Recent Developments in International Sales Law

Abstract

The title of my address promises more than I can keep. As a precaution, I should at least add a question mark to this title, because I want to discuss whether there are any noteworthy recent developments in international sales law at all, and whether or not they are desirable. By “international sales law”, I understand Uniform Sales Law which is international for three reasons: first, because it applies to international sales; second, because it is in force in several countries; and finally, because it has been worked out “internationally”, i.e. by lawyers from diverse legal backgrounds. What I am talking about, therefore, is Uniform Sales Law within the meaning of the Hague Uniform Laws on International Sales—which are in operation also in Israel—as well as the Sales Convention which was passed at a diplomatic conference in Vienna in 1980. As to developments I would like to give a short overview of the reception the Hague Uniform Sales Law has received in Germany.