Notice of Arbitration under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules

Proceedings under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules are initiated by a notice of arbitration.  The claimant shall serve this notice on the respondent, which must generally contain the following information:

(a)    A demand that the dispute be referred to arbitration;
(b)    The names and contact details of the parties;
(c)    Identification of the arbitration agreement that is invoked;
(d)    Identification of any contract or other legal instrument out of or in relation to which the dispute arises or, in the absence of such contract or instrument, a brief description of the relevant relationship;
(e)    A brief description of the claim and an indication of the amount involved, if any;
(f)    The relief or remedy sought;
(g)    A proposal as to the number of arbitrators, language and place of arbitration, if the parties have not previously agreed thereon. 

The notice of arbitration may also include:

(a)    A proposal to designate the Secretary-General of ICSID as the appointing authority and/or for ICSID to administer the proceeding;
(b)    A proposal for the appointment of a sole arbitrator; and
(c)    Notification of the appointment of an arbitrator.

The respondent may communicate a response to the notice of arbitration to the claimant, which may include:

(a)    The name and contact details of the respondent; 
(b)    A response to the information set forth in the notice of arbitration. 

The response to the notice of arbitration may also include:

(a)    Any plea that an arbitral tribunal to be constituted under these Rules lacks jurisdiction;
(b)    A response to or proposal to designate the Secretary-General of ICSID as the appointing authority and/or for ICSID to administer the proceeding;
(c)    A proposal for the appointment of a sole arbitrator;
(d)    Notification of the appointment of an arbitrator;
(e)    A brief description of counterclaims or claims for the purpose of a set-off, if any, including where relevant, an indication of the amounts involved, and the relief or remedy sought;
(f)    A notice of arbitration in accordance with Article 3 of the 2013 UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules in case the respondent formulates a claim against a party to the arbitration agreement other than the claimant.

All these documents exchanged between the parties shall be transmitted to ICSID in electronic form either at the time of transmission to the other party, if ICSID administration services have been retained by then, or shortly thereafter.