AbstractThe English arbitration procedures in GAFTA and FOSFA have been developed over 125 years, during which time contracts and procedures have been continuously revised. They have stood the test of time and, in the author's view, work well. It would be unfortunate to have to change the procedures radically, and indeed this action might seriously impair their efficiency. While it would be ideal to achieve international uniformity, there would appear to be almost insuperable obstacles in the way at the present time.