Arbitration has become widely accepted as a method of resolving disputes on an international scale. As parties engage in cross-border arbitration, questions surrounding the enforcement of arbitral awards in foreign territories naturally arise.
The primary foundation for the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards in Brazil is the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, dated July 10, 1958. Brazil, having acceded to the Convention in 2002, acknowledges and enforces arbitral awards issued in other foreign States.
In conjunction with the New York Convention, the Brazilian Arbitration Act (Law No. 9.307/1996) delineates the legal framework for arbitration within the country. Articles 34 to 40 of this law specifically address the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards.
To start the homologation proceeding in Brazil, the interested party must submit its plea to the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) with the pertinent documents, including the original award and the arbitration agreement, accompanied by duly sworn Portuguese translations.
While Brazil’s legislation and court decisions are favorable towards the enforcement stance, there exist limited grounds on which the Superior Court of Justice may refuse homologation, specifically on matters related to the validity of the arbitration agreement, disrespect of due legal process, and public policy.
It is important to notice that conflicts related to divorce or to individuals’ identity and integrity still cannot be resolved through arbitration in Brazil. As a result, foreign arbitral awards addressing these matters may encounter challenges in their homologation within the Brazilian territory.
Once the homologation decision issued by the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) becomes final, its enforcement shall proceed through a letter of enforcement in the competent Federal Court, which must be previously indicated by the parties in an arbitration agreement, or in accordance with the rules of international jurisdiction, in accordance with article 109, X, of the Brazilian Federal Constitution of 1988.
In conclusion, the homologation of foreign arbitral awards in Brazil finds its roots in both international and national legal frameworks. Embracing the principles of the New York Convention, Brazil is a conducive environment for the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards, thereby fostering the efficiency and efficacy of international arbitration as an endorsed method of dispute resolution.