International Commercial Arbitration at Uruguay

Here’s a detailed overview of International Commercial Arbitration in Uruguay:

General Arbitration Law – Law No. 19.636 (2018)

Uruguay adopted a modern arbitration law based on the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration (2006 amendment).

Applies to both domestic and international arbitration, with clear rules favoring enforceability, party autonomy, and efficiency.

International Conventions
Uruguay is a party to key treaties that promote arbitration, including:

New York Convention (1958) – Recognizes and enforces foreign arbitral awards.

Inter-American Convention on International Commercial Arbitration (Panama Convention, 1975)

ICSID Convention – For investor-state arbitration under World Bank auspices.

Centro de Conciliación y Arbitraje (CCA) – Cámara Nacional de Comercio y Servicios del Uruguay

Leading national arbitration center providing services for both domestic and international disputes.

Administers arbitrations under its own set of rules aligned with international standards.

Uruguayan Institute of Commercial Law (IUEC)

Provides education and support for arbitration matters, though not a formal arbitral institution.

Ad hoc Arbitration

Allowed under Uruguayan law. Parties often use UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules for this purpose.

Party Autonomy: Freedom to choose arbitrators, applicable law, seat, language, and procedures.

Neutral Jurisdiction: Uruguay is seen as legally neutral and stable—ideal for regional disputes.

Confidentiality: Arbitration proceedings are confidential by default.

Limited Court Intervention: Courts can support arbitration but do not interfere with its merits.

Enforceability: Local and foreign arbitral awards are enforceable under the New York Convention.

Supportive and arbitration-friendly. Courts may assist in:

Appointment and challenge of arbitrators

Granting interim measures

Recognizing and enforcing foreign awards

Setting aside awards only on limited grounds (e.g., public policy or procedural irregularity)

Cross-border trade and investment

Construction and infrastructure projects

Energy and natural resources

Banking and insurance

Agricultural exports and logistics

Include a clear arbitration clause with seat in Montevideo or another Uruguayan city.

Consider using the CCA Rules or UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules.

Choose arbitrators with experience in Latin American legal systems.

Engage local counsel knowledgeable in Law 19.636 and international practice.

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