UPDATED GAFTA ARBITRATION RULES
14 August, 2026
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International trade and arbitration system is still moving towards simplification of procedures. In such a dynamic practice, it is important not to miss changes that may affect trade transactions and dispute settlements. Interlegal monitors current changes and informs clients about innovations being important for their trade activities and dispute settlements. We draw your attention to procedural updates in the GAFTA regulations.
Updated GAFTA Arbitration Rules No. 125 and No. 126
The GAFTA Arbitration Committee has officially announced removal of the provisions on Sampling from Arbitration Rules No. 125 and No. 126.
Key changes: what market players should know?
- Samples are no longer sent to GAFTA.
Provision on sending samples for examination by arbitrators has been removed from the Rules. As GAFTA notes, in practice, samples in quality disputes are sent directly to laboratories for testing, analysis and storage. Accordingly, special shortened deadlines for filing claims related to sample research have also been canceled.
- Special procedure for Rye Terms has been canceled.
GAFTA has completely eliminated the rule fixing a special procedure for considering disputes under Rye Terms. Now a single procedure for forming arbitration tribunal shall apply.
Interlegal lawyers provide comprehensive support for trade transactions, with regards to the latest changes in regulations of arbitration institutions.
Please contact Interlegal – and we will provide reliable defense in case of disputes.
Updated GAFTA Arbitration Rules: what has changed for international traders
International trade and arbitration system is still moving towards simplification of procedures. In such a dynamic practice, it is important not to miss changes that may affect trade transactions and dispute settlements. Interlegal monitors current changes and informs clients about innovations being important for their trade activities and dispute settlements. We draw your attention to procedural updates in the GAFTA regulations.
Updated GAFTA Arbitration Rules No. 125 and No. 126
The updates concern procedure for working with samples in quality disputes and procedure for dispute consideration under Rye Terms. For international traders, it is important to take such changes into account in the process of entering into contracts, arising disputes and choosing a strategy for their settlement.
What has changed?
- Samples are no longer sent to GAFTA
Provisions on Sampling (i.e. sample selection and sending) have been eliminated from Arbitration Rules No. 125 and No. 126.
Previously, the rules provided an option to send samples for examination by arbitrators. Meantime, as GAFTA notes, in practice, in the framework of quality disputes, samples are sent directly to special laboratories for the purpose of:
- testing and analysis;
- conducting the necessary studies;
- sample storage.
In this regard, the Rules also eliminate special shortened deadlines for filing claims associated with the procedure for sample examination.
- Special procedure for Rye Terms has been canceled.
One more change concerns disputes under Rye Terms.
GAFTA has eliminated a certain provision fixing a special procedure for forming arbitration tribunal for such disputes.
Now a single general procedure for forming arbitration tribunal shall apply, as prescribed by the relevant GAFTA Arbitration Rules.
Why is this important?
Such changes reflect a practical approach to commercial dispute consideration and are aimed at simplifying certain procedures.
For traders, shipowners, exporters and importers working with contracts on grain and other agricultural commodities, the relevance of GAFTA Arbitration Rules is crucial. Procedural nuances can affect deadlines, procedure for proving and strategy for defense of interests in dispute settlement.
Therefore, it is important to check the current wording of the Rules applicable to a certain contract before the dispute arises.
Interlegal: legal support for trade disputes
Interlegal monitors changes in the rules of international arbitration institutions and helps our clients to adapt contractual and procedural strategies to the current requirements.
Our law team assists with international trade transactions and disputes, including those related to quality, delivery, and contract performance in the agricultural trade sector.
If you need legal advice on GAFTA contract or arbitration dispute, please contact Interlegal – and we will help you to assess risks and to determine the optimal defense strategy.
