Commencement Date
In continuation of the recent communications, addressing Changes to the IMI Certified Mediator Training Program Scheme, and following up on the announcements on IMI’s Updated Policy on IMI Qualified Mediator Registration and Annual Subscription Fees and the new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy IMI herewith launches the announced policies.
Starting from March 7, 2024, all current and prospective IMI Qualified Mediators will be charged an annual listing fee, in addition to the one-time registration fee, which has been paid by IMI Qualified Mediators registered to date. Mediators who opt to remain listed as IMI Qualified on the IMI website will benefit from upgraded features, with enhanced profile functionalities that offer a comprehensive insight into a mediator’s professional development and qualifications, which can significantly increase their potential for diverse work opportunities. Additionally, they may benefit from the DEI Policy.
Eligibility to the DEI Policy
The application of the DEI Policy is determined by the location of your billing country. Under the new policy, there are three fee levels: (1) the regular fee of €75 (exclusive of VAT, if applicable) and (2) a 25% or (3) 50% discount is applicable if conditions under the DEI Policy are met.
How to check your DEI Eligibility? Prospective applicants have two ways to assess their eligibility for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy:
- Applicants can review the DEI Policy to understand the criteria and determine their eligibility. We have provided a useful guiding map, or
- Upon inputting the base location of their respective billing country at the checkout on the IMI website, the system will automatically identify the applicant’s eligibility for the DEI Policy.
VAT Applicability and Tax Residency Information
IMI is an international foundation with its registered seat in the Netherlands. As such, we are obliged to collect a 21% Value Added Tax (VAT) when invoicing consumers, i.e. non–business customers. Providing your tax information is optional. However, if you or your organization are eligible for tax exemptions based on your status (ex. you are a practicing lawyer in India, UK or USA, or a mediator registered as an entrepreneur in a non-EU country), you need to provide in your billing details 1) your full company/sole proprietorship name and 2) registered address, as well as 3) your tax information to be exempt from paying 21% Dutch VAT.
For EU-based customers, your VAT Number is validated using the VIES System. It is important to note that if an EU established customer is not able to provide a valid VAT number, the customer qualifies as a “Consumer” and is due to pay 21% Dutch VAT.
If you are a non-EU business customer (ex. legal entity, lawyer, entrepreneur, etc. registered under the laws of your local jurisdiction) please enter your Tax Identification Number. You must self-attest as a business customer by checking the box below to validate your TIN and remove VAT from your order.
If you are paying on behalf of a taxable legal entity and unsure what your Tax Identification Number is, please refer to this useful OECD Resource, or consult your local tax authority or a tax adviser. IMI cannot provide advice on tax issues.
Please ensure that you have reached the checkout page and input your address/location, as this is the foundational basis for the IMI website to determine the VAT exemption eligibility.
Prospective IMI Qualified Mediators
For prospective IMI Qualified Mediators applying to become IMI Qualified Mediators after the above mentioned commencement date, payment will immediately commence in accordance with the newly updated policy.
Current IMI Qualified Mediators
For current IMI Qualified Mediators, the transition to the new policy will be implemented in three batches, with the application of the new fees aligning with each respective group:
- IMI Qualified Mediators Registered Prior to 2023: They will have a 45-day period, starting from the commencement date of the new policy, to pay the required annual listing fee.
- IMI Qualified Mediators Registered in 2023: Payment under the new policy will commence after the grace period until the year 2025.
- IMI Qualified Mediators Registered in 2024: Similar to the first group, they will also have a 45-day period from the commencement date of the new policy to pay the required annual listing fee.
Current IMI Qualified Mediators with Upgrade Functionalities
For those existing IMI Qualified Mediators who are remitting the annual upgrade fee under the previous policy, the transition to the new policy will be effected upon the expiry of the current subscription billing period.
Delisting and Relisting
Non-payment of annual listing fees within the said time frame will result in delisting.
If you wish to be reinstated, kindly submit a reinstatement request via email to certify@imimediation.org. In the case of relisting, it will be treated as a new application, requiring the submission of payments, including the one-time registration fee and annual listing fees.
Stepwise Guidance for Prospective IMI Qualified Mediators
An application to list as an IMI Qualified Mediator involves the following steps:
- Application Process: Upon submission of the application through either of the methods mentioned below, it typically takes 2-4 days for the necessary initial verification. Following the verification, a welcome email will be sent, providing relevant information and links for subsequent payment steps:
- Self-registration Form: Applicants can submit the self-registration form.
- Via your respective CMTP: Some CMTPs offer this possibility, which is associated with additional benefits. Please inquire with your CMTP if they submit joint applications on behalf of their graduates.
- Payment Process: The payment process consists of two integral components: the One-Time Registration fee and the Annual Listing Fee. The initial payment encompasses both the One-Time Registration fee and the Annual Listing Fees, which are calculated based on the applicability of the DEI Policy. Subsequently, an annual listing fee will be due each year. The verification of payments varies with the payment method, taking 2-3 days for credit card transactions and 5-7 days for direct bank transfers
- Listing on the IMI Website: Upon successful verification of the payment, the listing undergoes manual approval within 2-3 days and is subsequently published on the IMI website.
In anticipation that these stepwise instructions will optimize the application process for prospective IMI Qualified Mediators, we remain committed to expeditiously processing each application within the specified timeframes or sooner. Generally, an application will take 7-10 days or less from its initial submission to undergo necessary verifications and secure a listing on the IMI website.
If you have any questions regarding these above-mentioned changes and their applicability, please feel free to reach out to us at certify@imimediation.org.
