New York Convention

The Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards 1958, ratified by over 170 countries. It provides for the enforcement of arbitration agreements and the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards made in other contracting states. The UK gives effect to the convention through the Arbitration Act 1996.

In practice

The New York Convention is the primary route for enforcing foreign arbitral awards in England and Wales. The award holder applies to the High Court under sections 100 to 104 of the Arbitration Act 1996. Recognition may only be refused on narrow grounds, including invalidity of the arbitration agreement, breach of due process, or public policy. Once recognised, the award can be enforced using all standard enforcement methods.