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The International Commercial Chamber of the Paris Court of Appeal (ICCP-CA) is specifically dedicated to handling cases involving international commercial interests. Composed of highly qualified judges, it offers parties a tailor-made procedural framework based on best international standards.

Its Protocol of procedure in particular provides for:

• Dynamic pre-trial proceedings, conducted in cooperation with the parties and ensuring a planned timetable for the proceedings
• Free use of English at hearings and for the production of exhibits
• The possibility of hearing the parties, witnesses and experts, and conducting cross-examinations
• The possibility of having an English translation of the decision rendered

Its decisions are fully enforceable within the European Union.

The Scope of the Jurisdiction of the ICCP-CA

The ICCP-CA, a specialized chamber of the Paris Court of Appeal, hears economic and commercial cases with an international aspect.

International Commercial Disputes

The ICCP-CA in particular deals with disputes relating to:

• Commercial contracts
• Breach of commercial relations
• Unfair competition
• International carriage of goods
• Framework agreements
• Financial contracts, instruments and products

International Arbitration

The ICCP-CA hears actions against decisions in international arbitration cases, for which the Paris Court of Appeal has been granted exclusive national jurisdiction by Law No. 2024-537 of 13 June 2024 aimed at increasing the financing of businesses and the economic attractiveness of France. The Chamber is therefore called upon to rule on:

• Applications to set aside international arbitration awards
• Appeals against decisions to enforce international arbitration awards

Why choose the ICCP-CA

A case is assigned to the ICCP-CA by the Central Clerk’s Office of the Court but may be requested by one of the parties.

• If you wish your appeal to be examined by the Chamber, this should be indicated when registering.

This assignment may also result from a contractual clause conferring jurisdiction on the Paris Court of Appeal or the courts within its jurisdiction and mentioning the International Commercial Chamber.

Proceedings before the ICCP-CA

The International Commercial Chamber applies the provisions of the French Code of Civil Procedure, adapting them to the handling of international commercial disputes. 

For this purpose, the proposal is made to the parties to adhere to the Chamber's Protocol of procedure, which specifies, in particular, the languages that may be used in the proceedings, the rules governing translations, the procedures for the pre-trial stage, the rules governing the submission of evidence, the scheduling of hearings and the conditions under which decisions are handed down.

♦ Download the Protocol relating to the proceedings before the International Commercial Chamber of the Paris Court of Appeal (link)

A full guide to the procedure has been drawn up both in French and English. It details how cases are handled, from the commencement of proceedings to the issue of a judgment, and provides information on the practical aspects of the procedure (time limits, costs, how judgments are made available, etc.)

This guide compiles in a single document the provisions of the French Code of Civil Procedure and the protocol. It by no means replaces the applicable legal and regulatory provisions, to which the parties and their counsels are requested to refer.

♦ Download the Guide relating to the proceedings before the International Commercial Chambers of the Commercial Court and the Paris Court of Appeal (link)

Timeframes, Costs, and Organization of Hearings

An Efficient Judicial System

The length of proceedings depends on the complexity of each case. The case procedural timetable is determined by the pre-trial judge in cooperation with the parties, ensuring predictability in the decision-making process. From the outset, the parties are informed of the date when the case will be heard and when the judgment will be delivered. In urgent cases, the Chamber may issue rulings through expedited procedures (summary proceedings or fixed-date proceedings). In such situations, the processing time is significantly shortened (to a few months or even weeks).

Litigation Costs

The losing party is ordered to pay expenses (proceedings costs) unless the judge decides otherwise on specific, detailed grounds. Costs not included in court expenses (notably attorneys' fees) are borne either by the losing party or by the party responsible for procedural costs. Each party must also pay a tax stamp of €225, which can be purchased electronically on the website Service-Public.fr

A newly dedicated courtroom

Since January 2025, hearings have been held in a newly designed courtroom that optimizes the judicial process and provides parties with enhanced digital presentation tools.

During proceedings, parties may submit their exhibits in digital format. They may also, at their own expense, arrange for simultaneous interpretation in the language of their choice. Videoconferencing is also available