What's new in the 2021 ICC rules on joinder and consolidation? The most notable change in the new 2021 International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Arbitration Rules, which are applicable to all ICC arbitrations initiated from 1 January 2021, is to make it easier to join an additional party to a pending arbitration. Under Article 7 of the 2017 ICC rules, a request for joinder made after the confirmation or appointment of any arbitrator was subject to the unanimous consent of all parties. However, the new Article 7(5) of the 2021 rules gives the arbitral tribunal the discretion to grant a request for joinder even without such unanimous consent, provided that the additional party accepts the constitution of the arbitral tribunal and agrees to the terms of reference. In exercising its discretion, the arbitral tribunal must consider all relevant circumstances, including: