Form N8 Arbitration Claim UK: How to Issue (2025)

What this document is

Form N8 is the claim form used to start an arbitration claim in the High Court or, where permitted, a designated County Court. It is not the same as a standard Part 7 or Part 8 claim form. Arbitration claims follow a specialist procedure under CPR Part 62 and Practice Direction 62, which reflects the fact that the court is being asked to act in support of, or in review of, an arbitral process rather than decide a dispute from scratch.

Typical uses include applications to challenge or appeal an award under sections 67, 68 or 69 of the Arbitration Act 1996, applications for a stay of court proceedings under section 9, applications for the court's assistance with evidence or interim relief under section 44, and enforcement applications. The form requires the parties' details, the arbitration or award in question, the statutory provision being relied on, and a short explanation of the remedy sought.

A statement of truth is needed, and in most cases an acknowledgment of service must be filed with it for service on the respondent.

How to use this document

1. Identify the right route and deadline. Work out which section of the Arbitration Act 1996 your application falls under, as this drives the procedure, the time limit, and whether permission to appeal is needed. Challenges to awards under sections 67, 68 and 69 typically must be brought within 28 days of the award, which is a hard deadline to miss.
2. Complete Form N8 in full. Set out the claimant's name and address, the defendant's name and address, the arbitration or award being referred to, the section of the Act relied on, and the order you are asking the court to make. If the application is being made without notice, state the grounds clearly. A short skeleton of the remedy helps the court understand what is sought.
3. Prepare supporting evidence and the acknowledgment of service. Arbitration claims are usually supported by a witness statement exhibiting the award, the arbitration agreement, and any correspondence that matters. An acknowledgment of service form should accompany the claim for the respondent to complete. Make sure the statement of truth is signed by the claimant or an authorised officer if a company.
4. File at the correct court. Most arbitration claims are issued in the Commercial Court at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, though the Technology and Construction Court, certain District Registries, and the Central London County Court can also take arbitration work depending on the subject matter. The High Court and County Courts (Allocation of Arbitration Proceedings) Order 1996 governs where specific applications must go.
5. Serve the claim and manage the timetable. If service is required outside the jurisdiction, you may need the court's permission before serving, and the rules on service within or outside the EEA have their own requirements. Once issued, keep on top of the abridged timetables that arbitration claims often attract, as the court expects matters to move quickly.

Common questions