NCD Convention Tracker

The NCD Tracker monitors the progression of States toward becoming parties to the UN Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents (the “Accra Convention”, adopted 15 December 2025). It complements official depositary records by capturing observable engagement preceding formal treaty acts.

The Convention enters into force 180 days after ten States deposit instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession. The signing ceremony is expected in Accra, Ghana, H2 2026.

This webpage on the NCD tracker was developed under the project entitled ”Strengthening performance, interconnections and multimodal network integration of dry ports in the Asia-Pacific region”, implemented by Transport Division, ESCAP.

More information on the project can be found on its webpage at: https://www.unescap.org/projects/strengthening-dry-ports

 

Beta Disclaimer

Please note that this is a BETA Version of the NCD Convention Tracker platform which is still undergoing final testing before its official release. The purpose of this BETA Version is to conduct testing and obtain feedback.

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Map Disclaimer: The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The depiction of participation status is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information at the time of publication. It does not constitute recognition of any governmental authority or position. The world map is derived from WMO Basemap World Robinson (WKID:54030).

 

Stage Term Definition Criteria (The listed criteria are not exhaustive)
1
 DOMESTIC AWARENESS Early awareness-raising activities related to negotiable cargo documents or the NCD Convention involving governments, industry stakeholders, or international organisations.

Evidence from at least one sub-track:

Public Sector:

  • Government participation in international NCD-related events (conferences, workshops, UNCITRAL meetings).
  • Domestic workshops or seminars on NCDs organised in-country.
  • Outreach or capacity-building by international organisations (UNCITRAL, UNESCAP, ICC DSI, FIATA) within the country.

Private Sector:

  • Industry associations or trade organisations have discussed NCDs or the Convention.
  • Feasibility discussions within stakeholders of international trade.
  • NCD pilot transactions in logistics or trade finance sectors.
2
 POLITICAL SUPPORT Public acknowledgement or support for the Convention by government officials or legislators.
  • Government officials have publicly mentioned NCDs or the NCD Convention (speeches, press releases, interviews).
  • Parliamentary or legislative body has discussed NCDs or the Convention (debate records, committee reports).
  • NCDs or the Convention referenced in national policy strategies or government reports.
3
 FORMAL DOMESTIC REVIEW Formal evaluation of the Convention by government institutions, including legal reviews, task forces, or commissioned studies.
  • Government has established a task force or committee to review NCDs or the Convention.
  • A government body has conducted a legal or regulatory review concerning NCDs.
  • Government has commissioned research or expert studies on NCDs or Convention adoption.
  • Inter-ministerial review launched; cabinet-level consideration; request for technical assistance.
4
 SIGNED Signature of the Convention by an authorised representative; confirmation recorded by the depositary. Signature indicates intention but not consent to be bound.
  • Signature at Accra ceremony or at UN HQ New York.
  • Confirmation recorded by the depositary (UN Secretary-General).
5
 DOMESTIC LEGISLATIVE PROCESS Domestic procedures undertaken after signature to initiate ratification, including but not limited to approval by constitutionally designated authorities and preparation of the instrument for depository.
  • Domestic approval procedures formally initiated
  • Approval by designated authority obtained or underway
  • Instrument for deposit being prepared or authorized for signature Domestic legal alignment measures undertaken (where required)
     
6
 INSTRUMENT DEPOSITED Deposit of instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession with the depositary, with or without a reservation relating to contracts for carriage of goods wholly by sea (Art. 24(1)). Deposit constitutes formal consent to be bound.
  • Instrument deposited with UN Secretary-General.
  • Depositary notification issued.
  • Any Art. 24(1) reservation recorded.
7
 IN FORCE Entry into force for the State in accordance with the Convention’s provisions. The State becomes legally bound. Convention enters into force 180 days after the tenth instrument is deposited.
  • UN depositary confirmation of entry-into-force date.
  • Domestic implementing legislation operative.
  • NCDs can be issued and used in trade.

The data is as of 8 May 2026

This tracker reflects information as known to ICC DSI, stakeholders are invited to share any additional information that maybe relevant to update it.