The article provides an overview of not only the issues of functioning and enforceability of multi-step dispute resolution clauses, but also the impact of their infringement on arbitration proceedings in Polish law. Th ese issues are presented on the example of FIDIC Contracts Conditions, which in recent years has aroused particular interest in their effectiveness in the Polish practice of implementing infrastructural investments. The article demonstrates the possible legal consequences of the non-compliance with pre-arbitration proceedings, presenting the individual interpretive models. [PAR] The article also highlights that the differences in the approach to the enforceability of ADR clauses may nullify the effect if the contractual mechanism is not designed in a sufficiently precise manner and does not raise doubts as to the parties’ intention. Due to the lack of a uniform legal regulation, also in Poland, multi-tier arbitration clauses in cross-border trade are exposed to discrepancies resulting from the approach adopted in the different legal systems.