Arbitration costs

The registration fee of €1,500 is paid on filing the request and is not refundable. Administrative costs and fees are calculated as a percentage of the amount in dispute, with a rate decreasing by band: for example 6.8% up to €100,000, 3.4% from €100,000 to €1 million, 1.2% beyond.

A special scale applies to the expedited procedure and to mediation. An online simulator gives an instant estimate from the amount and the number of arbitrators.

After the tribunal is constituted, the Registry fixes an advance on costs, shared equally between claimant and respondent. If one does not pay, the other may pay its share so that the procedure continues. The sums paid are then allocated in the award.

Payment is made by transfer or card, in euros. For parties established outside the euro zone, conversion is offered at the day's rate.

The award decides who bears the costs, taking account of the result and the parties' conduct. The losing party in principle bears most, but the tribunal may allocate them differently if equity requires.

Funding assistance is aimed at individuals and small businesses with limited resources. It may cover up to half the tribunal's costs, according to an income scale. The application is examined by the Registry in five days.

Several choices reduce expense: opting for a sole arbitrator, accepting the expedited procedure, limiting oneself to one exchange of briefs and a short hearing, using videoconferencing, sharing expert costs. Mediation, when successful, costs less than ten percent of a full arbitration.

The parties may also agree on a procedure on documents, without a hearing, if the dispute rests mainly on documents.