There are two different regimes under the current legal framework of Hong Kong governing the registration of Mainland judgments in Hong Kong for enforcement. In general, if the relevant Mainland judgment is made before 29 January 2024, an application for its registration in Hong Kong is to be made pursuant to the Mainland Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Ordinance (Cap. 597) (the “Old Regime”). If the relevant Mainland judgment is made on or after 29 January 2024, an application for its registration in Hong Kong shall be made pursuant to the Mainland Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters (Reciprocal Enforcement) Ordinance (Cap. 645) (the “New Regime”) (except for certain “excluded judgments”).

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, international commercial arbitration has emerged as the preferred mechanism for resolving cross-border disputes. Its advantages — neutrality, enforceability, and procedural flexibility — make it indispensable for businesses navigating complex commercial relationships.