Hong Kong consults stakeholders on proposed arbitration law reform
Hong Kong’s Department of Justice is consulting stakeholders on proposed Arbitration Ordinance amendments until 27 October 2026. The proposals are not yet law.
A consultation, not a change in law
On 28 September 2026, Hong Kong’s Department of Justice (DoJ) launched a stakeholder consultation on proposed amendments to the Arbitration Ordinance (Cap. 609). The consultation runs until 27 October 2026. It concerns possible changes to the arbitration framework; the proposals have not become law and create no new current obligation for businesses under this proposal.
What the review covers
The proposals address 25 issues across four broad areas: speed and convenience, confidentiality, scope, and fairness and justice. Together, these areas indicate the policy questions under review, not the final wording or effect of any future legislation. Businesses should not treat a consultation proposal as an operative arbitration rule.
Whose views are being sought
The DoJ says it will issue the consultation paper to specified stakeholders, including chambers of commerce, trade associations, banks and other commercial end-users of arbitration services, alongside legal and dispute-resolution stakeholders. The press release does not set out a general public submission route or require every business to respond. After considering stakeholder views, the DoJ targets introduction of an amendment bill to the Legislative Council in early 2027 and strives to complete legislative amendments within 2027. Those are aims, not achieved milestones or guarantees of passage or commencement.
Why cross-border businesses may follow this
Companies that use Hong Kong arbitration clauses in cross-border contracts may find the review relevant to their longer-term dispute-resolution policy. Its eventual significance will depend on the proposals taken forward and the legislative outcome. Businesses should not change clauses solely on the basis of a consultation announcement; they should seek qualified legal advice for contract-specific questions.
Source: Department of Justice press release, 28 September 2026.
Disclaimer: General information only, reviewed on 29 September 2026. This is not legal advice. The proposals remain under consultation; no legislative outcome or commencement date is assured. Seek qualified legal advice for specific contracts or disputes.
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