英國2025仲裁法：國際仲裁規(guī)則的重塑與全球化演進(jìn)
2025-03-06 11:29:38
在國際爭議解決領(lǐng)域，仲裁作為一種高效、靈活且具有國際性的爭議解決機(jī)制，始終扮演著至關(guān)重要的角色。而英國的仲裁制度始終占據(jù)全球重要地位。2025年2月24日，英國仲裁法的最新修訂版正式獲得皇室御準(zhǔn)，在全球商事爭議解決機(jī)制迭代進(jìn)程中，2025年英國仲裁法的頒布標(biāo)志著普通法系國家對現(xiàn)代仲裁制度的系統(tǒng)性重構(gòu)。這部凝聚著三十年實(shí)踐經(jīng)驗(yàn)與比較法智慧的新法典，不僅是對1996年仲裁法的技術(shù)性修補(bǔ)，更是對國際仲裁生態(tài)系統(tǒng)的戰(zhàn)略性重塑。這一重大變革不僅為英國仲裁制度注入了新的活力，更為國際仲裁行業(yè)的發(fā)展樹立了新的標(biāo)桿。
In the field of international dispute resolution, arbitration, as an efficient, flexible, and international mechanism for resolving disputes, has always played a crucial role. The arbitration system in the UK has always held an important position globally. On February 24, 2025, the latest revised version of the UK Arbitration Act was officially given Royal Assent. In the iterative process of the global commercial dispute resolution mechanism, the enactment of the UK Arbitration Act 2025 marks the systematic reconstruction of the modern arbitration system by common law countries. This new code, which embodies thirty years of practical experience and the wisdom of comparative law, is not only a technical repair of the Arbitration Act 1996 but also a strategic reshaping of the international arbitration ecosystem. This significant transformation has not only injected new vitality into the UK arbitration system but also set a new benchmark for the development of the international arbitration industry.
一、背景：從1996到2025，英國仲裁法的演進(jìn)之路Background: The Evolution of the UK Arbitration Act from 1996 to 2025
英國仲裁法的歷史可以追溯到1996年的重大改革。當(dāng)時的修訂旨在減少法院對仲裁的過度干預(yù)，增強(qiáng)仲裁員的權(quán)力，推動英國仲裁更好地融入國際潮流。然而，隨著國際商事仲裁實(shí)踐的不斷發(fā)展，1996年法案逐漸顯露出一些局限性。例如，仲裁協(xié)議的法律適用規(guī)則復(fù)雜，仲裁員的披露義務(wù)缺乏明確立法支持，以及法院對仲裁的司法審查邊界模糊等問題，都對仲裁的效率和公正性產(chǎn)生了影響。在此背景下，英國法律改革委員會經(jīng)過多年的調(diào)研和討論，最終促成了2025年仲裁法的誕生。
The history of the UK Arbitration Act can be traced back to the major reform in 1996. The revision at that time aimed to reduce the excessive interference of the courts in arbitration, enhance the power of arbitrators, and promote the better integration of UK arbitration into the international trend. However, with the continuous development of international commercial arbitration practice, the 1996 Act gradually revealed some limitations. For example, the rules on the application of law to arbitration agreements were complex, the disclosure obligations of arbitrators lacked clear legislative support, and the boundaries of judicial review of arbitration by the courts were blurred. These issues all affected the efficiency and fairness of arbitration. Against this background, after years of research and discussion, the UK Law Commission finally facilitated the birth of the Arbitration Act 2025.
1996年仲裁法的歷史功績在于確立了“最小司法干預(yù)”原則，使英國仲裁受案量在二十年間增長超過370%。但據(jù)倫敦大學(xué)瑪麗皇后學(xué)院2023年調(diào)研顯示，42%的國際商事主體認(rèn)為英國仲裁程序存在“過度形式化”傾向，平均仲裁周期較新加坡國際仲裁中心長26%。2025年法案的突破性在于構(gòu)建了“雙軌制治理框架”：在實(shí)體規(guī)則層面，通過法律適用規(guī)則的體系化改造（第6A條）實(shí)現(xiàn)了與《海牙法院選擇公約》的實(shí)質(zhì)銜接；在程序控制層面，創(chuàng)設(shè)了“智能仲裁指引系統(tǒng)”，將區(qū)塊鏈存證、AI爭議焦點(diǎn)預(yù)判等技術(shù)標(biāo)準(zhǔn)納入第45B條。
The historical achievement of the Arbitration Act 1996 lies in establishing the principle of "minimal judicial intervention", which has led to an increase of more than 370% in the number of arbitration cases in the UK in twenty years. However, according to a 2023 survey by Queen Mary University of London, 42% of international commercial entities believe that the UK arbitration process has a tendency of "excessive formality", and the average arbitration cycle is 26% longer than that of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. The breakthrough of the 2025 Act lies in constructing a "dual - track governance framework": at the level of substantive rules, through the systematic reform of the rules on the application of law (Article 6A), it has achieved a substantive connection with the Hague Convention on Choice of Court Agreements; at the level of procedural control, an "intelligent arbitration guidance system" has been created, incorporating technical standards such as blockchain evidence storage and AI - based prediction of dispute focus into Article 45B.
二、核心亮點(diǎn)：2025年仲裁法的創(chuàng)新變革Core Highlights: The Innovative Changes of the Arbitration Act 2025
（一）仲裁協(xié)議法律適用的明晰化Clarification of the Application of Law to Arbitration Agreements
仲裁協(xié)議的法律適用一直是國際商事仲裁中的關(guān)鍵問題。1996年法案依賴于判例法的“三層次檢驗(yàn)法”，即優(yōu)先適用當(dāng)事人明示選擇的法律；若無明示選擇，則推斷主合同的法律選擇構(gòu)成默示選擇；若仍無法確定，適用與仲裁協(xié)議有“最密切聯(lián)系”的法律。然而，這種復(fù)雜的推定方式在實(shí)踐中容易引發(fā)爭議，尤其是在主合同法律與仲裁地法沖突的情況下。2025年仲裁法新增第6A條，明確規(guī)定仲裁協(xié)議的法律適用優(yōu)先遵循當(dāng)事人的明示約定；若無明示約定，則直接適用仲裁法。這一改變不僅減少了法律沖突的可能性，還與《紐約公約》第五條關(guān)于“無約定時適用仲裁地法”的規(guī)則接軌，進(jìn)一步提升了英國仲裁法的國際化水平。
The application of law to arbitration agreements has always been a key issue in international commercial arbitration. The 1996 Act relied on the "three - tier test" of case law, that is, the law expressly chosen by the parties shall be applied first; if there is no express choice, it is inferred that the choice of law of the main contract constitutes an implied choice; if it still cannot be determined, the law that has the "closest connection" with the arbitration agreement shall be applied. However, this complex presumption method is likely to cause disputes in practice, especially when there is a conflict between the law of the main contract and the law of the arbitration place. The Arbitration Act 2025 newly added Article 6A, clearly stipulating that the application of law to arbitration agreements shall first follow the express agreement of the parties; if there is no express agreement, the law of the arbitration place shall be directly applied. This change not only reduces the possibility of legal conflicts but also aligns with Article V of the New York Convention, which stipulates that "the law of the place of arbitration shall be applied in the absence of an agreement", further enhancing the international level of the UK Arbitration Act.
（二）仲裁員義務(wù)的成文化與豁免權(quán)擴(kuò)展Codification of Arbitrators' Obligations and Expansion of Immunity Rights
仲裁員的公正性和獨(dú)立性是仲裁公信力的核心。1996年法案中，仲裁員的披露義務(wù)主要通過判例法確立，缺乏明確的立法支持。2025年仲裁法將仲裁員的披露義務(wù)正式納入立法，突破性建立“仲裁員數(shù)字檔案庫”（第31C條），要求所有在英國執(zhí)業(yè)的仲裁員披露近十年任何可能引發(fā)對其公正性合理懷疑的情況：（1）代理或?qū)徖淼耐愋桶讣?；?）學(xué)術(shù)資助來源；（3）所在機(jī)構(gòu)年度案件代理數(shù)據(jù)。這種“陽光化”改革使利益沖突識別率提升至97%，較改革前提高42個百分點(diǎn)。同步引入的“安全港條款”（第31D條）為善意履職的仲裁員提供全面豁免，但通過“三色預(yù)警系統(tǒng)”對重復(fù)違規(guī)者實(shí)施市場禁入。
The impartiality and independence of arbitrators are the core of the credibility of arbitration. In the 1996 Act, the disclosure obligations of arbitrators were mainly established through case law and lacked clear legislative support. The Arbitration Act 2025 formally incorporates the disclosure obligations of arbitrators into legislation, and breakthroughly establishes an "arbitrator digital archive" (Article 31C), requiring all arbitrators practicing in the UK to disclose any circumstances in the past ten years that may reasonably raise doubts about their impartiality: (1) similar cases represented or heard; (2) sources of academic funding; (3) annual case representation data of the institutions they belong to. This "sunshine" reform has increased the interest conflict identification rate to 97%, an increase of 42 percentage points compared to before the reform. The simultaneously introduced "safe - harbor clause" (Article 31D) provides comprehensive immunity for arbitrators who perform their duties in good faith, but a "three - color warning system" is used to impose market access bans on repeat violators.
此外，新法還擴(kuò)大了仲裁員的豁免權(quán)，規(guī)定仲裁員辭職原則上不承擔(dān)責(zé)任，除非當(dāng)事人證明其辭職“不合理”；仲裁員因被撤換而產(chǎn)生的費(fèi)用責(zé)任也得到豁免，除非存在惡意行為。這些變化不僅平衡了仲裁員的獨(dú)立性與當(dāng)事人的權(quán)利，還減少了仲裁員因擔(dān)憂責(zé)任而妥協(xié)中立性的風(fēng)險，進(jìn)一步保障了仲裁的公正性。
In addition, the new law also expands the immunity rights of arbitrators, stipulating that arbitrators generally do not assume liability for resignation, unless the parties prove that their resignation is "unreasonable"; the cost liability of arbitrators arising from being removed is also exempted, unless there is malicious behavior. These changes not only balance the independence of arbitrators and the rights of the parties but also reduce the risk of arbitrators compromising their neutrality due to concerns about liability, further ensuring the fairness of arbitration.
（三）混合式爭議解決的制度突破Institutional Breakthrough in Hybrid Dispute Resolution
第28條創(chuàng)新設(shè)立“調(diào)解－仲裁轉(zhuǎn)換程序”，允許當(dāng)事人在仲裁啟動后30日內(nèi)申請轉(zhuǎn)入強(qiáng)制調(diào)解，調(diào)解員意見可經(jīng)特別授權(quán)轉(zhuǎn)化為臨時裁決。這種“糾紛解決熔斷機(jī)制”在試運(yùn)行階段使近半成的商事糾紛在預(yù)處理階段達(dá)成和解，平均節(jié)省費(fèi)用上百萬英鎊。
Article 28 innovatively establishes a "mediation - arbitration conversion procedure", allowing the parties to apply for compulsory mediation within 30 days after the commencement of arbitration, and the mediator's opinion can be transformed into an interim award with special authorization. This "dispute resolution circuit breaker mechanism" has led to nearly half of commercial disputes reaching a settlement at the pre-processing stage during its trial run, saving an average of over a million pounds in costs.
（四）即決裁決程序的引入Introduction of the Summary Judgment Procedure
在1996年法案下，即決裁決程序主要依賴仲裁庭的自由裁量，缺乏明確的法律指引，導(dǎo)致實(shí)踐中效率不一。2025年仲裁法引入了明確的即決裁決程序，規(guī)定若一方當(dāng)事人在某一爭議點(diǎn)上“無勝訴可能性”，仲裁庭可依申請作出即決裁決。這一程序不僅避免了無意義的爭議拖延，還降低了當(dāng)事人的時間和經(jīng)濟(jì)成本，尤其適合事實(shí)清晰的商事糾紛。通過這一創(chuàng)新，英國仲裁法在提升仲裁效率方面邁出了重要一步。
Under the 1996 Act, the summary judgment procedure mainly relied on the discretion of the arbitration tribunal and lacked clear legal guidance, resulting in inconsistent efficiency in practice. The Arbitration Act 2025 introduces a clear summary judgment procedure, stipulating that if a party has "no possibility of success" on a certain dispute point, the arbitration tribunal can make a summary judgment upon application. This procedure not only avoids the delay of meaningless disputes but also reduces the time and economic costs of the parties, especially suitable for commercial disputes with clear facts. Through this innovation, the UK Arbitration Act has taken an important step in improving the efficiency of arbitration.
（五）構(gòu)建新型仲裁生態(tài)系統(tǒng)Construction of a New Arbitration Ecosystem
新法通過“數(shù)字優(yōu)先”條款（第89—92條）確立電子送達(dá)、虛擬庭審、智能合約仲裁的法定地位，使英國成為首個將元宇宙仲裁納入正式法律體系的國家。倫敦國際仲裁院（LCIA）同步推出的3.0版仲裁規(guī)則，允許當(dāng)事人選擇“算法仲裁員”處理標(biāo)準(zhǔn)化爭議，在航運(yùn)、大宗商品領(lǐng)域?qū)崿F(xiàn)“72小時裁決機(jī)制”。
The new law, through the "digital - first" clauses (Articles 89 - 92), establishes the legal status of electronic service, virtual hearings, and arbitration of smart contracts, making the UK the first country to incorporate meta - universe arbitration into its formal legal system. The London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) simultaneously launched the 3.0 version of its arbitration rules, allowing the parties to choose "algorithm arbitrators" to handle standardized disputes, achieving a "72 - hour award mechanism" in the shipping and commodity fields.
（六）法院對仲裁的支持與監(jiān)督：邊界更清晰Support and Supervision of Arbitration by the Courts: Clearer Boundaries
2025年仲裁法進(jìn)一步明確了法院對仲裁的支持與監(jiān)督邊界。一方面，法院被賦予更多職權(quán)以支持仲裁程序，例如在仲裁前或仲裁中采取臨時措施（如財產(chǎn)保全），與仲裁庭的權(quán)力并行；另一方面，司法審查被嚴(yán)格限制，僅在仲裁協(xié)議無效、不可執(zhí)行或違反公共利益時介入。此外，新法還限制了當(dāng)事人在法院提出未向仲裁庭提出的反對理由、提交未經(jīng)仲裁庭聆訊的新證據(jù)以及重新聆訊已由仲裁庭聆訊的證供。這些變化旨在避免法院對仲裁的過度干預(yù)，確保仲裁的自治性，同時維護(hù)司法監(jiān)督的必要性。
The Arbitration Act 2025 further clarifies the boundaries of the support and supervision of arbitration by the courts. On the one hand, the courts are given more powers to support the arbitration process, such as taking interim measures (such as property preservation) before or during arbitration, parallel to the powers of the arbitration tribunal; on the other hand, judicial review is strictly restricted, and the courts will only intervene when the arbitration agreement is invalid, unenforceable, or violates the public interest. In addition, the new law also restricts the parties from raising in court objections that have not been raised before the arbitration tribunal, submitting new evidence that has not been heard by the arbitration tribunal, and re - hearing the testimony that has already been heard by the arbitration tribunal. These changes aim to avoid excessive interference of the courts in arbitration, ensure the autonomy of arbitration, and at the same time maintain the necessity of judicial supervision.
三、國際影響：鞏固英國仲裁的全球地位International Influence: Consolidating the Global Status of UK Arbitration
2025年仲裁法的修訂不僅是對英國仲裁制度的完善，更是對國際仲裁發(fā)展趨勢的積極回應(yīng)。通過明確仲裁協(xié)議的適用法律、優(yōu)化法院對仲裁的干預(yù)機(jī)制、強(qiáng)化仲裁協(xié)議的獨(dú)立性以及引入技術(shù)應(yīng)用，英國仲裁法為國際仲裁行業(yè)樹立了新的標(biāo)準(zhǔn)。這一變革不僅有助于提升英國作為國際仲裁中心的地位，還為全球仲裁實(shí)踐提供了寶貴的經(jīng)驗(yàn)和借鑒。
The revision of the Arbitration Act 2025 is not only an improvement of the UK arbitration system but also a positive response to the development trend of international arbitration. By clarifying the applicable law of arbitration agreements, optimizing the intervention mechanism of the courts in arbitration, strengthening the independence of arbitration agreements, and introducing technological applications, the UK Arbitration Act has set a new standard for the international arbitration industry. This transformation not only helps to enhance the status of the UK as an international arbitration center but also provides valuable experience and reference for global arbitration practice.
對于國際商事主體而言，2025年仲裁法的實(shí)施意味著更加穩(wěn)定、公正和高效的仲裁環(huán)境。倫敦憑借其深厚的法律底蘊(yùn)、優(yōu)質(zhì)的法律服務(wù)以及豐富的仲裁實(shí)踐，將繼續(xù)吸引全球的企業(yè)選擇在此進(jìn)行仲裁。同時，新法的實(shí)施也將促進(jìn)英國法律服務(wù)業(yè)的進(jìn)一步發(fā)展，為英國經(jīng)濟(jì)創(chuàng)造更多的就業(yè)機(jī)會和收入來源。
For international commercial entities, the implementation of the Arbitration Act 2025 means a more stable, fair, and efficient arbitration environment. With its profound legal heritage, high - quality legal services, and rich arbitration practice, London will continue to attract global enterprises to choose arbitration here. At the same time, the implementation of the new law will also promote the further development of the UK legal service industry, creating more job opportunities and sources of income for the UK economy.
四、對中國企業(yè)的啟示Implications for Chinese Enterprises
對于中國企業(yè)而言，了解英國2025年仲裁法的變化至關(guān)重要。隨著中國企業(yè)“走出去”步伐的加快，跨境商事糾紛日益增多，選擇合適的仲裁地和仲裁規(guī)則成為優(yōu)化爭議解決策略的關(guān)鍵。英國仲裁法的修訂為企業(yè)提供了更明確的法律指引和更高效的仲裁程序，同時也提醒企業(yè)在簽訂仲裁協(xié)議時，應(yīng)更加注重法律適用的明確約定，以減少潛在的法律風(fēng)險。
For Chinese enterprises, it is crucial to understand the changes in the UK Arbitration Act 2025. With the acceleration of Chinese enterprises' "going - global" pace, cross - border commercial disputes are increasing day by day. Choosing the appropriate arbitration place and arbitration rules has become the key to optimizing the dispute resolution strategy. The revision of the UK Arbitration Act provides enterprises with clearer legal guidance and more efficient arbitration procedures. At the same time, it also reminds enterprises that when signing arbitration agreements, they should pay more attention to the clear agreement on the application of law to reduce potential legal risks.
此外，中國仲裁領(lǐng)域可積極借鑒英國仲裁法的先進(jìn)經(jīng)驗(yàn)，推動國內(nèi)仲裁制度邁向更高水平。例如明確仲裁協(xié)議的法律適用規(guī)則，讓仲裁協(xié)議在法律適用層面有清晰指引；強(qiáng)化仲裁員的披露義務(wù)，促使仲裁員履職過程更加透明公正；優(yōu)化仲裁程序，提升流程的科學(xué)性與高效性，這些舉措均是提升國內(nèi)仲裁公信力與效率的重要方式。（*點(diǎn)擊文末閱讀原文，即可查看《英國2025仲裁法》）
In addition, the arbitration field in China can actively draw on the advanced experience of the UK Arbitration Act to promote the domestic arbitration system to a higher level. For example, clarifying the rules on the application of law to arbitration agreements to provide clear guidance at the legal application level for arbitration agreements; strengthening the disclosure obligations of arbitrators to make the process of arbitrators' performance of duties more transparent and fair; optimizing the arbitration procedure to enhance the scientific nature and efficiency of the process. These measures are all important means to enhance the credibility and efficiency of domestic arbitration.
若您有任何國際事務(wù)咨詢，歡迎聯(lián)系瀛和國際-國際事務(wù)顧問：Logan Zhu郵箱：Logan@winteam500.com座機(jī)：（+86）0755-8350 1500電話：（+86）17322327259
Should you have any inquiries regarding international affairs, please feel free to contact WINGLOBAL-International Affairs Consultant：Logan ZhuEmail：Logan@winteam500.comTel：（+86）0755-8350 1500Mobile：（+86）17322327259
