Simplified Procedure — At a Glance
Timeline60–90 days
Registration FeeUSD 950
TribunalSole arbitrator
ERROptional
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 950 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 21 days of receipt under the Simplified track. Any counterclaim must be included in the Response or filed within the same period.
Days 3–24
04
Structured Resolution Stage (Optional)
If the clause includes Stage 2, UNIONE™ offers a 14-day structured resolution window — mediation, neutral evaluation, or expert determination — before the Tribunal is constituted. Participation is without prejudice to the arbitration.
Days 24–38 (if elected)
05
Tribunal Constitution
The sole arbitrator is appointed within 3 days of the Response deadline. UNIONE™ appoints from the Panel if the parties cannot agree. All appointments are subject to independence and impartiality requirements under Article 15.
By Day 31 (or Day 45 if Stage 2 elected)
06
Case Management Conference
The Tribunal holds a brief Case Management Conference within 3 days of constitution. The CMC establishes a simplified procedural timetable appropriate to the dispute. Reduced formalities apply — the arbitrator has wide discretion to adapt proceedings.
Within 3 days of constitution
07
Written Submissions & Evidence
Parties exchange written submissions and documentary evidence as agreed at the CMC. Under the Simplified Procedure, the arbitrator may limit the number of rounds of submissions and the volume of documents to ensure cost-proportionality.
As per timetable
08
Hearing (if required)
The default is documents-only under the Simplified Procedure. An oral hearing is held only if the Tribunal considers it necessary or the parties agree. Hearings may be fully virtual — UNIONE™ Hearing Intelligence tools are available for all UNIONE™ hearings.
As per timetable (if held)
09
Enforcement Readiness Review (ERR) — Optional
Under the Simplified Procedure, the ERR is optional by agreement of the parties. If elected, the Tribunal submits the draft Award to UNIONE™ for the ERR under Articles 42–49. The ERR is completed within 14 days under the Simplified track.
Within 14 days (if elected)
10
Final Award & Enforceability Certificate
The Tribunal issues the final Award. If the ERR was elected, the Award is accompanied by the UNIONE™ Enforceability Certificate. Total timeline from Notice of Arbitration to Award: 60–90 days under the Simplified Procedure.
60–90 days from Notice
Simplified 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 Simplified Procedure
To commence proceedings under the Simplified Procedure, file your Notice of Arbitration via the UNIONE™ online case filing system and select the Simplified track. The Simplified Procedure applies automatically where the claim value does not exceed USD 1M and the parties have not specified a different procedure. UNIONE™ accepts Notices of Arbitration 24 hours a day, 3 days a week.