Procedure · Expedited Track
Expedited Procedure
The fast-track procedure for disputes up to USD 10M. Documents-only by default. Sole arbitrator appointed within 3 days. Award in 90–120 days. Full ERR included.
90–120
Days to award
USD 1,800
Registration fee
Sole
Arbitrator only
ERR
Included
Expedited Procedure — At a Glance
Timeline
90–120 days
Registration Fee
USD 1,800
Tribunal
Sole arbitrator
ERR
Mandatory ✦
What is the Expedited Procedure?
The Expedited Procedure is a fast-track arbitration option under UNIONE™ Rules v3.0, codified in Article 32. It is specifically designed for disputes up to USD 10 million where the parties want a binding award within 90 to 120 days of tribunal constitution, without sacrificing the enforceability protection of the ERR.
Under the Expedited Procedure, proceedings are conducted primarily on a documents-only basis — no oral hearing unless the Tribunal considers one necessary. The Tribunal consists of a sole arbitrator only; three-member tribunal is not available under this track. Arbitrator appointment is accelerated to 3 days from the request.
Recommended for disputes up to USD 10M — speed without sacrificing enforceability
The Expedited Procedure is recommended for disputes up to USD 10M where speed and cost-certainty are the priorities. The documents-only default means no hearing preparation costs or delays. The sole arbitrator appointment takes 3 days — half the Standard Procedure timeline. The ERR is mandatory, ensuring the award is enforceability-reviewed before issuance. For claims under USD 1M, consider the even faster Simplified Procedure.
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 1,800 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.
Days 33–54 (if elected)
05
Tribunal Constitution
The sole arbitrator is appointed within 3 days of the Response deadline (or conclusion of the Resolution Stage). UNIONE™ appoints from the Panel if the parties cannot agree. All appointments are subject to independence and impartiality requirements under Article 15.
By Day 43 (or Day 64 if Stage 2 elected)
06
Case Management Conference
The Tribunal holds a Case Management Conference within 3 days of constitution. The CMC establishes the compressed procedural timetable — written pleadings, document production, expert evidence, and any hearing dates. The Tribunal may also explore settlement possibilities.
Within 3 days of constitution
07
Written Submissions & Evidence
The parties exchange written pleadings, documentary evidence, witness statements, and expert reports in accordance with the compressed procedural timetable. Document production is governed by Article 27. AI-generated evidence is governed by Article 28.
As per timetable
08
Hearing (if required)
The default is documents-only. An oral hearing is held only if the Tribunal considers it necessary or the parties agree. Hearings may be in-person, fully virtual, or hybrid. UNIONE™ Hearing Intelligence tools are available for all UNIONE™ hearings.
As per timetable (if held)
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 Panel examines the draft for procedural compliance, award clarity, and enforceability. The ERR is completed within 21 days.
Within 21 days of draft submission
10
Final Award & Enforceability Certificate
The Tribunal issues the final Award accompanied by the UNIONE™ Enforceability Certificate — rated High, Standard, or Jurisdiction-Specific Considerations — providing jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction enforcement guidance. Total timeline: 90–120 days from Notice of Arbitration.
90–120 days from Notice
Expedited 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 Expedited Procedure
To commence proceedings under the Expedited Procedure, file your Notice of Arbitration via the UNIONE™ online case filing system. If your dispute is up to USD 10M and speed is the priority, select the Expedited track at the time of filing. UNIONE™ accepts Notices of Arbitration 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.