Gafta's arbitration service provides parties who use our standard forms of contract with a system to resolve trade disputes in a fast and efficient manner.

Arbitration Rules No. 125

Expedited Arbitration Procedure Rules No. 126

Mediation

Additionally, we offer contracting bodies an alternative to Arbitration, by using Mediation to resolve disputes. Mediation can be used at any time and is a useful way to assist parties in negotiating solutions whilst at the same time preserving trade relationships.

Mediation Rules No. 128

Arbitrators

All arbitrations are adjudicated by Gafta Qualified Arbitrators. In order to maintain its high standards all Gafta Qualified Arbitrators and Mediators must demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development to keep up-to-date on all contractual and arbitral issues.

Appointment of Arbitrators

Gafta’s qualified arbitrators must have been actively engaged in the grain and feed trade for at least ten years.  Experience in the trade plus the training and examinations ensures the required level of expertise and commercial aptitude in determining the range of issues put to Gafta Arbitrators.

Arbitration and Mediation Rules

Gafta Arbitration Rules are incorporated in all Gafta standard forms of contracts. The rules provide for a two-stage arbitration system. The latest version of the No. 125 Arbitration Rules are effective from 1st July 2024. The Expedited Arbitration Procedure Rules No. 126 are effective from 1st July 2024. The Mediation Rules are effective from 1st June 2014.

Arbitration Committee

The aim of the Arbitration Committee is to provide transparency regarding the policies and procedures of all aspects of the arbitration services, including clarifying the relationships, roles and responsibilities between Gafta and Arbitrators.

Arbitration 125 Rule fees

Non-member fee: £1,700 each

1st Tier (3 member Tribunal and Sole Arbitrator)
For any claim made before 14^th January 2020:
Association fee: £950 (plus courier, room hire, paper charge of £12 per page of award*)
*first 4 pages of awards are free

For any claim made 14^th January 2020 onwards:
Association fee: £1,250 (plus courier, room hire & standard printing fee of £350)

First tier deposit (3 member Tribunal)
For any claim made before 14^th January 2020:
£10,000 when both parties are members
£11,500 when one party is a non-member
£13,000 when both parties are non-members

For any claim made 14^th January 2020 onwards:
£12,000 when both parties are members
£13,500 when one party is a non-member
£15,000 when both parties are non-members

First tier deposit (Sole arbitrator)
£8,000 when both parties are members
£9,700 when one party is a non-member
£11,400 when both parties are non-members

Appeal
For any appeal lodged before 14^th January 2020:
Association fee: £3,000 (plus courier and room hire)

For any appeal lodged from 14^th January 2020 onwards:
Association fee: £3,500 (plus courier charge, room hire and £500 standard printing fee)

Appeal deposit
For any appeal lodged before 1^st September 2023:
£17,000

For any appeal lodged from 1^st September 2023 onwards:
£20,000

Hourly rate of Appeal Board
£175 per hour for any appeal lodged before 2^nd November 2023
£200 per hour for any appeal lodged from 2^nd November 2023 onwards

Arbitration 126 Expedited Arbitration Procedure Rule fees

Arbitrator’s fee: No cap
Association fee: £700
Non-member fee: £1,700 each
Deposit:
£8,000 when both parties are members
£9,700 when one party is a non-member
£11,400 when both parties are non-members

Section 57 applications may be charged for