Proposal for a new Arbitration Act sent out for comments

A working group proposes that the Arbitration Act be reformed by replacing it with a new act. The objective is, in accordance with the Government Programme, to improve the competitiveness of arbitration in Finland and make the act correspond to the best international practices.

The new Arbitration Act would be based on the Model Law of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). Digitalisation and international development in the field of arbitration would also be taken into account in the new act. The aim is to make the Finnish act better known internationally and thus make Finland a more attractive place for international arbitral proceedings. 

To ensure adequate expertise, court proceedings related to arbitration matters would be centralised to Helsinki Court of Appeal and Western Uusimaa District Court.

The new Arbitration Act is scheduled to enter into force approximately six months after the bill has been passed and approved.

Comments on the working group's proposal can be submitted in the Lausuntopalvelu.fi service until 6 February 2026.