Entry into Force

How many Parties were needed for the BBNJ Treaty to enter into force?

At least 60 Parties were needed for the BBNJ Treaty to enter into force.

Did the BBNJ Treaty require certain number of days to enter into force after the 60th Party deposits the Treaty with the UN Secretary-General?

The BBNJ Treaty entered into force on January 17, 2026. The 60th ratification was deposited with the UN Secretary-General on September 19, 2025.

The process:

The BBNJ Treaty will enter into force 120 days after the 60th ratified (or approved, accepted or acceded to) Treaty is deposited with the UN Secretary-General. 

For the Parties that ratifies (or approves, accepts, or accedes to) the BBNJ Treaty after the BBNJ Treaty enters into force, Treaty obligations will become effective 30 days after the Party deposits the Treaty with the Secretary-General of the UN.

Ref. BBNJ Treaty Art. 66, 68, and 75

Each Party will go through its own processes to sign, ratify (or approve, accept, or accede to) and deposit the BBNJ Treaty with the UN Secretary-General. For information about each Party, visit the page here.

Could a Party apply the BBNJ Treaty's requirements on a provisional basis (i.e., prior to entry into force)?

Yes. A Party may apply the BBNJ Treaty requirements provisionally if it notifies the UN Secretary-General in writing at the time of the signature or when it deposits the BBNJ Treaty. The provisional application of the BBNJ Treaty requirements will become effective from the date that the UN Secretary-General receives the notification. If the Party decides that BBNJ Treaty's provisional application is no longer desirable, the Party may notify the UN Secretary-General of its intention to terminate its obligations.

The provisional application of the BBNJ Treaty requirements will terminate when the BBNJ Treaty enters into force.

Ref. BBNJ Treaty Art. 69.

For information about Parties, visit the page here.