Resolve commercial disputes quickly, digitally, and confidentially
The German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) has established the Arbitration Court (SGH) to issue binding decisions in commercial disputes. Arbitration proceedings are equivalent to litigation before state courts, but they are conducted privately. The SGH Arbitration Rules emphasize efficient, cost-effective, and fully digital procedures.
Whether domestic or international, the SGH is open to all businesses. Arbitration proceedings can be initiated directly online through the SGH website.
The SGH consolidates the arbitration activities of all 79 Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Germany and is established by law under the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce Act (IHKG).
Contents
- Benefits of SGH arbitration
- Who should consider SGH arbitration?
- Arbitration clause
- Additional information
Benefits of SGH Arbitration
Flexibility
Parties may choose their arbitrators, the language of the proceedings (German or English), the seat of arbitration and hearing location, as well as the applicable law, and actively shape the process.
For disputes with an amount in controversy of up to €250,000, a sole arbitrator will decide the case. For higher-value disputes, a three-member arbitral tribunal is appointed.
Confidentiality
Arbitration proceedings are not public. This protects sensitive business information and ensures disputes remain private.
Efficiency
With strict timelines and streamlined procedures based on internationally recognized standards, decisions are typically issued within 12 months. For urgent matters, the SGH offers an expedited (“fast-track”) procedure, allowing for a decision within as little as 6 months.
This efficient and confidential process makes the SGH an ideal forum for resolving commercial disputes.
Additional Information
Further details on SGH arbitration proceedings, including a cost calculator and the conflict navigator, are available at: https://arbitration-court.org/
Please also note the additional ADR services available.
Cost Control
Binding fee schedules and limits on cost recovery ensure transparency and predictability. In addition, there are no expenses associated with multiple levels of court appeals.
International Enforceability
A key advantage over court judgments: Thanks to the 1958 Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (the “New York Convention”), arbitral awards are enforceable in 172 countries worldwide.
Quality Assurance
SGH legal advisors (Justiziare) may support the proceedings. To ensure the quality and enforceability of arbitral awards, the SGH may suggest formal adjustments to the award—while fully respecting the independence of the arbitral tribunal.
The SGH combines the reliability of a public-law institution with the flexibility of a modern arbitration provider.
Fully Digital Process
SGH proceedings are conducted entirely through a secure digital case management platform—from the initial filing to the final award.
Submissions are filed online, and all procedural steps are continuously documented. Hearings are generally conducted via video conference rather than in person.
This enables efficient, location-independent dispute resolution on both a domestic and international level.
Support from IHKs and AHKs
The SGH works closely with the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHKs) in Germany and the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) at more than 150 locations across 93 countries worldwide.
Who Should Consider SGH Arbitration?
- Companies involved in disputes arising from sales, supply, or construction/work contracts (domestic and international)
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as large industrial companies
- International companies and joint ventures
- Large-scale, project-based contracts (e.g., plant engineering, infrastructure, IT)
- Businesses dealing with technically or economically complex issues
- Technology-driven and innovation-focused companies with high confidentiality and know-how protection requirements
Arbitration Clause
Plan ahead with a clear contractual provision: The German Trade Office Taipei (AHK Taiwan) recommends that companies include the following arbitration clause at an early stage:
“All disputes arising out of or in connection with the present contract or in regard to its validity shall be finally settled under the Rules of Arbitration of the Arbitration Court at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry while excluding ordinary legal proceedings.”
Options for adapting this clause, as well as an official German version, are available on the SGH website: SGH Model Clauses 10-2024.
Additional Information
Further details on SGH arbitration proceedings, including a cost calculator and the conflict navigator, are available at: https://arbitration-court.org/
Please also note the additional ADR services available.
