01
Expedited Commercial Arbitration Rules
Ordinary commercial matters, within a 120 day envelope.
Home/The rules
The rules that run every matter
A complete procedural framework designed to carry a dispute from referral to final award.
The framework at a glance
One body of rules from commencement to award
The Verca framework is not a single timetable or a short set of directions. It is an integrated body of procedural rules dealing with how a matter starts, how the tribunal is constituted, how evidence and interlocutory applications are managed, how hearings are conducted, and how an award is delivered and becomes final.
Five procedural rule sets govern the available tracks. Three sector rule sets add provisions for particular fields without displacing the applicable base rules. Two protocols operate across proceedings so that service and time are dealt with consistently in every matter.
5Procedural rule sets
3Sector overlays
2Procedural protocols
Five procedural rule sets
A defined procedure for each kind of matter
Each track has its own rule set. Together they provide for ordinary and complex commercial disputes, urgent relief and an agreed internal appeal.
02
Complex Commercial Arbitration Rules
High value, legally complex or significant matters, within a 150 day envelope.
03
Appeal Rules
Limited appellate review of an award on the merits, within a 90 day envelope, where the parties have elected it.
04
Interim Interdictory Awards Rules
Urgent interim and preservation relief in support of a pending or intended arbitration.
05
Emergency Ad Hoc Arbitration Rules
A standalone urgent determination for matters that cannot wait.
Three sector overlays
Special provisions without a separate process
The sector rules sit over the Expedited or Complex Commercial Arbitration Rules. The applicable commercial rules remain the procedural foundation, while the overlay addresses the needs of the particular field.
Banking and Recovery Arbitration Rules
A sector overlay for disputes concerning banking, credit and recovery.
Construction Arbitration Rules
A sector overlay for disputes arising from construction and related projects.
Corporate and Insolvency Arbitration Rules
A sector overlay for corporate and insolvency matters capable of arbitration.
Two procedural protocols
The common machinery beneath every rule set
The protocols apply across proceedings. They make the operational rules for service, delivery and the calculation of time consistent whichever track or sector overlay governs the dispute.
Service Protocol
Service, delivery, deemed receipt, publication of awards, custody of security, and the information security and data protection baselines.
Calculation of Time Protocol
How time is computed, and the reference time by which every period is measured.
Authority and version control
Governing legislation and the controlling text
The rules are governed by the Arbitration Act 42 of 1965, and the handling of personal information by the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013.
Once published, the version in force when a proceeding commences will govern that proceeding. The Rule Book will be the controlling instrument where it conflicts with supplementary material.