time limit. 

22.    Where the Emergency Arbitrator Procedure is terminated without an Emergency Decision, the emergency arbitrator may fix and apportion any costs of the Emergency Relief proceedings, subject to the power of the arbitral tribunal to fix and apportion finally such costs in accordance with Article 34 of the Rules.

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