CISG – List of Signatory Countries

What is the CISG?

The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) is a treaty that provides a uniform legal framework for the sale of goods between businesses in different countries. It was referenced in the webcast titled “Money Out” and is summarised here in practical terms.

The CISG sits “above” domestic contract law and aims to facilitate international trade by reducing legal uncertainties and complexities. Instead of trying to reconcile two different national legal systems, parties can rely on one shared set of default rules for their sale of goods contract.

When does the CISG apply?

In broad terms, the CISG applies when all of the following are true:

• The contract is for the sale of goods (not services, employment, consumer purchases, etc.).
• The parties are based in different countries.
• Those countries are signatories to the CISG.

Importantly, the CISG applies automatically in these situations unless the parties expressly exclude it in their contract. If you do nothing, and both countries have adopted the CISG, it will generally govern the sale of goods part of the transaction by default.

Why this matters for “Money Out”

For exporters and importers, understanding whether the CISG applies affects how you draft and interpret your contracts. It can influence matters such as formation of the contract, delivery obligations, risk transfer, remedies for breach and calculation of damages. Knowing which rules are in play helps you avoid surprises if something goes wrong.

Which countries have adopted the CISG?

As of November 2023, 97 countries have adopted the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. This group includes many major trading nations across Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond.

Because new countries may accede over time, you should always check the latest list rather than relying on a static document. The official, up-to-date list is maintained by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

When reviewing a cross-border deal, a simple checklist is:

• Confirm the country where your business is based.
• Confirm the country where your customer or supplier is based.
• Check whether both are CISG signatories using the latest UNCITRAL information.
• Decide, with your advisers, whether to allow the CISG to apply or to expressly exclude it in the contract.

How to check for updates

For the current list of CISG countries and the dates the Convention entered into force in each jurisdiction, refer to the official website of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). This is the authoritative source if you need to verify whether a particular country is currently a party to the CISG.