UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce

General Information

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What is it about?

This Model Law, adopted under the authority of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), aims to facilitate the use of modern means of communications and storage of information, such as electronic data interchange, electronic mail and telecopy, with or without the use of such support as the Internet. It is founded on the establishment of a functional equivalent for paper-based concepts such as "writing", "signature" and "original". By providing standards by which the legal value of electronic messages can be assessed, the Model Law plays a significant role in enhancing the use of paperless communication. In addition to general norms, the Model Law also contains rules for electronic commerce in specific areas, such as carriage of goods.

Why is it relevant?

This law is a response to the evolution of international trade operations that rely more and more on the exchange of electronic data.

Additional Information

To help States incorporate and interpret this law, UNCITRAL has created a Guide to the Enactment of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce (1996). Legislation based on the model law have been adopted in more than 25 States on all continents. The question of the authentication of electronic signatures is addressed by the Model Law on Electronic Signatures, UNCITRAL, 5 July 2001).

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