eBRAM Launches “Cross-border Trade Dispute Resolution Pilot Scheme”

(Hong Kong, 23 April 2025) – Amidst rising global trade tensions, risks associated with cross-border business operations have increased significantly. To support enterprises in addressing international trade challenges, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) affected by unilateral US tariffs, eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (“eBRAM”), an independent non-profit arbitration and mediation organisation supported by the HKSAR government, has launched the “Cross-border Trade Dispute Resolution Pilot Scheme” (the “Scheme”). Harnessing Hong Kong’s strengths as an international legal services hub, this initiative integrates legal technology with international dispute resolution mechanisms to offer highly efficient and easy accessible online dispute resolution (ODR) services designed to assist enterprises in overcoming trade barriers, protecting their rights, and reinforcing Hong Kong’s competitive advantages.

According to statistics, international trade disputes involving Mainland China and Hong Kong enterprises have surged in recent years, with SMEs being affected the most. Traditional arbitration or litigation procedures can take an average of 14 months and incur legal costs amounting to 52% of the disputed amount, imposing significant financial pressure on businesses. In view of this, eBRAM’s Scheme targets Hong Kong-registered enterprises who suffered from contractual disputes arising from US tariff measures, with a special focus on resource-constrained SMEs and micro-enterprises. To ensure procedural legality and cross-border enforceability, involved parties must mutually agree to adopt the eBRAM APEC rules.

Four Core Advantages Responding to Business Needs:

1. Significant Cost Savings: Administrative fee is only HKD 200 per party, with mediation fees starting at minimum HKD 1,000. For disputes involving a maximum amount of over HKD 50 million, the neutral's charge is capped at HKD 5,500 per hour.
2. Resolution in 2.5 Weeks the soonest: The ODR platform enables one-stop processing of electronic evidence, cloud hearings, and real-time translation, significantly reducing the time required for traditional procedures.
3. Enforceable in Over 170 Jurisdictions: Arbitral awards are enforced in over 170 jurisdictions, including Mainland China. The platform has more than 100 mediators and arbitrators proficient in international rules, providing professional support for businesses.
4. Data Security Assurance: Data is encrypted and stored in a data centre in Hong Kong, strictly adhering to the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance to prevent risks associated with public hearings or information leaks.

Dr Thomas So, JP, Chairman of eBRAM said, “Amidst the unjustified US tariff hikes and uncertain  macro environment, Hong Kong enterprises, especially SMEs involved in the China-US supply and industrial chains, are facing unprecedented challenges. Many of these companies are now entangled in contract disputes due to the recent unilateral tariffs imposed by the US. This Scheme aims to provide local enterprises with professional and targeted ODR alongside with neutral legal advisory services, assisting them in effectively safeguarding their rights while controlling the time and costs involved in the dispute resolution.”

The Scheme deeply aligned with the national strategy of “consolidating Hong Kong’s role as an international legal services centre” through various innovative initiatives that showcase unique value. These include utilising the multilateral mechanisms under APEC to assist businesses in overcoming trade barriers; integrating blockchain, AI, and e-KYC technologies to ensure a transparent and efficient dispute resolution process; and implementing a “zero-threshold” policy with the first consultation free to reduce decision-making costs for enterprises. Additionally, companies seeking neutral legal advice on trade contract disputes can connect with professional legal service providers through eBRAM’s Deal Making Portal (DMP), offering them favorable consultation packages, and creating a comprehensive support system.

Dr So added, “In an increasingly complex international trade environment, enterprises need solutions that combine efficiency with international recognition. As the only APEC recognized online dispute resolution platform in Hong Kong, eBRAM is committed to leveraging Hong Kong’s common law system and  international hub advantages. By integrating innovative legal technology with international rules, we offer enterprises low-threshold and high-efficiency dispute resolutions with international enforceability. This Scheme not only showcases the professionalism of Hong Kong’s legal services but also underlines our unique positioning as an international dispute resolution centre.”

Looking ahead, eBRAM will continue to expand its service scope and technological capabilities to create a more innovative and sustainable cross-border legal solution platform. This will provide Hong Kong enterprises with a stronger institutional safeguards and competitive advantages in international trade, leveraging the city’s unique institutional strengths and its role as a “super-connector”.

Scheme Fees

*The scheme adopts the eBRAM APEC Rules

About eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre

eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (“eBRAM”) is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee established in 2018, with the support of Asian Academy of International Law Ltd, Hong Kong Bar Association, and The Law Society of Hong Kong. eBRAM tasks itself to elevate Hong Kong’s arbitration and mediation services and build capacity to meet the rapidly expanding demand for online dispute resolution and deal-making services across the borders by utilising innovative technologies to enable the city to become a LawTech centre and hub for international business dispute avoidance and resolution and collaborate with global organisations and participating economies such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Belt-and-Road countries and beyond.

eBRAM has developed its ODR platform and DMP Portal leveraging the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain and cloud. Cybersecurity and data privacy are our top priorities, and eBRAM makes every effort to ensure the security of information proceeded and stored on its platform.

For more information, please visit the organisation’s official website, LinkedIn, and Wechat Official Account (一邦eBRAM).

Official website	LinkedIn	WeChat Official Account

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