In today’s cross-border business environment, international arbitration has become a strategic tool for protecting commercial interests. One of the most recognized arbitration institutions in Eastern Europe is the International Commercial Arbitration Court (ICAC) at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, known in Russian as MKAS.
This article explains why MKAS is a relevant and effective forum for European businesses, especially those with operations or disputes involving Russia and the CIS region.
This article explains why MKAS is a relevant and effective forum for European businesses, especially those with operations or disputes involving Russia and the CIS region.
What is MKAS?
The International Commercial Arbitration Court (ICAC/MKAS) is a permanent arbitration institution headquartered in Moscow, operating under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation (CCI RF).
It has more than 80 years of history, and is internationally recognized under the New York Convention (1958) for the enforcement of arbitral awards.
It has more than 80 years of history, and is internationally recognized under the New York Convention (1958) for the enforcement of arbitral awards.
Why European Companies Use MKAS
✅1. Neutral and Independent Arbitration in Russia
MKAS functions independently of the Russian state court system and is seen as a neutral venue, especially for disputes with Russian counterparts.
✅ 2. Enforceability under the New York Convention
Awards made by MKAS are enforceable in more than 170 countries, including all European jurisdictions that are parties to the New York Convention.
✅ 3. Cost-Effective and Efficient
Compared to ICC or LCIA, MKAS offers:
✅ 4. Bilingual and Multilingual Proceedings
Although the default language is Russian, MKAS proceedings can also be conducted in English or other languages agreed by the parties.
✅ 5. Experienced Arbitrators and Global Recognition
The MKAS arbitrator list includes leading legal scholars and practitioners from Russia, Europe, and beyond, ensuring high-quality adjudication.
MKAS functions independently of the Russian state court system and is seen as a neutral venue, especially for disputes with Russian counterparts.
✅ 2. Enforceability under the New York Convention
Awards made by MKAS are enforceable in more than 170 countries, including all European jurisdictions that are parties to the New York Convention.
✅ 3. Cost-Effective and Efficient
Compared to ICC or LCIA, MKAS offers:
- Lower administrative and arbitrators’ fees
- Streamlined procedures
- Expedited handling of disputes, including simplified documentation and fast-track mechanisms
✅ 4. Bilingual and Multilingual Proceedings
Although the default language is Russian, MKAS proceedings can also be conducted in English or other languages agreed by the parties.
✅ 5. Experienced Arbitrators and Global Recognition
The MKAS arbitrator list includes leading legal scholars and practitioners from Russia, Europe, and beyond, ensuring high-quality adjudication.
Typical Cases Handled by MKAS
- International sales of goods (CISG disputes)
- Construction contracts (FIDIC)
- Energy and commodity trade
- Joint ventures and shareholder disputes
- Technology and licensing agreements
Legal Representation in MKAS
European companies can be represented by international law firms or external counsel. Unlike Russian courts, MKAS does not require representatives to be licensed Russian advocates.
Our firm – Russian & Turkish Law & Consulting Firm – offers full legal support for European clients, including:
Our firm – Russian & Turkish Law & Consulting Firm – offers full legal support for European clients, including:
- Drafting arbitration clauses
- Representation in MKAS disputes
- Enforcement of arbitral awards in Russia and CIS
Contact Us
For consultation on including MKAS arbitration in your contracts or representation in a current case, contact:
📩 rtlawc@gmail.com 🌐 Visit our site: https://rt-union.com
Protect your international business interests in Russia with the power of strategic arbitration.
📩 rtlawc@gmail.com 🌐 Visit our site: https://rt-union.com
Protect your international business interests in Russia with the power of strategic arbitration.
