Common use of Qualifications of Arbitrators Clause in Contracts

Qualifications of Arbitrators. 1. All arbitrators shall: (a) have relevant expertise or experience in one or more of the following areas: law, international trade, environmental matters, other matters covered by this Agreement or the resolution of disputes arising under international agreements; and (b) be independent and impartial, including serving in their individual capacities and not be affiliated with, or take instructions from, any disputing party or third party or have dealt with the case in any capacity. 2. At least one arbitrator shall have relevant expertise or experience in environmental matters and at least one in international trade, unless the disputing parties agree such expertise or experience is not necessary in light of the scope of the dispute. 3. Unless the disputing parties agree otherwise, the chair of the arbitration panel shall not be a national of any disputing party or third party and shall not have their usual place of residence in any disputing party.