Time Limitation for Making an Award
Time period in ordinary procedure
The time period for making an award is generally six (6) months from the date of composition of an arbitral tribunal in the case of international arbitration according to the arbitration rules of most arbitration commissions in Mainland China, such as CIETAC (China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission) Arbitration Rules, SHIAC (Shanghai International Arbitration Center) Arbitration Rules, FTZ (China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone) Arbitration Rules, etc.
Time period in summary or expedited procedure
In the case of summary or expedited procedure in international arbitration, the time period is generally shorter, for example, two (2) months under the SCIA Arbitration Rules.
Extension of the time period
The time period for making an award may be extended by the arbitration commission at the request of the arbitral tribunal under special circumstances or with good cause shown.
Exclusions in calculating the time period
The time periods to be excluded in calculating the time period for rendering an award include suspensions of the proceedings, periods for seeking expert opinions or appraisal reports, periods for auditing, evaluation, test, settlement, negotiation, mediation, conciliation, etc.
For more detailed provisions pertaining to such time periods, please refer to the applicable arbitration rules.
Robert Zhang 
Steve Li 