《關於新冠肺炎疫情期間積極穩妥推進仲裁程序指引（試行）》發佈

為有效應對新冠肺炎疫情影響，積極穩妥推進仲裁程序，保障當事人合法權益，維護社會公平正義，貿仲於2020年4月28日發佈《關於新冠肺炎疫情期間積極穩妥推進仲裁程序指引（試行）》（以下簡稱“指引”），自2020年5月1日起施行，疫情結束後廢止。

指引明確，在疫情期間，仲裁庭仍然負有公正高效推進仲裁程序的義務，當事人依然負有誠信參與仲裁程序的義務，該義務並不因疫情而有所改變。依據貿仲《仲裁規則》的規定，仲裁庭有權根據案件具體情況，採取適當的方式方法高效推進仲裁程序，但應確保公平和公正行事，給予雙方當事人陳述與辯論的合理機會。

指引針對受疫情影響仲裁程序進行的主要問題進行引導，建議通過在線立案、電子送達、書面審理、庭前會議、在線開庭、部分裁決等技術和手段的運用，最大限度地減少疫情影響，積極穩妥推進仲裁程序。例如，建議當事人及其仲裁代理人優先通過貿仲在線立案系統(http://online.cietac.org/)提交立案申請，也可以通過郵寄及非接觸方式提交立案申請；在仲裁程序進行的任何階段，鼓勵當事人就以電子郵件方式提交和接收仲裁文件達成一致；根據案情需要，仲裁庭可以採取發佈程序令、製作審理範圍書、召開電話或者視頻庭前會議等措施進行仲裁程序；在線開庭是一種具體的開庭方式，符合貿仲《仲裁規則》的規定，對於需開庭審理的案件，建議仲裁庭優先考慮在線開庭的可行性，可以選擇（“中國國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會智慧庭審平臺”

https://kt.cietac.org/portal/main/domain/index.htm）在線開庭；建議仲裁庭通過電話會議、視頻會議等非接觸方式及時合議；建議仲裁庭加大調解工作力度，促進當事人協商和解、共渡難關；審理終結的案件，仲裁庭應儘快製作仲裁裁決，不具備作出最終裁決條件但當事人某些請求事項可以先行裁決的，建議仲裁庭根據貿仲《仲裁規則》的規定考慮作出部分裁決的可行性等。

疫情期間，貿仲將積極配合仲裁庭高效推進仲裁程序，依法保護當事人正當合法權益，努力提供優質高效的仲裁服務，為疫情防控提供有力保障。

詳情請參閱《中國國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會關於新冠肺炎疫情期間積極穩妥推進仲裁程序指引（試行）》。

貿仲發佈《關於新冠肺炎疫情期間積極穩妥推進仲裁程序指引（試行）》

為有效防控新冠肺炎疫情，積極穩妥推進仲裁程序，保障當事人合法權益，維護社會公平正義，中國國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會（簡稱“貿仲”）於2020年4月28日發佈《關於新冠肺炎疫情期間積極穩妥推進仲裁程序指引（試行）》，自2020年5月1日起施行，疫情結束後廢止。

中國國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會

2020年4月28日

中國國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會關於新冠

肺炎疫情期間積極穩妥推進仲裁程序指引（試行）

為有效應對新冠肺炎疫情影響，依法積極穩妥推進仲裁程序，保障當事人合法權益，維護社會公平正義,結合仲裁實踐經驗,制定本指引。

一、基本原則

1.仲裁庭應公正高效推進仲裁程序。根據《中國國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會仲裁規則》（以下簡稱“《仲裁規則》”）》有關規定，仲裁庭負有高效推進仲裁程序的義務，該等義務並不因新冠肺炎疫情影響而改變。根據《仲裁規則》第35條，仲裁庭享有廣泛的權限積極推進仲裁程序,可以按照其認為適當的方式審理案件。在採取相關措施時，仲裁庭應公平和公正行事，給予雙方當事人陳述與辯論的合理機會，保證仲裁裁決的可執行性。

2.當事人應誠信參與仲裁程序。根據《仲裁規則》第9條，當事人及其仲裁代理人應遵循誠信原則，進行仲裁程序，儘量減少新冠肺炎疫情對仲裁程序的影響，而不應濫用權利，以新冠肺炎疫情為由謀求不合理、不正當的程序權利，故意拖延甚至惡意阻礙仲裁程序的進行。當事人確因新冠肺炎疫情影響不能及時行使仲裁權利的，依照法律法規和《仲裁規則》辦理。

二、具體措施

1.關於立案。建議當事人及其仲裁代理人優先通過中國國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會（以下簡稱“貿仲”）在線立案系統(http://online.cietac.org/)提交立案申請，也可以通過郵寄及非接觸方式提交立案申請。貿仲總會及分會（中心）辦公場所恢復對外開放後，在符合防疫要求的前提下，可現場接受當事人立案申請。

2.關於文件送達。為提高仲裁文件送達效率，建議當事人協議以電子郵件方式提交和接收仲裁文件。在發送仲裁通知時，貿仲總會和分會(中心)仲裁院就以電子郵件方式提交、接收和送達仲裁文件徵求雙方當事人意見的，建議當事人予以積極考慮。在仲裁程序進行的任何階段，鼓勵當事人就以電子郵件方式提交和接收仲裁文件達成一致。

3.關於程序令、問題單、審理範圍書、庭前會議等。根據《仲裁規則》第35條，除非當事人另有約定，根據案情需要，仲裁庭可以採取以下一種或者幾種措施進行仲裁程序：（1）經徵求當事人意見後，就仲裁案件程序安排發佈程序令，採取有針對性的措施減少新冠肺炎疫情對仲裁程序造成的影響；（2）製作審理範圍書，儘早整理、歸納爭議焦點，明確審理重點，引導當事人有效進行仲裁程序；仲裁庭也可以發出問題單就某些事實和法律問題進行調查，要求雙方當事人給予答覆並提交證據；（3）召開電話或者視頻庭前會議，為正式開庭做好準備，提高庭審的質量和效率。

4.關於鑑定。建議當事人考慮申請鑑定的必要性，仲裁庭應綜合考慮鑑定是否具有不可替代性、鑑定的時間成本和經濟成本、鑑定程序對仲裁程序的影響、新冠肺炎疫情期間鑑定工作能否順利開展等因素審慎決定。當事人應根據仲裁庭的要求積極配合鑑定工作的開展。鑑定人參加開庭審理的，優先考慮採取視頻等非接觸形式。

5.關於書面審理。

——關於適用簡易程序案件。根據《仲裁規則》第60條，在徵求當事人意見後，仲裁庭可以決定只依據當事人提交的書面材料和證據進行審理。建議仲裁庭主動考慮採取書面審理的可行性，並就此徵求雙方當事人的意見。

——關於適用普通程序案件。根據《仲裁規則》第35條，仲裁庭應當開庭審理。但是，對於事實清楚、證據材料簡單的案件，建議仲裁庭主動徵求雙方當事人意見，在徵得雙方當事人同意後，依據書面文件進行審理。

6.關於開庭審理。

——在線開庭是一種具體的開庭方式，符合仲裁規則的規定。在新冠肺炎疫情期間，開庭審理的案件，建議仲裁庭優先考慮在線開庭的可行性。

——決定在線開庭時，仲裁庭應綜合考慮雙方當事人的意見、案件的複雜程度、證據材料的多少、是否有證人出庭、當事人不同意在線開庭的理由是否正當、參加開庭人員獲得在線開庭服務的便捷性和平等性等因素作出決定。在線開庭的，仲裁庭應當充分保護當事人的程序權利，給予雙方當事人陳述與辯論的合理機會，確保平等對待雙方當事人，確保仲裁裁決根據所適用的仲裁程序法具有可執行性。當事人及其仲裁代理人、其他參加開庭人員參加在線開庭，應當遵守《中國國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會視頻庭審規範（試行）》（見附件）等要求。

——仲裁庭在徵求雙方當事人意見後，可根據案件具體情形決定採用下述在線開庭方式：（1）仲裁員、當事人及其仲裁代理人、其他參加開庭人員位於我國內地不同地點的，可以通過“中國國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會智慧庭審平臺”（https://kt.cietac.org/portal/main/domain/index.htm）進行在線開庭；（2）仲裁員、當事人及其仲裁代理人、其他參加開庭人員位於不同司法管轄區域，或者庭審語言為中文以外語言的，也可以通過當事人同意並經貿仲總會或分會（中心）認可的其他遠程視頻系統在線開庭；（3）在貿仲總會和分會(中心)辦公場所恢復對外開放後，仲裁員、當事人及其仲裁代理人、其他參加開庭人員分處總會和分會(中心)所在地的，可以就近在總會和分會（中心）辦公場所通過在線方式開庭；（4）仲裁員、當事人及其仲裁代理人、其他參加開庭人員位於不同司法管轄區域的，也可以通過貿仲與境外仲裁機構合作平臺進行開庭（貿仲與世界主要仲裁機構之間簽訂合作協議，就相互協助開庭作出了安排。如有需要,請與案件經辦秘書聯繫）。

——總會及分會（中心）辦公場所恢復對外開放後，在符合防疫要求的前提下，可以線下開庭。

——無論是在線開庭還是線下開庭，建議當事人在保障自身應有權利的前提下，儘量減少參加開庭人員的人數，減少不必要的證人出庭。

7.關於仲裁庭合議。根據《仲裁規則》第35條，仲裁庭可以按其認為適當的方式進行合議。不能當面合議的，建議仲裁庭通過電話會議、視頻會議等非接觸方式及時合議。

8.關於調解。為降低當事人解決爭議的成本，維護當事人之間的良好合作關係，仲裁庭應加強調解工作，積極引導當事人協商和解、共渡難關。正式開庭有困難的，在當事人自願的基礎上，仲裁庭可以主持召開調解庭特別是在線調解庭，促進當事人和解。

9.關於仲裁裁決。審理終結的案件，仲裁庭應克服新冠肺炎疫情的影響，儘快製作仲裁裁決。不具備作出最終裁決條件但當事人某些請求事項可以先行裁決的，建議仲裁庭根據《仲裁規則》第50條考慮作出部分裁決的可行性。

三、其他

上述建議並非窮盡性的。仲裁庭有權根據案件具體情況，採取其他適當的方式方法高效推進仲裁程序，但應確保公平和公正行事，給予雙方當事人陳述與辯論的合理機會。

貿仲積極配合仲裁庭高效推進仲裁程序，為仲裁庭、當事人、代理人及其他仲裁參與人參與仲裁程序提供服務和保障。貿仲將視新冠肺炎疫情發展情況，在有關法律法規允許的範圍內,根據有關部門的要求，盡最大可能，逐步有序恢復開放總會及分會（中心）對外辦公場所，儘快提供現場諮詢、現場立案、現場開庭等服務。

本指引不構成《仲裁規則》的一部分。

本指引由貿仲負責解釋。

本指引自2020年5月1日起施行,新冠肺炎疫情結束後廢止。

附件：《中國國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會視頻庭審規範（試行）》

中國國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會

視頻庭審規範（試行）

為保障案件當事人正當權利，規範視頻庭審活動，維護庭審秩序，提高裁判效率，根據《中華人民共和國仲裁法》等相關法律規定，以及中國國際經濟貿易仲裁委員會（以下簡稱“仲裁委員會”）現行仲裁規則，現將視頻庭審有關事項規範如下：

第一條 視頻庭審嚴格保密。禁止未經當事人授權或仲裁庭准許的非案件當事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁參與人參加視頻庭審。

專用賬號和密碼是當事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁參與人參與庭審的身份標識。當事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁參與人應使用自己的專用賬號參加視頻庭審並妥善保管專用賬號和密碼，不得授意他人使用其專用賬號和密碼冒充本人參加庭審。他人不得冒充當事人、仲裁代理人或者其他仲裁參與人參加庭審。

第二條 決定視頻庭審的案件，當事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁參與人，經有效通知，無正當理由不按時參加視頻庭審，視為不到庭，庭審中未經仲裁庭許可故意脫離庭審視頻畫面，視為中途退庭。

申請人無正當理由開庭時不到庭或中途退庭的，可以視為撤回仲裁申請；被申請人提出反請求的，不影響仲裁庭就反請求進行審理，並作出裁決。

被申請人無正當理由開庭時不到庭或中途退庭的，仲裁庭可以進行缺席審理並作出裁決；被申請人提出反請求的，可以視為撤回反請求。

第三條 當事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁參與人應選擇保密性強、安靜、無干擾、光線適宜、網絡信號良好的場所參加視頻庭審，禁止在網吧、商場、廣場等公開、影響庭審音視頻效果或有損庭審嚴肅性的場所參加庭審，禁止駕駛交通工具時參加庭審，禁止在醉酒等精神狀態異常情況下參加庭審。

當事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁參與人應提前向仲裁委員會告知其參加視頻庭審的具體地點。

當事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁參與人應在規定的時間進行庭前測試，確保庭審時網絡穩定、暢通，視頻畫面清晰，音頻傳輸順暢。

第四條 當事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁參與人參加視頻庭審時，應儀表整潔，規範著裝，並確保頭面部完全顯示在視頻畫面的合理區域。

第五條 當事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁參與人在庭審活動中，應保持其他通訊設備靜音或關閉，遵守庭審紀律，尊重庭審禮儀。不得實施下列行為：

（一）錄音錄像；

（二）以文字、圖片、音頻、視頻等任何方式傳播庭審活動；

（三）允許未經當事人授權或仲裁庭准許的人員以任何形式旁聽庭審，與其討論或獲取庭審建議；

（四）撥打或接聽電話；

（五）其他妨害庭審秩序的行為。

第六條 證人、專家、鑑定人等應在仲裁庭指定或認可的場所參加視頻庭審，原則上不得與當事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁參與人於同一房間參加庭審。

當事人申請證人出庭的，應在仲裁庭規定的期限內提交書面申請。證人在得到仲裁庭允許後方可上線出庭，在仲裁庭要求其退出視頻庭審後，不得繼續旁聽庭審。

專家、鑑定人根據仲裁庭的要求在視頻庭審中發表專業意見前及發表專業意見後，不得旁聽庭審。

第七條 仲裁員、當事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁參與人、經辦秘書、速錄人員應通過視頻庭審系統的電子簽名功能簽署庭審筆錄。

第八條 本規範由仲裁委員會仲裁院負責解釋。

China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission

Guidelines on Proceeding with Arbitration Actively and Properly during the COVID-19 Pandemic

(Trial)

China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (“CIETAC”) adopts these Guidelines (“Guidelines”) based on its arbitration practice and experience, as an effort to effectively mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic (“pandemic”), proceed with arbitration actively and properly in accordance with the law, protect the parties’ legitimate interests, and uphold social fairness and justice.

1. Fundamental Principles

1.1 The arbitral tribunal shall proceed with arbitration fairly and efficiently. According to the CIETAC Arbitration Rules (“Arbitration Rules”), the arbitral tribunal bears the responsibility to proceed with the arbitration efficiently, which is not changed by the pandemic. According to Article 35 of the Arbitration Rules, the arbitral tribunal enjoys extensive power in actively proceeding with the arbitration and may examine the case in any way it deems appropriate. While taking such measures, the arbitral tribunal shall act impartially and fairly and shall afford a reasonable opportunity to both parties to present their case in order to ensure the enforceability of the arbitral award.

1.2 The parties shall participate in the arbitral proceedings in good faith. According to Article 9 of the Arbitration Rules, the parties and their representatives shall proceed with the arbitration in good faith. They shall try their best to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on the arbitral proceedings and avoid abuse of rights, and shall not pursue unreasonable and unfair procedural rights with the pandemic as an excuse or impede the arbitral proceedings in bad faith. Where the parties are truly unable to exercise their arbitration rights in a timely manner due to the pandemic, the case shall be conducted in accordance with the laws and regulations as well as the Arbitration Rules.

2. Specific Measures

2.1 On case filing. The parties and their representatives are encouraged to file their arbitration applications with the CIETAC online case filing system (http://online.cietac.org/), or to use postal service or other non-contact means to submit their arbitration applications. After the office facilities of the CIETAC headquarters and its sub-commissions/centers reopen to the public, case filing at its offices may be accepted with the necessary anti-epidemic measures in place.

2.2 On service of documents. In order to promote efficiency in service of documents, the parties are encouraged to agree to submit and receive arbitration documents via emails. Where the arbitration court of CIETAC or its sub-commissions/centers asks in the Notice of Arbitration for the parties’ opinions on the submission, receipt and service of arbitration documents by emails, the parties shall give due consideration thereto. In any stage of the arbitral proceedings, the parties are always encouraged to agree on submitting and receiving arbitration documents via emails.

2.3 On procedural orders, question lists, terms of reference, and pre-hearing conferences. According to Article 35 of the Arbitration Rules, unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the arbitral tribunal may adopt one or several of the following measures to proceed with the arbitration: (1) issue procedural orders after consulting with the parties, and take targeted measures to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on the arbitral proceedings; (2) produce terms of reference to summarize the issues in dispute and clarify the focus of hearing as early as possible in order to guide the parties through the arbitral proceedings effectively; the arbitral tribunal may also issue question lists to investigate on certain factual or legal questions, and request the parties to reply and submit evidence; or (3) hold pre-hearing conference by audio/ video conference, to prepare for the oral hearing and improve its quality and efficiency.

2.4 On appraisal. The parties are advised to consider the necessity of applying for an appraisal. The arbitral tribunal shall decide prudently by first making a comprehensive consideration on the factors such as the irreplaceability of the appraisal, the time and economic cost for the appraisal, its effects on the arbitral proceedings and the chance of having a successful appraisal during the pandemic. The parties shall fully cooperate in the appraisal procedure as requested by the arbitral tribunal. Where an appraiser is required to attend an oral hearing, his/her attendance by video conference or other non-contact means of communication shall be preferably considered.

2.5 On documents-only case examination.

--For cases where the Summary Procedure applies, according to Article 60 of the Arbitration Rules, the arbitral tribunal may decide to examine the case solely on the basis of the written materials and evidence submitted by the parties after hearing from the parties of their opinions. The arbitral tribunal is advised to consider the feasibility of examining the case on a documents-only basis on its own initiative, and ask for the parties’ opinions thereof.

--For cases where the Summary Procedure does not apply, according to Article 35 of the Arbitration Rules, the arbitral tribunal shall hold oral hearings when examining the case. However, for cases with clear facts and simple evidence, the arbitral tribunal is advised to ask for the parties’ opinions on its own initiative and decide to examine the case on a documents-only basis if the parties so agree.

2.6 On oral hearing.

Virtual hearing is considered as a specific way of oral hearing which is in accordance with the Arbitration Rules. During the pandemic, for cases to be examined with oral hearings, the arbitral tribunal is advised to first consider the possibility of holding virtual hearings.

--When deciding whether to hold a virtual hearing, the arbitral tribunal shall take into comprehensive consideration a variety of factors such as the parties’ opinions, the complexity of the case, the volume of evidence, any witness to be present, the justification of the party’s reasons against holding a virtual hearing, and the convenience and equality of the participants to access to the virtual hearing facilities. Where a virtual hearing is conducted, the arbitral tribunal shall fully protect the procedural rights of the parties, afford a reasonable opportunity to both parties to present their case, and treat both parties equally, so as to ensure the enforceability of the arbitral award under the applicable procedural law. The parties and their representatives as well as other participants of a virtual hearing shall follow CIETAC Provisions on Virtual Hearings (Trial) as attached and other relevant requirements.

--After consulting with the parties, the arbitral tribunal may adopt one of the following means of virtual hearings based on the specific circumstances of the case: (1) where the arbitrator(s), the parties and their representatives, and other participants are located in different parts of mainland China, a virtual hearing maybe conducted via CIETAC smart oral hearing platform (https://kt.cietac.org/portal/main/domain/index.htm); (2) where the arbitrator(s), the parties and their representatives, and other participants are located in different jurisdictions, or the language of the oral hearing is not Chinese, a virtual hearing may be conducted via other video conferencing platforms agreed by the parties and approved by the CIETAC headquarters or its sub-commissions/centers; (3) after the office facilities of the CIETAC headquarters and its sub-commissions/centers reopen to the public, the arbitrator(s), the parties and their representatives, and other participants at different localities of the CIETAC headquarters or any of its sub-commissions/centers may participate in a virtual hearing by using the nearest CIETAC facilities; (4) where the arbitrator(s), the parties and their representatives, and other participants are located in different jurisdictions, a virtual hearing may also be conducted through the joint platforms between CIETAC and other foreign arbitration institutions (CIETAC has cooperation agreements with major arbitration institutions in the world with arrangements for mutual assistance in oral hearings. If needed, please contact CIETAC case managers).

--After the office facilities of the CIETAC headquarters and its sub-commissions/centers reopen to the public, oral hearings may be conducted by physical presence with the necessary anti-epidemic measures in place.

--No matter an oral hearing is conducted virtually or by physical presence, the parties are advised to limit the number of participants and avoid the attendance of unnecessary witnesses under the premise of ensuring their legitimate rights.

2.7 On deliberation of the arbitral tribunal. According to Article 35 of the Arbitration Rules, the arbitral tribunal may hold deliberations in any manner that it considers appropriate. Where the members of the tribunal cannot meet in person to deliberate, the arbitral tribunal is advised to deliberate promptly through audio/video conference or other non-contact means of communication.

2.8 On mediation. For the sake of reducing the parties’ cost in dispute resolution and keeping the sound cooperation relationship between the parties, the arbitral tribunal shall make greater endeavors to mediate and actively lead the parties through the difficulties by consultation and conciliation. Where it is difficult to have a formal oral hearing, with the consent of the parties, the arbitral tribunal may encourage settlement by holding mediation meetings, especially virtual mediation meetings.

2.9 On arbitral award. The arbitral tribunal shall try its best to overcome the adverse effects of the pandemic and render the arbitral award as soon as possible for cases with hearings concluded. Where in a case it is not ready for a final award yet but is possible to have any part of the claims to be decided first, the arbitral tribunal shall consider the feasibility of rendering a partial award according to Article 50 of the Arbitration Rules.

3. Miscellaneous

These suggestions are non-exhaustive. The arbitral tribunal has the power to adopt other appropriate measures to efficiently proceed with the arbitration based on the specific circumstances of the case, but shall act impartially and fairly and shall afford a reasonable opportunity to both parties to present their case.

CIETAC will actively assist the arbitral tribunal to proceed with the arbitration efficiently, provide necessary service and guarantee to the arbitral tribunal, the parties and their representatives, and other participants to participate in the arbitral proceedings. Depending on the development of the pandemic, CIETAC will gradually and orderly reopen the office facilities of its headquarters and sub-commission/centers to the public to the best extent allowed by the relevant laws, regulations and requirements of the relevant departments, and provide consultation, case filing and oral hearing services at its offices as soon as possible.

These Guidelines do not constitute part of the Arbitration Rules.

These Guidelines shall be interpreted by CIETAC.

These Guidelines shall be effective as of May 1, 2020, and shall cease to have effect when the pandemic is over.

Annex

China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission

Provisions on Virtual Hearings (Trial)

In order to protect the legitimate rights of the parties, regulate the virtual hearings activities, maintain the order of the hearings, and improve the efficiency of arbitration, these Provisions on Virtual Hearings (“Provisions”) are formulated in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations including the Arbitration Law of the People's Republic of China, as well as the current Arbitration Rules of the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (“CIETAC”).

Article 1 Virtual hearings are strictly confidential. Non-parties to the arbitration, arbitration agents and/or other arbitration participants, if without the authorization of the parties or the permission of the arbitral tribunal, are not allowed to take part in the virtual hearing.

The account and the password are the virtual IDs of the parties, arbitration agents and other arbitration participants to a virtual hearing. The parties, arbitration agents and other arbitration participants shall use their own accounts to participate in the virtual hearing and keep their account and password information properly, and shall not allow others to use their accounts to participate in the virtual hearing under their names. No one may impersonate the parties, their agents or other arbitration participants to participate in the virtual hearing.

Article 2 In cases where the arbitral tribunal decides to conduct a virtual hearing, the parties, arbitration agents and other arbitration participants will be deemed to be in default if they fail to take part in the virtual hearing on schedule without showing sufficient cause after being duly notified. During an on-going virtual hearing, they will be deemed to withdraw from the hearing if they are deliberately off-screen without the tribunal’s permission.

If the Claimant fails to appear in a virtual hearing or withdraws from an on-going virtual hearing without justifiable reasons, the Claimant may be deemed to have withdrawn its application for arbitration. In such a case, if the Respondent has filed a counterclaim, the arbitral tribunal shall proceed with the hearing of the counterclaim and make a default award.

If the Respondent fails to appear in a virtual hearing or withdraws from an on-going virtual hearing without justifiable reasons, the arbitral tribunal may proceed with the arbitration and make a default award. In such a case, if the Respondent has filed a counterclaim, the Respondent may be deemed to have withdrawn its counterclaim.

Article 3 The parties, arbitration agents and other arbitration participants, when taking part in a virtual hearing, shall be at a location that can satisfy the requirements of confidentiality and privacy. Such location shall be free from interruptions, and with good illumination and network signals.

It is forbidden for the participants to take part in a virtual hearing at public locations such as Internet cafes, shopping malls, squares, etc., which may affect the sound and image effects of the hearing, or may impair the seriousness of the hearing. It is forbidden to take part in a virtual hearing while the participant is driving a vehicle, or under drunkenness and other abnormal mental status.

The parties, arbitration agents and other arbitration participants shall inform CIETAC in advance of the specific location at which they will participate in the virtual hearing.

The parties, arbitration agents and other arbitration participants shall conduct pre-hearing tests at a specified time to ensure that the equipments are functional and the audio/video transmission is smooth and stable.

Article 4 The parties, arbitration agents and other arbitration participants shall dress properly when participating in a virtual hearing, and shall ensure that their heads and faces are fully shown in a reasonable area of the screen.

Article 5 The parties, arbitration agents and other arbitration participants shall mute or turn off other communication equipments during the virtual hearing, and shall observe the rules and etiquette of the hearing.

The following acts are forbidden:

(1) Any unauthorized audio/video recording;

(2) Disseminate information of the hearing in any way including by message, pictures, audio, and video etc.;

(3) Allow persons who are not authorized by the parties or approved by the arbitral tribunal to attend the hearing in any manner, and seek advice or discuss the case with such persons;

(4) Make or receive calls; and

(5) Other acts that may obstruct the proceeding of the virtual hearing.

Article 6 Witnesses, experts and appraisers shall take part in the virtual hearing at a place designated or approved by the arbitral tribunal. In principle, they are not allowed to participate in the hearing in the same room with the parties, their agents and other arbitration participants.

A party applying for a witness to appear in the virtual hearing shall submit a written application within the time limit provided by the arbitral tribunal. Witnesses shall only attend the virtual hearing with the approval of the arbitral tribunal and shall withdraw from the hearing when the arbitral tribunal so requests.

Experts and appraisers shall give professional opinions upon the requests of the arbitral tribunal during the virtual hearing, before or after which they shall not audit the hearing.

Article 7 The arbitrator(s), the parties, arbitration agents, other arbitration participants, the case manager and stenographer shall sign the transcript by using the electronic signature function of the operating system of the virtual hearing.

Article 8 These Provisions shall be interpreted by the Arbitration Court of CIETAC.