Procedure · Simplified Track
Simplified Procedure
The streamlined procedure for disputes up to USD 1M. Reduced formalities. Sole arbitrator. Award in 60–90 days. Purpose-built for SMEs and lower-value commercial disputes.
60–90
Days to award
USD 950
Registration fee
Sole
Arbitrator
ERR
Included
What is the Simplified Procedure?
The Simplified Procedure is the most streamlined arbitration option under UNIONE™ Rules v3.0, governed by Article 33. It is designed specifically for disputes with a claim value not exceeding USD 1,000,000 - giving SMEs, startups, and parties in smaller commercial disputes access to world-class international arbitration at a fraction of the cost and time of the Standard Procedure.
Under the Simplified Procedure, procedural formalities are reduced by agreement of the parties. There is no mandatory written pleadings schedule; the parties and the sole arbitrator agree a timetable that is appropriate to the complexity of the specific dispute. The ERR is optional - parties may elect to include it by agreement.
SME Access Track - International arbitration for every dispute, at every scale
The Simplified Procedure is the right choice for disputes under USD 1M where cost-efficiency and speed are paramount. The reduced-formality structure means the total institutional cost - including the arbitrator's fees - can be kept to a fraction of the cost of Standard Procedure proceedings. UNIONE™'s Simplified Procedure is specifically designed to make world-class institutional arbitration accessible to SMEs and parties who have previously been priced out of international arbitration.
Procedure - Step by Step
01
Notice of Arbitration Filed
The Claimant files a Notice of Arbitration with the UNIONE™ Secretariat in accordance with Article 5 of the Rules. The Notice must identify the parties, describe the dispute, state the relief sought, and include the arbitration agreement. Electronic filing is valid under Article 4(h).
Day 0
02
Registration & Acknowledgement
UNIONE™ acknowledges receipt within 24 hours and confirms case registration within 3 business days. The Respondent is served with the Notice of Arbitration. The Registration Fee of USD 2,500 is payable at this stage.
Days 1–3
03
Response to Notice of Arbitration
The Respondent files a Response to the Notice of Arbitration within 30 days of receipt, including any Statement of Defence. Any counterclaim must be included in the Response or filed within the same period.
Days 3–33
04
Structured Resolution Stage (Optional)
If the clause includes Stage 2, UNIONE™ offers a 21-day structured resolution window - mediation, neutral evaluation, or expert determination - before the Tribunal is constituted. Participation is without prejudice to the arbitration. This stage can resolve disputes or substantially narrow the issues before full arbitration begins.
Days 33–54 (if elected)
05
Tribunal Constitution
The Tribunal is constituted within 15 days of the Response deadline (or conclusion of the Resolution Stage). For a sole arbitrator, UNIONE™ appoints from the Panel if the parties cannot agree. For a three-member tribunal, each party nominates one arbitrator and UNIONE™ appoints the presiding arbitrator. All appointments are subject to independence and impartiality requirements under Article 15.
By Day 48 (or Day 69 if Stage 2 elected)
06
Case Management Conference
The Tribunal holds a Case Management Conference within 7 days of constitution. The CMC establishes the procedural timetable - written pleadings schedule, document production, expert evidence, and hearing dates. The Tribunal may also explore settlement possibilities at the CMC.
Within 7 days of constitution
07
Written Submissions & Evidence
The parties exchange written pleadings, documentary evidence, witness statements, and expert reports in accordance with the procedural timetable. Document production is governed by Article 27 - requests must be specific and relevant. AI-generated evidence is governed by Article 28.
As per timetable
08
Hearing
The Tribunal holds an oral hearing unless the parties agree on a documents-only procedure. Hearings may be in-person, fully virtual, or hybrid. UNIONE™ Hearing Intelligence tools - real-time transcription, live issue flagging, and session summaries - are available for all UNIONE™ hearings.
As per timetable
09
Enforcement Readiness Review (ERR)
Before the final Award is issued, the Tribunal submits the draft Award to UNIONE™ for the Enforcement Readiness Review under Articles 42–49. The Award Review Committee examines the draft for procedural compliance, award clarity, and enforceability across the identified enforcement jurisdictions. The ERR is completed within 21 days. UNIONE™ may issue Tribunal Observations - the Tribunal considers these before finalising the Award.
Within 21 days of draft submission
10
Final Award & Enforceability Certificate
The Tribunal issues the final Award. The Award is accompanied by the UNIONE™ Enforceability Certificate - rated High, Standard, or Jurisdiction-Specific Considerations - providing jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction enforcement guidance. The Certificate is transmitted to all parties simultaneously with the Award. Total timeline from Notice of Arbitration to Award: 120–180 days under the Standard Procedure.
120–180 days from Notice
Standard vs Other Procedures
| Feature | Standard | Expedited | Simplified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claim Value | Any value | Up to USD 10M recommended | Up to USD 1M |
| Timeline | 120–180 days | 90–120 days | 60–90 days |
| Tribunal | Sole or 3-member | Sole arbitrator only | Sole arbitrator only |
| Hearings | Oral hearings included | Documents-only (default) | Documents-only (default) |
| ERR | Mandatory - all awards | Mandatory - all awards | Optional by agreement |
| Registration Fee | USD 2,500 | USD 1,800 | USD 950 |
| Written Pleadings | Full pleadings schedule | Compressed timetable | Reduced formalities |
Filing Under the Standard Procedure
To commence proceedings under the Standard Procedure, file your Notice of Arbitration via the UNIONE™ online case filing system. If your clause does not specify a procedure, the Standard Procedure applies by default for all disputes not meeting the eligibility thresholds for the Expedited or Simplified Procedures.