Representation in the Arbitration Court at BelCCI
Expert legal representation in the BelCCI Arbitration Court for resolving international commercial disputes.
Contracts concluded by Belarusian resident companies with foreign business partners usually prescribe the procedure for dispute resolution. Instead of resolving the dispute in the economic court, it is possible to agree on the resolution of possible disputes in the International Arbitration Court at the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IAC at the BelCCI). It is a non-profit organization that handles disputes on an ongoing basis. There are special features in the consideration of such disputes, which our experienced lawyers are well familiar with.
When the dispute is considered by the IAC at the BelCCI
The parties to the foreign economic agreement may come to an agreement not to apply to the state economic court in case of a dispute, but to transfer the dispute to the IAC at the BelCCI for resolution. Usually, the parties come to such an agreement when concluding a foreign economic agreement.
Arbitration clause
The agreement on the transfer of disputes from a foreign economic agreement to the IAC at the BelCCI is called an “arbitration agreement”, it is usually fixed in the contract. Such a condition of the contract is called an “arbitration clause”. When there is no arbitration clause in the contract, the arbitration agreement is formulated in an independent dispute settlement agreement with the IAC at the BelCCI.
Features of filing a claim
The IAC at the BelCCI operates on the basis of the regulations that define the requirements for the statement of claim. When a statement of claim does not meet these requirements, it is not accepted for consideration, but is given 6 months to eliminate deficiencies. When there are no corrections at the end of 6 months, the IAC at the BelCCI returns the statement of claim and does not consider the dispute.
Features of the payment for the consideration of the dispute by the IAC at the BelCCI
Dispute resolution at the IAC at BelCCI is subject to an arbitration fee, not a state duty. The fee is set in euros and depends on the claim amount, which must be converted into euros for calculation.
The Amount of the Arbitration Fee
For foreign trade disputes, the minimum arbitration fee is €700 for claims up to €5,000. For non-monetary claims, the IAC Chairman sets the fee, not less than €700. If the case is heard by a sole arbitrator, the fee is reduced by 30%. VAT, as per Belarusian law, is added to the arbitration fee. Upon a justified request, the IAC Chairman may allow the proceedings to start after payment of at least 50% of the fee, with the balance due before the first hearing. The arbitration fee is non-refundable if the claimant withdraws or reduces the claim.
Registration Fee and Costs of the Case
When submitting a claim, a registration fee is paid, counted towards the arbitration fee. Case expenses include arbitrators’ travel, expert fees, and other related costs.
Features of the consideration of the dispute by the IAC at the BelCCI
The dispute is considered, as a rule, in the premises of the IAC at the BelCCI, but another place for consideration of the dispute can be specified. The IAC at the BelCCI is not bound by the norms of the procedural legislation of Belarus.
Arbitrators and their rights
In the IAC at the BelCCI, the dispute is considered by one or three arbitrators, who were chosen by the parties from the list of arbitrators. The parties to a foreign economic agreement may choose an arbitrator and not from the list, but the presiding arbitrator must be an arbitrator from the list. A foreign citizen can be elected as an arbitrator. In this case, the party that elected him must pay an advance payment for the costs associated with the participation of such an arbitrator in the consideration of the case within 10 days from the date of election.
An agreement on a sole arbitrator must be reached within 30 days, otherwise the arbitrator will be appointed by the chairman of the IAC at the BelCCI. The case is handled confidentially.
Features of the consideration of the dispute by the IAC at the BelCCI
A party to the dispute may request the IAC at the BelCCI for interim measures in respect of the subject matter of the dispute. These may be any measures that the party considers necessary. In this case, the arbitrators or the party to the dispute, with their consent, may apply to the Belarusian state court or the same court of a foreign state with a request to secure the claim or evidence.
Features of the IAC solution at the BelCCI
The IAC at the BelCCI considers the case and makes a decision no later than 6 months after the formation of the composition of the arbitrators. The arbitration makes a decision in writing and issues or sends it to the parties within a week. The decision of the IAC is mandatory for the parties. The decision can be enforced in accordance with the norms of international law, and on the territory of the Republic of Belarus – in accordance with the procedure established by the economic procedural legislation of the Republic of Belarus.
It is possible to appeal the decision of the IAC only by sending a petition to the Supreme Economic Court of the Republic of Belarus.
Our Services
Procedure for Representation in Arbitration at the IAC at BelCCI
Advantages of Legal Representation in Arbitration at the IAC at BelCCI
Confidential Proceedings
Arbitration is closed to the public, ensuring that sensitive business information and trade secrets remain protected throughout the dispute resolution process.
Flexible Procedures
Parties can agree on key aspects of the process, such as the language of proceedings, timelines, and even procedural rules, enhancing efficiency and convenience.
Cost Recovery Opportunities
You may claim reimbursement for legal expenses, including attorney’s fees and arbitration-related costs, if awarded by the arbitral tribunal.
Remote Participation
Foreign companies can attend hearings and present arguments online, reducing travel costs and making the process more accessible and efficient.
Multilingual Legal Expertise
Our firm offers expert representation in Russian, English, and Polish—backed by strong client feedback and proven arbitration experience.
Procedural Aspects of Arbitration at the IAC at BelCCI
Appointment of Arbitrators
In most cases, disputes are reviewed by three arbitrators—one chosen by each party, and a third by mutual agreement. Smaller claims may be resolved by a sole arbitrator.
Sole Arbitrator and Simplified Procedure
If the claim amount is small, parties may agree to a single arbitrator. Belarusian residents may benefit from a simplified procedure without oral hearings under certain thresholds.
Default Appointment by IAC Chairman
If either party fails to appoint an arbitrator, the Chairman of the IAC at BelCCI will make the appointment. However, self-nomination fosters trust and control over the process.
Arbitration Fee Payment
To begin proceedings, the claimant must pay the arbitration fee and submit a compliant statement of claim, including the proposed arbitrator. The date of payment marks official submission.
Respondent’s Obligations
The respondent must reply to the claim within a specified timeframe, providing information as required by paragraph 24 of the IAC’s Rules of Procedure.
Choosing a Legal Representative
Parties may be represented by in-house counsel, licensed attorneys, or advocates. Legal monopolies do not apply, but early involvement of a qualified expert helps avoid procedural errors.
Scope of Legal Services
Our arbitration support includes document review, pre-trial settlement, claim and response drafting, and full representation before the IAC at BelCCI in line with your arbitration clause.
Why Us
Extensive Experience
Our lawyers have many years of professional legal background. The lawyers have over two decades of courtroom and arbitration expertise, ensuring reliable representation.
Proven Results
We’ve served lots of clients from various countries and earned positive reviews—confirming the quality and consistency of our legal services.
International Recognition
Our firm has experience in working with international organizations and courts helping companies in different countries.
Successful Case History
Numerous high-value commercial disputes successfully resolved in favor of our clients. We deliver real-world outcomes that speak louder than promises.
We Speak Your Language
Legal services are available in English, Russian, and other languages, making communication easy and precise for international clients.
Flexible Pricing
We offer a tailored approach to pricing—transparent, fair, and based on the complexity and scope of your case.
FAQ
A party in arbitration at the IAC at BelCCI can be represented by an in-house counsel, licensed attorney, or advocate. Belarusian arbitration law does not require bar membership, so even non-advocate legal professionals may act as representatives. It is recommended to engage legal counsel early—for drafting claims, responses, and selecting arbitrators—to avoid procedural errors.
Any legal entity—resident or non-resident—can file a claim, provided there is an arbitration clause in the agreement or a separate arbitration agreement. The IAC at BelCCI accepts cases involving foreign and Belarusian companies, disputes between non-residents, and even disputes between Belarusian entities if arbitration has been contractually agreed upon.
The duration depends on the parties involved. Disputes between Belarusian companies are usually resolved within 2–3 months. Cases involving foreign entities may take longer, especially if additional translation, communication, or procedural steps are required.
Hearings are typically conducted in Russian. If one party doesn’t speak Russian, the tribunal will provide interpretation services. Written evidence can be submitted in the original language, but the tribunal may request a translation into Russian if necessary.
The IAC at BelCCI offers two formats: general and simplified. General proceedings involve full hearings and participation of both parties. Simplified proceedings are conducted in writing without oral hearings—commonly used for lower-value claims or when parties agree to expedite the process.
In Belarus, enforcement of an arbitral award against a resident is carried out through an economic court, which issues a writ for compulsory execution under national law. Internationally, awards are recognized and enforced in most countries under the New York Convention, which provides a standardized mechanism for cross-border enforcement.
Contact us
-
LawyerLegal assistance is provided by advocate Anton Grinewich, Specialized Legal Bar No. 2 in Minsk.
-
E-mail
-
AddressOffice: 1 Krasnaya str., Minsk, Republic of Belarus Postal address: 1 Krasnaya str., Minsk, Republic of Belarus
-
Working hoursMonday-Friday 9:00-19:00
