Arbitration hearings

Four weeks before the hearing, the parties confirm the list of witnesses and experts, submit their pleading documents and test the equipment. A preparatory meeting sets speaking time, the order of address and the arrangements for examination.

Interpreters are booked through the Registry. Documents to be projected are sent in advance to the tribunal and the opposing party. New documents are admitted only with the tribunal's authorisation.

The hearing begins with a statement by the claimant, then by the respondent. Next come the hearing of fact witnesses, that of experts and questions from the arbitrators. The parties conclude with a closing argument. A transcript is made by a stenographer or a recording system.

The president directs the debates, ensures that speaking time is respected and may interrupt to clarify a point. Witnesses take an oath or undertake to tell the truth.

Videoconferencing uses a secure platform, with a waiting room, encryption and access limited to registered persons. Recording is allowed only with the agreement of all parties. Participants must be in an isolated room and confirm that they are not being assisted without others' knowledge.

Hearings are held in camera. Only persons registered on the file may attend. Brief minutes are drawn up and signed by the president.

The arbitrators may request supplementary written observations within a short time. Once the debates are closed, they deliberate in private, generally by videoconference, then draft the award. A draft is discussed among the three arbitrators before signature.

The parties receive the award through the Desk. The Registry invites them to fill in a satisfaction questionnaire, the results of which feed into the quality committee.