This Treaty shall enter into force in accordance with the ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession procedures established by the founding States Parties.
A State or other qualifying entity may become a Party to this Treaty by completing the applicable procedure for ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession.
Each State Party shall notify the designated Depositary when its domestic requirements for becoming a Party have been completed.
The Depositary shall notify existing and prospective States Parties of instruments deposited under this Treaty.
The Treaty shall become legally binding upon a State Party from the date specified by the applicable entry-into-force provisions.
A State may sign this Treaty subject to subsequent ratification, acceptance, or approval where its constitutional or legal system requires such a procedure.
A State that has signed but not yet ratified the Treaty shall refrain from acts that would defeat the object and purpose of the Treaty, to the extent required by applicable international law.
A State joining the Treaty after its initial entry into force shall become bound according to the same fundamental obligations, subject to any lawful transitional arrangements expressly established by the Treaty.
The Court may establish procedures allowing new States Parties to integrate their national authorities, courts, police, prison services, enforcement bodies, and other relevant institutions into the cooperation framework.
Nothing in this Article prevents the Court from beginning preparatory, administrative, educational, investigative, or organisational activities before the formal entry into force of the Treaty where lawfully permitted.
The Rules of the Court shall establish procedures for admission of new States Parties, designation of national contact points, implementation arrangements, and commencement of cooperation.