HKIArb Seminar: UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG): “Love it or hate it, but NEVER leave it!”

The “UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG): ‘Love it or hate it, but NEVER leave it!” Seminar was held at the Justice Place on 25 October 2023. This timely CPD Seminar, on the eve of the 1st anniversary of the CISG coming into force in Hong Kong, provides an overview of its importance, applicability, and interpretation, including comparisons on these topics with domestic sale of goods law in Hong Kong.

The Seminar commenced with welcoming remarks from Samuel Wong (on behalf of the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators) on arbitration in Hong Kong as a platform for resolving international commercial disputes. Developing on this, Thomas Yeon examined the importance and prerequisites of applying CISG in Hong Kong and risks of professional negligence suits arising from failure to properly conduct cases in which the CISG applies. Louise Barrington then discussed the business-friendly nature of CISG rules and principles and the circumstances in which the CISG applies and corresponding limitations, and how they differ from common law concepts in sale of goods. This is followed by an overview of the interpretation of CISG provisions by Sherlin Tung (Partner, Withersworldwide), who examined various interpretative focuses of the CISG, the unique importance of “good faith”, and the relevance of international trade usages and practices in interpreting the Convention. The Panel concluded with discussions on methods for conducting research on CISG (www.cisg-online.org) and differences in revoking offers under the CISG and domestic sale of goods law.

18LC expresses its sincere gratitude to the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators, Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation, the Vis East Moot Foundation, and all the participants of the seminar for their generous support.

If you are interested in organising a seminar with members of 18LC, please contact Ms Angel Wong (Practice Development Clerk) at Marketing@18LC.com.