On 30 June 2005, in The Hague, the Convention on Choice of Court Agreements is adopted — the Hague Conference instrument ensuring respect for exclusive jurisdiction clauses in international commercial contracts.

The Convention requires chosen courts to hear the dispute and other courts to decline, plus recognition and enforcement of judgments resulting from such agreements.

Opened for signature on 30 June 2005, it enters into force on 1 October 2015. It complements the New York Convention on arbitration for disputes before state courts.

The EU, Mexico, Singapore and other parties have joined, making it a pillar of cross-border commercial litigation.

For private international procedure, 30 June 2005 marks adoption of the global standard for choice of court agreements.

The official text is on the Hague Conference (HCCH) site.

The Hague Convention of 30 June 2005 remains the reference for exclusive choice of court agreements.

Image: The Hague; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: Hague Choice of Court Convention. Treaty text: Convention on Choice of Court Agreements (HCCH).