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贸仲发布《关于新冠肺炎疫情期间积极稳妥推进仲裁程序指引(试行)》


贸仲发布《关于新冠肺炎疫情期间积极稳妥推进仲裁程序指引(试行)》


为有效防控新冠肺炎疫情,积极稳妥推进仲裁程序,保障当事人合法权益,维护社会公平正义,中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会(简称“贸仲”)于2020年4月28日发布《关于新冠肺炎疫情期间积极稳妥推进仲裁程序指引(试行)》,自2020年5月1日起施行,疫情结束后废止。


中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会

                             2020年4月28日

中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会关于新冠

肺炎疫情期间积极稳妥推进仲裁程序指引(试行)


为有效应对新冠肺炎疫情影响,依法积极稳妥推进仲裁程序,保障当事人合法权益,维护社会公平正义,结合仲裁实践经验,制定本指引。

一、基本原则

1.仲裁庭应公正高效推进仲裁程序。根据《中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会仲裁规则》(以下简称“《仲裁规则》”)》有关规定,仲裁庭负有高效推进仲裁程序的义务,该等义务并不因新冠肺炎疫情影响而改变。根据《仲裁规则》第35条,仲裁庭享有广泛的权限积极推进仲裁程序,可以按照其认为适当的方式审理案件。在采取相关措施时,仲裁庭应公平和公正行事,给予双方当事人陈述与辩论的合理机会,保证仲裁裁决的可执行性。

2.当事人应诚信参与仲裁程序。根据《仲裁规则》第9条,当事人及其仲裁代理人应遵循诚信原则,进行仲裁程序,尽量减少新冠肺炎疫情对仲裁程序的影响,而不应滥用权利,以新冠肺炎疫情为由谋求不合理、不正当的程序权利,故意拖延甚至恶意阻碍仲裁程序的进行。当事人确因新冠肺炎疫情影响不能及时行使仲裁权利的,依照法律法规和《仲裁规则》办理。

二、具体措施

1.关于立案。建议当事人及其仲裁代理人优先通过中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会(以下简称“贸仲”)在线立案系统(http://online.cietac.org/)提交立案申请,也可以通过邮寄及非接触方式提交立案申请。贸仲总会及分会(中心)办公场所恢复对外开放后,在符合防疫要求的前提下,可现场接受当事人立案申请。

2.关于文件送达。为提高仲裁文件送达效率,建议当事人协议以电子邮件方式提交和接收仲裁文件。在发送仲裁通知时,贸仲总会和分会(中心)仲裁院就以电子邮件方式提交、接收和送达仲裁文件征求双方当事人意见的,建议当事人予以积极考虑。在仲裁程序进行的任何阶段,鼓励当事人就以电子邮件方式提交和接收仲裁文件达成一致。

3.关于程序令、问题单、审理范围书、庭前会议等。根据《仲裁规则》第35条,除非当事人另有约定,根据案情需要,仲裁庭可以采取以下一种或者几种措施进行仲裁程序:(1)经征求当事人意见后,就仲裁案件程序安排发布程序令,采取有针对性的措施减少新冠肺炎疫情对仲裁程序造成的影响;(2)制作审理范围书,尽早整理、归纳争议焦点,明确审理重点,引导当事人有效进行仲裁程序;仲裁庭也可以发出问题单就某些事实和法律问题进行调查,要求双方当事人给予答复并提交证据;(3)召开电话或者视频庭前会议,为正式开庭做好准备,提高庭审的质量和效率。

4.关于鉴定。建议当事人考虑申请鉴定的必要性,仲裁庭应综合考虑鉴定是否具有不可替代性、鉴定的时间成本和经济成本、鉴定程序对仲裁程序的影响、新冠肺炎疫情期间鉴定工作能否顺利开展等因素审慎决定。当事人应根据仲裁庭的要求积极配合鉴定工作的开展。鉴定人参加开庭审理的,优先考虑采取视频等非接触形式。

5.关于书面审理。

——关于适用简易程序案件。根据《仲裁规则》第60条,在征求当事人意见后,仲裁庭可以决定只依据当事人提交的书面材料和证据进行审理。建议仲裁庭主动考虑采取书面审理的可行性,并就此征求双方当事人的意见。 

——关于适用普通程序案件。根据《仲裁规则》第35条,仲裁庭应当开庭审理。但是,对于事实清楚、证据材料简单的案件,建议仲裁庭主动征求双方当事人意见,在征得双方当事人同意后,依据书面文件进行审理。

6.关于开庭审理。

——在线开庭是一种具体的开庭方式,符合仲裁规则的规定。在新冠肺炎疫情期间,开庭审理的案件,建议仲裁庭优先考虑在线开庭的可行性。

——决定在线开庭时,仲裁庭应综合考虑双方当事人的意见、案件的复杂程度、证据材料的多少、是否有证人出庭、当事人不同意在线开庭的理由是否正当、参加开庭人员获得在线开庭服务的便捷性和平等性等因素作出决定。在线开庭的,仲裁庭应当充分保护当事人的程序权利,给予双方当事人陈述与辩论的合理机会,确保平等对待双方当事人,确保仲裁裁决根据所适用的仲裁程序法具有可执行性。当事人及其仲裁代理人、其他参加开庭人员参加在线开庭,应当遵守《中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会视频庭审规范(试行)》(见附件)等要求。

——仲裁庭在征求双方当事人意见后,可根据案件具体情形决定采用下述在线开庭方式:(1)仲裁员、当事人及其仲裁代理人、其他参加开庭人员位于我国内地不同地点的,可以通过“中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会智慧庭审平台”(https://kt.cietac.org/portal/main/domain/index.htm)进行在线开庭;(2)仲裁员、当事人及其仲裁代理人、其他参加开庭人员位于不同司法管辖区域,或者庭审语言为中文以外语言的,也可以通过当事人同意并经贸仲总会或分会(中心)认可的其他远程视频系统在线开庭;(3)在贸仲总会和分会(中心)办公场所恢复对外开放后,仲裁员、当事人及其仲裁代理人、其他参加开庭人员分处总会和分会(中心)所在地的,可以就近在总会和分会(中心)办公场所通过在线方式开庭;(4)仲裁员、当事人及其仲裁代理人、其他参加开庭人员位于不同司法管辖区域的,也可以通过贸仲与境外仲裁机构合作平台进行开庭(贸仲与世界主要仲裁机构之间签订合作协议,就相互协助开庭作出了安排。如有需要,请与案件经办秘书联系)。

——总会及分会(中心)办公场所恢复对外开放后,在符合防疫要求的前提下,可以线下开庭。 

——无论是在线开庭还是线下开庭,建议当事人在保障自身应有权利的前提下,尽量减少参加开庭人员的人数,减少不必要的证人出庭。

7.关于仲裁庭合议。根据《仲裁规则》第35条,仲裁庭可以按其认为适当的方式进行合议。不能当面合议的,建议仲裁庭通过电话会议、视频会议等非接触方式及时合议。

8.关于调解。为降低当事人解决争议的成本,维护当事人之间的良好合作关系,仲裁庭应加强调解工作,积极引导当事人协商和解、共渡难关。正式开庭有困难的,在当事人自愿的基础上,仲裁庭可以主持召开调解庭特别是在线调解庭,促进当事人和解。

9.关于仲裁裁决。审理终结的案件,仲裁庭应克服新冠肺炎疫情的影响,尽快制作仲裁裁决。不具备作出最终裁决条件但当事人某些请求事项可以先行裁决的,建议仲裁庭根据《仲裁规则》第50条考虑作出部分裁决的可行性。

三、其他

上述建议并非穷尽性的。仲裁庭有权根据案件具体情况,采取其他适当的方式方法高效推进仲裁程序,但应确保公平和公正行事,给予双方当事人陈述与辩论的合理机会。

贸仲积极配合仲裁庭高效推进仲裁程序,为仲裁庭、当事人、代理人及其他仲裁参与人参与仲裁程序提供服务和保障。贸仲将视新冠肺炎疫情发展情况,在有关法律法规允许的范围内,根据有关部门的要求,尽最大可能,逐步有序恢复开放总会及分会(中心)对外办公场所,尽快提供现场咨询、现场立案、现场开庭等服务。

本指引不构成《仲裁规则》的一部分。

本指引由贸仲负责解释。

本指引自2020年5月1日起施行,新冠肺炎疫情结束后废止。


附件:《中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会视频庭审规范(试行)》


附件

中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会

视频庭审规范(试行)


为保障案件当事人正当权利,规范视频庭审活动,维护庭审秩序,提高裁判效率,根据《中华人民共和国仲裁法》等相关法律规定,以及中国国际经济贸易仲裁委员会(以下简称“仲裁委员会”)现行仲裁规则,现将视频庭审有关事项规范如下:

第一条  视频庭审严格保密。禁止未经当事人授权或仲裁庭准许的非案件当事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁参与人参加视频庭审。

专用账号和密码是当事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁参与人参与庭审的身份标识。当事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁参与人应使用自己的专用账号参加视频庭审并妥善保管专用账号和密码,不得授意他人使用其专用账号和密码冒充本人参加庭审。他人不得冒充当事人、仲裁代理人或者其他仲裁参与人参加庭审。

第二条  决定视频庭审的案件,当事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁参与人,经有效通知,无正当理由不按时参加视频庭审,视为不到庭,庭审中未经仲裁庭许可故意脱离庭审视频画面,视为中途退庭。

申请人无正当理由开庭时不到庭或中途退庭的,可以视为撤回仲裁申请;被申请人提出反请求的,不影响仲裁庭就反请求进行审理,并作出裁决。

被申请人无正当理由开庭时不到庭或中途退庭的,仲裁庭可以进行缺席审理并作出裁决;被申请人提出反请求的,可以视为撤回反请求。

第三条 当事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁参与人应选择保密性强、安静、无干扰、光线适宜、网络信号良好的场所参加视频庭审,禁止在网吧、商场、广场等公开、影响庭审音视频效果或有损庭审严肃性的场所参加庭审,禁止驾驶交通工具时参加庭审,禁止在醉酒等精神状态异常情况下参加庭审。

当事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁参与人应提前向仲裁委员会告知其参加视频庭审的具体地点。

当事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁参与人应在规定的时间进行庭前测试,确保庭审时网络稳定、畅通,视频画面清晰,音频传输顺畅。

第四条 当事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁参与人参加视频庭审时,应仪表整洁,规范着装,并确保头面部完全显示在视频画面的合理区域。

第五条 当事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁参与人在庭审活动中,应保持其他通讯设备静音或关闭,遵守庭审纪律,尊重庭审礼仪。不得实施下列行为:

(一)录音录像;

(二)以文字、图片、音频、视频等任何方式传播庭审活动;

(三)允许未经当事人授权或仲裁庭准许的人员以任何形式旁听庭审,与其讨论或获取庭审建议;

(四)拨打或接听电话;

(五)其他妨害庭审秩序的行为。

第六条  证人、专家、鉴定人等应在仲裁庭指定或认可的场所参加视频庭审,原则上不得与当事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁参与人于同一房间参加庭审。

当事人申请证人出庭的,应在仲裁庭规定的期限内提交书面申请。证人在得到仲裁庭允许后方可上线出庭,在仲裁庭要求其退出视频庭审后,不得继续旁听庭审。

专家、鉴定人根据仲裁庭的要求在视频庭审中发表专业意见前及发表专业意见后,不得旁听庭审。

第七条  仲裁员、当事人、仲裁代理人及其他仲裁参与人、经办秘书、速录人员应通过视频庭审系统的电子签名功能签署庭审笔录。

第八条  本规范由仲裁委员会仲裁院负责解释。


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.