They are normally set up at the beginning of the contract and remain in existence for its duration, from beginning to end. DBs resolve disagreements that may arise in the course of the contract and make recommendations or decisions for disputes referred to it by any of the parties.

DBs have become a standard dispute resolution mechanism against contractual disputes that may arise in mid- or long-term contracts. By being involved in the contract from the outset, DBs are able to intervene early and propose solutions before the parties’ positions have grown entrenched and sometimes even before the Parties themselves are aware that they are heading towards a dispute. In this regard, DBs are not only a tool for resolving disputes, but also for avoiding them.

ICC Dispute Board Centre

Under the ICC DB Rules, ICC does not administer Dispute Board proceedings, but plays a subsidiary role that may include appointing DB members, deciding upon challenges of DB members and reviewing DB Decisions as to form at the parties’ request. These functions are performed by the ICC Dispute Board Centre, which is separate from the ICC International Court of Arbitration, the ICC International Centre for Expertise and the ICC ADR Secretariat.