The Newly Revised Arbitration Law to Take Effect on March 1, 2026

On September 12, the 17th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress adopted the newly revised Arbitration Law, which will take effect on March 1, 2026.

The new law comprises eight chapters and ninety-six articles, with main provisions as follows: Arbitration proceedings may be conducted online via information networks, with online and offline arbitration having equal legal effect; arbitration institutions may establish business offices outside mainland China, and foreign arbitration institutions may set up business offices and conduct foreign-related arbitration in areas such as free trade zones and Hainan Free Trade Port; the law improves regimes for foreign-related arbitration, arbitration oversight, and court support for arbitration; arbitration institutions are independent of administrative authorities and arbitral awards are final; the law clarifies the qualifications of arbitrators and the validity of arbitration agreements as well as the procedures for arbitration, enforcement, and setting aside of awards.