Part I Commentary on the ICDR International Rules, 10 Article 10—Notices
This chapter looks at Article 10 of the ICDR Rules. Both the arbitral tribunal and the parties to an arbitration must communicate in an effective and pre-agreed manner to ensure the smooth conduct of arbitral proceedings. Article 10(1) addresses the practicalities regarding notification of all communications between the parties. Notably, it addresses the variety of forms of modern communication, paying particular attention to forms of electronic communication. Likewise, Article 10(1) is drafted in sufficiently broad terminology that permits the parties and the tribunal to communicate in a variety of ways. Meanwhile, Article 10(2) provides the framework for calculating periods of time and time limits under the Rules. By specifically defining when notice periods begin to run, and anticipating holiday and other interruptions, Article 10(2) pre-empts possible dilatory tactics and sets the parties’ expectations for prompt notification, service of documents, and other communications that are essential to the timely and effective functioning of an arbitration.