DOCDEX

When disputes related to trade finance instruments occur, we offer a specialised method that is confidential, quick and cost-effective called Documentary Instruments Dispute Resolution Expertise (DOCDEX).

Parties may file a Request for a DOCDEX Decision for any dispute relating to:

  • a documentary credit;
  • a standby letter of credit;
  • a bank-to-bank reimbursement;
  • a collection;
  • a demand guarantee or counter-guarantee;
  • a forfaiting transaction,
  • a bank payment obligation (BPO); or
  • any other trade finance-related instrument, undertaking or agreement.

DOCDEX is a preferred dispute resolution method because of litigations unlimited costs. Depending on the amount in dispute, DOCDEX proceedings are capped at US$5,000 or US$10,000. What’s more, even in exceptional cases, the International Centre for ADR (“Centre”) will only charge an additional fee of US$2,500 or US$5,000.

You can feel confident that you receive a thorough analysis and well-considered conclusion with DOCDEX. Cases are decided by a panel of three impartial experts having extensive experience in, and knowledge of, trade finance transactions. These experts are specially selected from a list maintained by our ICC Banking Commission. A Technical Adviser nominated by the Commission then personally reviews each decision to certify that it is in line with ICC Banking Rules and/or international trade finance practice standards. The entire process usually takes between two and three months, compared to years with court proceedings.

DOCDEX Decisions are kept private and rendered in English. They are not binding unless the parties have otherwise agreed and are not arbitral awards. However, anonymised DOCDEX Decisions are widely distributed to enable practitioners to avoid common errors leading to disputes while at the same time preserving confidentiality.

You can find the full text of DOCDEX Decisions in the publication Collected DOCDEX decisions 2013-2016 from ICC Store. All previous decisions are also available in the Trade Finance Channel of the ICC Digital Library.

Arbitration rules

DOCDEX Rules

ICC Rules for Documentary Instruments Dispute Resolution Expertise (DOCDEX) is a dispute resolution procedure specifically designed for the world of trade finance.

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procedure

DOCDEX Procedure

The DOCDEX Rules provide for a fully administered procedure in which the main task of the panel of Appointed Experts is to render a written DOCDEX Decision after giving each party a reasonable opportunity to present its case.

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Filing a request

Filing instructions and forms

Claims, Answers, Supplements and Decisions must be submitted using the appropriate Form. Learn more.

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DOCDEX expert

DOCDEX expert

Upon receipt of an admissible Claim, the ICC International Centre for ADR ("Centre") shall appoint a panel of three experts (“Appointed Experts”) from a list maintained by the ICC Banking Commission (“List”).

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Cost and payment

Costs & payment

The Claimant(s) must pay the Standard Fee covering the costs of DOCDEX proceedings upon a submission of the Claim.

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