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Entry into force refers to the moment a treaty, convention, or agreement becomes legally binding and enforceable for the states or entities that have ratified or otherwise accepted it. This moment is usually defined by the text of the instrument and may occur on a date specified within the treaty or after certain conditions are met, such as a minimum number of ratifications or the attainment of a threshold percentage of participating states.

The mechanics involve several steps. A treaty is negotiated and, after signature or adoption, requires ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession by states. Instruments of ratification (or equivalent instruments) are deposited with a designated depositary, commonly a state or an international organization such as the United Nations. The treaty then enters into force on the date stated in the instrument or, if no date is specified, on the date the depositary confirms that the conditions for entry into force are satisfied.

A key distinction is between international entry into force and domestic effect. International entry into force binds states under international law, while many jurisdictions require domestic implementing legislation to give effect to the treaty within their legal system. In some countries, a treaty may be provisionally applied pending full domestic approval.

Examples illustrate the variability of mechanisms. The Paris Agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016 after enough parties ratified it to meet its specified thresholds. Other treaties may trigger entry into force upon the deposit of a minimum number of ratifications, or may provide for immediate effect in bilateral agreements.

See also: treaty, depositary, Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.