Your grain trade contract just hit a snag. A late shipment or a broken deal threatens your bottom line. What now?

Forget costly lawsuits. GAFTA arbitration is the secret weapon global traders rely on to resolve conflicts quickly and affordably. 

This guide breaks down the process step-by-step so you can handle disputes without losing sleep — or profit.

What is GAFTA Arbitration?

When deals go wrong, you need a quick fix, not a courtroom drama. That’s where GAFTA arbitration slides into the picture.

Arbitration aims to resolve disputes specifically for the grain and feed industry—it is a faster, cheaper, and simpler option than court.

It works by getting straight to the point: skilled arbitrators listen to both sides, examine the evidence, and make a fair, binding decision. The entire process remains private, too, so your business stays your business.

In short, the GAFTA arbitration allows traders to solve issues quickly and without stress, making them focus on keeping deals on track and growing their business.

The Steps of GAFTA Arbitration

Resolving disputes with GAFTA arbitration becomes more straightforward, efficient, and fair. 

Here are the steps to the process, from filing to enforcing the final decision.

1) The Problem

Where did something go wrong? Is it the late shipment? Quality? Or something else?

Let’s say your charter party provided you with a different vessel for shipment instead of what’s promised. If your contract includes GAFTA arbitration, you have a plan to fix it.

Resources like https://fortiorlaw.com/news/dogovory-frahtovanija-chartery-i-ih-vidy/ explain charter parties in detail, which will help you resolve your dispute.

2) Filing the Case

If you’re the complainant, you must file a Notice of Arbitration to start the process. This notice explains the issue and your desired outcome.

The other party gets a chance to respond once it receives the NOA.

3) Picking the Arbitrators

Arbitrators are the referees to your case—they know the grain trade like the back of their hand. Both parties pick an arbitrator (and might add a third one to ensure everything’s fair).

4) Presenting the Evidence

This step is where you lay everything out—contracts, reports, and any document supporting your case.

Going to court isn’t usually necessary, as GAFTA arbitration strives to resolve cases on paper.

5) The Verdict

The arbitrators weigh the facts and make a decision called an award. It’s legally binding, so you both have to adhere to it—no excuses.

6) Enforcing the Award

Suppose you won the arbitration, and the other party doesn’t want to comply. You can enforce the award through courts worldwide, thanks to the New York Convention.

GAFTA arbitration makes handling disputes quick, fair, and without the usual headaches, allowing you to move on and keep your business running.

Bottom Line: GAFTA Arbitration Saves the Day

Disputes in the grain trade industry can be as unpredictable as the weather. With GAFTA arbitration, conflict resolution becomes straightforward—it’s faster, more affordable, more specialised, and more confidential. Whether your disagreement comes from a shipping contract or the grain itself, the arbitration ensures a fair outcome for all involved.