The Convention of 18 March 1970 on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters (HCCH 1970 Evidence Convention) establishes two methods of co-operation between States Parties for the taking of evidence abroad in civil or commercial matters. The Convention provides effective means for the taking of evidence in cross-border circumstances, via (i) Letters of Request, and (ii) diplomatic or consular agents and Commissioners. By enabling a variety of mechanisms for the taking of evidence abroad, the Convention also provides an effective solution to overcoming differences between civil and common law systems in the taking of evidence.
This specialised section contains a range of information on the Convention, including its full text, current status, and other practical information per Contracting Party, amongst others.
Explanatory documents:
- Outline of the Convention
- Practical Handbook (2020)
- Explanatory Report of 1970
- Report of 1968 (containing additional explanations)
- Table reflecting applicability of Articles 15, 16, 17, 18 and 23 of the Hague Evidence Convention
Guide to Good Practice:
Recommended Model for Letters of Request:
- Form (original document)
- Fillable versions
- Letter of Request – Optional Form for Video-Link Evidence
Special Commissions:
- 2024 Special Commission:
- 2014 Special Commission:
- 2009 Special Commission:
- 2003 Special Commission:
- 1989 Special Commission:
- 1985 Special Commission:
- 1978 Special Commission:
Questionnaires and Responses:
Seminars / Webinars:
- HCCH-ABLI 2021 Webinar “HCCH 1970 Evidence Convention and Remote Taking of Evidence by Video-link” (1 June 2021, Online)
- HCCH a|Bridged Edition 2020 (2 December 2020, Online)
- Service of Process and Taking of Evidence Abroad: The Impact of "Electronic Means" on the Operation of the Hague Conventions (Washington, D.C. 2 November 2015)
- APEC Workshop on the Ease of Doing Business through Hague Conventions (Beijing 12 August 2014)
Taking of evidence by video-link:
- Country Profile
- Report of the Experts' Group on the Use of Video-link and Other Modern Technologies in the Taking of Evidence Abroad (2-4 December 2015, The Hague, the Netherlands)
(Preliminary Document No 8 of December 2015 for the attention of the Council of March 2016 on General Affairs and Policy of the Conference)
See also:
- Annex 6 of the Practical Handbook on the Operation of the Evidence Convention (January 2016)
- The taking of evidence by video-link under the Hague Evidence Convention
(Preliminary Document No 6 of December 2008 for the attention of the Special Commission of February 2009 on the practical operation of the Hague Evidence Convention)
