Promoting Uniformity: A Comparative Review of J Honnold and H Flechtner, Uniform Law For International Sales under the 1980 United Nations Convention and P Schlechtriem and I Schwenzer, Commentary on the UN Convention on the International Sale of Goods

Abstract

This review article considers the extent to which two commentaries on the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods ("CISG"), contribute to the international, uniform interpretation of the CISG. In doing so it will outline the manner in which both commentaries have approached their analysis of a range of provisions within the CISG.

One of the key strengths of the text by Schlechtriem and Schwenzer is its comprehensive referencing of relevant case law to illustrate the manner in which the provisions of the CISG have been interpreted. Honnold and Flechtner focuses on discrete issues arising under the provisions of the CISG and so is not comprehensive, and does not provide extensive references to case law. It nevertheless provides engaging discussion around particular aspects of interpretation of the CISG, and as a piece of scholarly writing on the CISG is itself a valuable interpretive tool to be used by courts and tribunals.