Contracting State Definition

‘Contracting State’ is a legal term used in international law to describe a nation that has formally agreed to be bound by the provisions of a treaty. A Contracting State is also sometimes referred to as a ‘Party State.’ In order for a treaty to become binding on a state, that state must first express its consent to be bound by the treaty’s terms. This consent is typically given by signing the treaty, ratifying it, or acceding to it.