WIPO Lex, Member Profile, South Africa

About Intellectual Property IP Training Respect for IP IP Outreach IP for… IP and... IP in... Patent & Technology Information Trademark Information Industrial Design Information Geographical Indication Information Plant Variety Information (UPOV) IP Laws, Treaties & Judgements IP Resources IP Reports Patent Protection Trademark Protection Industrial Design Protection Geographical Indication Protection Plant Variety Protection (UPOV) IP Dispute Resolution IP Office Business Solutions Paying for IP Services Negotiation & Decision-Making Development Cooperation Innovation Support Public-Private Partnerships AI Tools & Services The Organization Working with WIPO Accountability Patents Trademarks Industrial Designs Geographical Indications Copyright Trade Secrets WIPO Academy Workshops & Seminars IP Enforcement WIPO ALERT Raising Awareness World IP Day WIPO Magazine Case Studies & Success Stories IP News WIPO Awards Business Universities Indigenous Peoples Judiciaries Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions Economics Gender Equality Global Health Climate Change Competition Policy Sustainable Development Goals Frontier Technologies Mobile Applications Sports Tourism PATENTSCOPE Patent Analytics International Patent Classification ARDI – Research for Innovation ASPI – Specialized Patent Information Global Brand Database Madrid Monitor Article 6ter Express Database Nice Classification Vienna Classification Global Design Database International Designs Bulletin Hague Express Database Locarno Classification Lisbon Express Database Global Brand Database for GIs PLUTO Plant Variety Database GENIE Database WIPO-Administered Treaties WIPO Lex - IP Laws, Treaties & Judgments WIPO Standards IP Statistics WIPO Pearl (Terminology) WIPO Publications Country IP Profiles WIPO Knowledge Center WIPO Technology Trends Global Innovation Index World Intellectual Property Report PCT – The International Patent System ePCT Budapest – The International Microorganism Deposit System Madrid – The International Trademark System eMadrid Article 6ter (armorial bearings, flags, state emblems) Hague – The International Design System eHague Lisbon – The International System of Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications eLisbon UPOV PRISMA UPOV e-PVP Administration UPOV e-PVP DUS Exchange Mediation Arbitration Expert Determination Domain Name Disputes Centralized Access to Search and Examination (CASE) Digital Access Service (DAS) WIPO Pay Current Account at WIPO WIPO Assemblies Standing Committees Calendar of Meetings WIPO Webcast WIPO Official Documents Development Agenda Technical Assistance IP Training Institutions COVID-19 Support National IP Strategies Policy & Legislative Advice Cooperation Hub Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISC) Technology Transfer Inventor Assistance Program WIPO GREEN WIPO's Pat-INFORMED Accessible Books Consortium WIPO for Creators WIPO Translate Speech-to-Text Classification Assistant Member States Observers Director General Activities by Unit External Offices Job Vacancies Procurement Results & Budget Financial Reporting Oversight

Constitution/Basic Law (1 text)

Type of Text	Title	Version	Dates	Subject Matter
Constitution/Basic Law	Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (amended up to Constitution Seventeenth Amendment Act of 2012)	2013	Amended up to : August 23, 2013 Commenced : February 4, 1997 Promulgated : December 18, 1996 Assented : December 16, 1996	Other

Laws/Regulations (75 texts)

Type of Text	Title	Version	Dates	Subject Matter
Main IP Laws	Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, 2018 (Act No. 12 of 2018)	2019	Published : March 29, 2019 Assented : March 27, 2019	Plant Variety Protection
Main IP Laws	Protection, Promotion, Development and Management of Indigenous Knowledge Act, 2019 (Act No. 6 of 2019)	2019	Published : August 19, 2019 Assented : August 13, 2019	Traditional Knowledge (TK) Traditional Cultural Expressions IP Regulatory Body Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Bioprospecting, Access and Benefit-Sharing Amendments Regulations, 2015	2015	Entry into force : May 19, 2015 Adopted : May 19, 2015	Patents (Inventions) Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets) Genetic Resources Traditional Knowledge (TK) Other
IP-related Laws	National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004, as amended up to the National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Act 2013)	2013	Adopted : May 31, 2004	Genetic Resources Traditional Knowledge (TK) Other
IP-related Laws	Companies Act 2008 (Act No. 71 of 2008)	2011	Entry into force : May 1, 2011 Adopted : April 9, 2009	Trade Names Enforcement of IP and Related Laws
IP-related Laws	Science and Technology Laws Amendment Act 2011 (Act No. 16 of 2011)	2011	Adopted : January 1, 2011	Patents (Inventions) Transfer of Technology
IP-related Laws	Human Sciences Research Council Act 2008 (Act No. 17 of 2008)	2010	Entry into force : June 9, 2010 Adopted : June 9, 2010	Patents (Inventions)
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulations No. R.675 of 2010 of the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act 2008	2010	Entry into force : August 2, 2010 Adopted : August 2, 2010	Patents (Inventions) Utility Models Trademarks Domain Names Transfer of Technology
IP-related Laws	Civil Aviation Act, 2009 (Act No. 13 of 2009)	2009	Entry into force : May 27, 2009 Adopted : May 25, 2009	Patents (Inventions) Utility Models Industrial Designs Enforcement of IP and Related Laws Other
IP-related Laws	Competition Amendment Act 2009 (Act No. 1 of 2009)	2009	Entry into force : August 28, 2009 Adopted : August 1, 2009	Competition
IP-related Laws	Films and Publications Amendment Act 2009 (Act No. 3 of 2009)	2009	Entry into force : August 28, 2009	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
IP-related Laws	Consumer Protection Act 2008 (Act No. 68 of 2008)	2008		Trademarks Trade Names Competition Enforcement of IP and Related Laws
IP-related Laws	Human Sciences Research Council Act 2008 (Act No. 17 of 2008)	2008	Adopted : September 23, 2008	Patents (Inventions) Industrial Designs Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Traditional Knowledge (TK)
IP-related Laws	Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act, 2008 (Act No. 51 of 2008)	2008	Commenced : August 2, 2010 Published : December 22, 2008 Assented : December 17, 2008	Patents (Inventions) Transfer of Technology IP Regulatory Body
IP-related Laws	Liquor Products Amendment 2008 Act (Act No. 32 of 2008)	2008	Entry into force : November 24, 2008 Adopted : November 17, 2008	Trademarks Geographical Indications Enforcement of IP and Related Laws
IP-related Laws	Standards Act 2008 (Act No. 8 of 2008)	2008	Entry into force : July 18, 2008	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
IP-related Laws	Technology Innovation Agency Act 2008 (Act No. 26 of 2008)	2008	Entry into force : April 24, 2008 Adopted : January 1, 2008	Patents (Inventions)
IP-related Laws	South African Red Cross Society and Legal Protection of Certain Emblems Act 2007 (Act No. 10 of 2007)	2007	Adopted : August 9, 2007	Trademarks Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Enforcement of IP and Related Laws IP Regulatory Body Other
IP-related Laws	Electronic Communications Act 2005 (Act No. 36 of 2005)	2006	Entry into force : April 18, 2006 Adopted : April 18, 2006	Competition Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets) Enforcement of IP and Related Laws
IP-related Laws	Genetically Modified Organisms Amendment Act 2006	2006	Entry into force : April 17, 2007	Other
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Patent Regulations, No. R6247 of December 15, 1978, as amended by Government Notice No. R1181 in Government Gazette No. 29413 of 1 December 2006	2006	Adopted : December 15, 1978	Patents (Inventions)
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulations on the Establishment of Collecting Societies in the Music Industry	2006	Adopted : June 1, 2006	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Trade Marks Regulations 1995 (GN R578 of April 21, 1995, as amended by GN R1180 of December 1, 2006)	2006	Entry into force : May 1, 1995 Adopted : April 21, 1995	Trademarks Enforcement of IP and Related Laws IP Regulatory Body Other
IP-related Laws	Labor Relations Act 1995 (Act No. 66 of 1995, as amended up to Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 2004)	2004	Entry into force : November 11, 1996 Adopted : November 29, 1995	Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets) Enforcement of IP and Related Laws Other
IP-related Laws	Liquor Act 2003 (Act No. 59 of 2003)	2004	Entry into force : August 13, 2004 Adopted : April 20, 2004	Trademarks Geographical Indications Enforcement of IP and Related Laws
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Methylated Spirits Regulations, 2004	2004	Adopted : August 17, 2004	Geographical Indications Other
Main IP Laws	Merchandise Marks Act, 1941 (Act No. 17 of 1941, amended up to Act No. 61 of 2002)	2003	Commenced : October 18, 1941 Published : April 17, 1941 Assented : April 7, 1941	Trademarks
Main IP Laws	Patents Act, 1978 (Act No. 57 of 1978, amended up to Act No. 58 of 2002)	2003	Amended up to : January 15, 2003 Commenced : January 1, 1979 Published : May 17, 1978 Assented : April 26, 1978	Patents (Inventions) IP Regulatory Body
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Patents Examination Regulations 2003	2003	Adopted : January 17, 2003	Patents (Inventions)
Main IP Laws	Copyright Act, 1978 (Act No. 98 of 1978, amended up to Act No. 9 of 2002)	2002	Amended up to : June 25, 2002 Commenced : January 1, 1979 Published : June 30, 1978 Assented : June 20, 1978	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) IP Regulatory Body
IP-related Laws	International Trade Administration Act 2002 (Act No.71 of 2002)	2002	Adopted : December 30, 2002	Competition Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets) Other
IP-related Laws	Medicines and Related Substances Act 1965 (Act No. 101 of 1965, as amended 2002)	2002	Adopted : January 1, 1965	Patents (Inventions) Trademarks Enforcement of IP and Related Laws IP Regulatory Body
IP-related Laws	Medicines and Related Substances Amendment Act (Act No. 59 of 2002)	2002	Entry into force : January 17, 2003 Adopted : December 30, 2002	Patents (Inventions) Enforcement of IP and Related Laws
IP-related Laws	Counterfeit Goods Act 1997 (Act No. 37 of 1997, as amended by Counterfeit Goods Amendment Act 2001)	2001	Entry into force : October 30, 2001 Adopted : October 24, 2001	Patents (Inventions) Trademarks Geographical Indications Trade Names Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits Competition Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Domain Names Industrial Property
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulations No. R.223 of March 9, 2001 relating to the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2000 (Act No. 2 of 2000)	2001	Entry into force : March 9, 2001 Adopted : March 9, 2001	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Enforcement of IP and Related Laws
IP-related Laws	Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act 2000 (Act No. 13 of 2000, as amended up to Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Amendment Act 2006)	2000	Entry into force : May 11, 2000 Adopted : May 1, 2000	Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets) Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) IP Regulatory Body Other
IP-related Laws	National Health Laboratory Service Act 2000 (Act No. 37 of 2000)	2000	Adopted : December 5, 2000	Patents (Inventions) Trademarks Other
IP-related Laws	Promotion of Access to Information Act 2000 (Act No. 2 of 2000)	2000	Entry into force : March 9, 2001 Adopted : February 2, 2000	Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets) Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Enforcement of IP and Related Laws Other
IP-related Laws	Broadcasting Act 1999 (Act No. 4 of 1999)	1999	Adopted : April 23, 1999	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Designs Regulations 1999	1999	Adopted : December 1, 2006 Entry into force : July 2, 1999	Industrial Designs
IP-related Laws	National Heritage Council Act 1999 (Act No.11 of 1999)	1999	Adopted : April 14, 1999	Traditional Cultural Expressions Traditional Knowledge (TK) Other
IP-related Laws	National Heritage Resources Act 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999)	1999	Adopted : April 28, 1999	Traditional Cultural Expressions
IP-related Laws	Competition Act 1998 (Act No. 89 of 1998)	1998	Adopted : January 1, 1998	Competition
IP-related Laws	National Research Foundation Act 1998 (Act No. 23 of 1998)	1998	Adopted : January 1, 1998	Patents (Inventions) Transfer of Technology
IP-related Laws	South African Geographical Names Council Act 1998 (Act No. 118 of 1998)	1998	Adopted : December 2, 1998	Geographical Indications IP Regulatory Body Other
IP-related Laws	The National Library of South Africa Act 1998 (Act No. 92 of 1998)	1998	Adopted : November 2, 1998	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Other
IP-related Laws	The South African Library for the Blind Act 1998 (Act No. 91 of 1998)	1998	Adopted : October 20, 1998	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Other
IP-related Laws	Counterfeit Goods Act 1997 (Act No. 37 of 1977)	1997	Entry into force : January 1, 1998 Adopted : September 19, 0197	Utility Models Trademarks Geographical Indications Competition Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Enforcement of IP and Related Laws Industrial Property
Main IP Laws	Designs Act, 1993 (Act No. 195 of 1993, amended up to Act No. 38 of 1997)	1997	Amended up to : October 1, 1997 Commenced : May 1, 1995 Published : January 5, 1994 Assented : December 22, 1993	Industrial Designs Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits
IP-related Laws	Genetically Modified Organisms 1997 Act (Act No. 15 of 1997)	1997	Adopted : May 20, 1997	Other
IP-related Laws	Legal Deposit Act 1997 (Act No. 54 of 1997)	1997	Adopted : November 6, 1997	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Enforcement of IP and Related Laws Other
IP-related Laws	National Advisory Council on Innovation Act 1997 (Act No. 55 of 1997)	1997		Patents (Inventions)
IP-related Laws	National Film and Video Foundation Act 1997 (Act No. 73 of 1997)	1997	Adopted : November 26, 1997	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulations on Plant Breeders' Rights 1997	1997	Adopted : September 12, 1997	Plant Variety Protection
IP-related Laws	Films and Publications Act 1996 (Act No. 65 of 1996)	1996	Adopted : November 8, 1996	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
IP-related Laws	Intellectual Property Laws Rationalisation Act, 1996 (Act No. 107 of 1996)	1996	Commenced : January 1, 1998 Published : November 27, 1996 Assented : November 12, 1996	Patents (Inventions) Industrial Designs Trademarks Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
IP-related Laws	National Archives of South Africa Act 1996 (Act No. 43 of 1996)	1996	Adopted : September 27, 1996	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Enforcement of IP and Related Laws Other
IP-related Laws	Plant Improvement Act 1976 (Act No. 53 of 1976)	1996	Adopted : November 22, 1996 Entry into force : June 1, 1980	Plant Variety Protection Other
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Regulations relating to the Labeling, Advertising and Sale of Tobacco Products de 1994 (GN 2063 in GG 16111 of December 2, 1994, as amended by GN R1148 in GG 16588 of August 4, 1995)	1995	Entry into force : May 31, 1995 Adopted : December 2, 1994	Trademarks
IP-related Laws	Tobacco Products Control Act 1993 (Act No. 83 of 1993, as amended up to Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act 2008)	1994	Entry into force : February 1, 1994 Adopted : June 23, 1993	Industrial Designs Trademarks Trade Names Enforcement of IP and Related Laws
IP-related Laws	Liquor Products Act 1989 (Act No. 60 of 1989, as amended by Liquor Products Amendment Act 1993)	1993	Entry into force : July 1, 1990 Adopted : May 17, 1989	Trademarks Geographical Indications Trade Names Undisclosed Information (Trade Secrets) Enforcement of IP and Related Laws IP Regulatory Body
IP-related Laws	Nuclear Energy Act 1993 (Act No. 131 of 1993)	1993	Entry into force : March 1, 1994 Adopted : September 24, 1993	Patents (Inventions) Other
Main IP Laws	Trade Marks Act, 1993 (Act No. 194 of 1993)	1993	Commenced : May 1, 1995 Published : January 5, 1994 Assented : December 22, 1993	Trademarks Geographical Indications
IP-related Laws	The Scientific Research Council Act 1988 (Act No. 46 of 1988, as amended by Act No. 71 of 1990)	1990	Adopted : June 1, 1888	Patents (Inventions) Transfer of Technology
IP-related Laws	Business Names Act 1960 (Act No. 27 of 1960, as amended up to Transfer of Powers and Duties of the State President Act 1986)	1986	Entry into force : April 1, 1960 Adopted : March 25, 1960	Trademarks Trade Names
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Copyright Regulations 1978 (as amended by GN 1375 in GG 9807 of June 28, 1985)	1985	Entry into force : January 1, 1979 Adopted : December 22, 1978	Trademarks Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Enforcement of IP and Related Laws IP Regulatory Body
Implementing Rules/Regulations	Registration of Copyright in Cinematograph Films Regulations 1980	1980	Entry into force : November 1, 1980 Adopted : October 24, 1980	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Enforcement of IP and Related Laws IP Regulatory Body
IP-related Laws	Criminal Procedure Act 1977 (Act No. 51 of 1977, as amended up to Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act 2010)	1977	Entry into force : July 22, 1977 Adopted : April 21, 1977	Enforcement of IP and Related Laws Other
IP-related Laws	Registration of Copyright in Cinematograph Films Act, 1977 (Act No. 62 of 1977)	1977	Commenced : November 1, 1980 Published : May 26, 1977 Assented : May 11, 1977	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
IP-related Laws	"Vlaglied" Copyright Act, 1974 (Act No. 9 of 1974)	1974	Commenced : March 6, 1974 Published : March 6, 1974 Assented : February 26, 1974	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
Main IP Laws	Performer's Protection Act, 1967 (Act No. 11 of 1967)	1967	Commenced : December 30, 1967 Published : February 22, 1967 Assented : February 10, 1967	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)
IP-related Laws	Arbitration Act 1965 (Act No. 42 of 1965)	1965	Entry into force : April 14, 1965 Adopted : April 5, 1965	Enforcement of IP and Related Laws
IP-related Laws	Heraldry Act 1962 (Act No. 18 of 1962, as amended up to Cultural Laws Amendment Act 36 of 2001)	1962	Entry into force : June 1, 1962 Adopted : March 7, 1962	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights) Enforcement of IP and Related Laws Other
IP-related Laws	Unauthorized Use of Emblems Act 1961 (Act No. 37 of 1961)	1961	Adopted : May 31, 1961	Trademarks
IP-related Laws	"Stem van Suid-Afrika" Copyright Act, 1959 (Act No. 2 of 1959)	1959	Commenced : February 20, 1959 Published : February 20, 1959 Assented : February 12, 1959	Copyright and Related Rights (Neighboring Rights)

Treaties (44 records)

Title	Host Institution	Date of Adoption (Treaty)	Entry into Force (Treaty)	Signature (Party)	Instrument (Party)	Entry into Force (Party)	Additional Information
[IM] Paris Agreement	Host Institution: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC)	December 12, 2015	November 4, 2016	April 22, 2016	November 1, 2016	December 1, 2016
[IM] Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities	Host Institution: United Nations (UN)	December 13, 2006	May 3, 2008	March 30, 2007	November 30, 2007	May 3, 2008
[IM] Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities	Host Institution: United Nations (UN)	December 13, 2006	May 3, 2008	March 30, 2007	November 30, 2007	May 3, 2008
[IM] Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions 2005	Host Institution: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)	October 20, 2005	March 18, 2007		December 21, 2006	March 21, 2007
[IM] WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control	Host Institution: World Health Organization (WHO)	May 21, 2003	February 27, 2005	June 16, 2003	April 19, 2005	July 18, 2005
[RE] Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Agreement	Host Institution: Southern African Customs Union (SACU)	October 21, 2002	July 15, 2004	October 21, 2002		July 15, 2004
[IM] Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage	Host Institution: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)	November 2, 2001	January 2, 2009		May 12, 2015	August 12, 2015
[IM] Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants	Host Institution: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)	May 22, 2001	May 17, 2004	May 23, 2001	September 4, 2002	May 17, 2004
[RE] Constitutive Act of the African Union	Host Institution: African Union	July 11, 2000	May 26, 2001	September 8, 2000	March 3, 2001	May 26, 2001
[IM] Second Protocol to the Hague Convention of 1954 for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict	Host Institution: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)	March 26, 1999	March 9, 2004		February 11, 2015	May 11, 2015
[IM] Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change	Secretariat: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC)	December 11, 1997	February 16, 2005		July 31, 2002	February 16, 2005
[RE] Protocol on Trade in the Southern African Development Community	Host Institution: Southern African Development Community (SADC)	August 24, 1996	January 25, 2000	August 24, 1996		January 25, 2000
[IM] United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa	Host Institution: United Nations (UN)	June 17, 1994	December 26, 1996	January 9, 1995	September 30, 1997	December 29, 1997
[IM] Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO)	Host Institution: World Trade Organization (WTO)	April 15, 1994	January 1, 1995			January 1, 1995
[IM] Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement)	Host Institution: World Trade Organization (WTO)	April 15, 1994	January 1, 1995			January 1, 1995
[RE] Treaty establishing the Southern African Development Community	Host Institution: Southern African Development Community (SADC)	August 17, 1992	September 30, 1993		August 29, 1994	August 29, 1994
[IM] United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change	Secretariat: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC)	May 9, 1992	March 21, 1994	June 15, 1993	August 29, 1997	November 27, 1997
[RE] Abuja Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community (AEC)	Host Institution: African Economic Community (AEC)	June 3, 1991	May 12, 1994	October 10, 1997	May 31, 2001	June 30, 2001
[IM] Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer	Host Institution: United Nations (UN)	March 22, 1985	September 22, 1988		January 15, 1990	April 15, 1990
[IM] United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea	Host Institution: United Nations (UN)	December 10, 1982	November 16, 1994	December 5, 1984	December 23, 1997	January 22, 1998	Details
[IM] International Convention on the Harmonization of Frontier Controls of Goods	Host Institution: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)	October 21, 1982	October 15, 1985		February 24, 1987	May 24, 1987	Details
[IM] Protocol (I) additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts	Host Institution: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)	June 8, 1977	December 7, 1978		November 21, 1995	May 21, 1996
[IM] Protocol (II) additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts	Host Institution: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)	June 8, 1977	December 7, 1978		November 21, 1995	May 21, 1996
[WIPO] Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure	Host Institution: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	April 28, 1977	August 19, 1980		April 14, 1997	July 14, 1997
[IM] Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage	Host Institution: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)	November 16, 1972	December 17, 1975		July 10, 1997	October 10, 1997	Details
[IM] Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property	Host Institution: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)	November 14, 1970	April 24, 1972		December 18, 2003	March 18, 2004
[WIPO] Patent Cooperation Treaty	Host Institution: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	June 19, 1970	January 24, 1978		December 16, 1998	March 16, 1999	Details
[WIPO] Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization	Host Institution: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	July 14, 1967	April 26, 1970	July 14, 1967	December 23, 1974	March 23, 1975	Details
[IM] International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights	Host Institution: United Nations (UN)	December 16, 1966	January 3, 1976	October 3, 1994	January 12, 2015	April 12, 2015	Details
[IM] International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV)	Host Institution: International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV)	December 2, 1961	August 10, 1968		October 7, 1977	November 6, 1977	Details
[IM] Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards	Host Institution: United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)	June 10, 1958	June 7, 1959		May 3, 1976	August 1, 1976
[IM] Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict	Host Institution: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)	May 14, 1954	August 7, 1956		December 18, 2003	March 18, 2004
[IM] European Convention relating to the Formalities required for Patent Applications	Host Institution: Council of Europe (CE)	December 11, 1953	June 1, 1955		November 28, 1957	December 1, 1957
[IM] International Plant Protection Convention	Host Institution: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)	December 6, 1951	October 2, 2005	December 6, 1951	September 21, 1956	October 2, 2005
[IM] Convention (I) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field	Host Institution: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)	August 12, 1949	October 21, 1950		March 31, 1952	September 30, 1952
[IM] Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War	Host Institution: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)	August 12, 1949	October 21, 1950		March 31, 1952	September 30, 1952
[IM] Convention (II) for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea	Host Institution: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)	August 12, 1949	October 21, 1950		March 31, 1952	September 30, 1952
[IM] Convention (III) relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War	Host Institution: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)	August 12, 1949	October 21, 1950		March 31, 1952	September 30, 1952
[IM] Convention on International Civil Aviation	Host Institution: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)	December 7, 1944	April 4, 1947	June 4, 1945	March 1, 1947	April 4, 1947	Details
[WIPO] Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works	Host Institution: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	September 9, 1886	December 4, 1887		October 3, 1928	October 3, 1928	Details
[WIPO] Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property	Host Institution: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	March 20, 1883	July 7, 1884		October 20, 1947	December 1, 1947	Details
[IM] Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity	Host Institution: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Secretariat: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat	October 29, 2010	October 12, 2014	May 11, 2011	January 10, 2013	October 12, 2014
[IM] Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity	Host Institution: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Secretariat: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat	January 29, 2000	September 11, 2003		August 14, 2003	November 12, 2003
[IM] Convention on Biological Diversity	Host Institution: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Secretariat: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat	June 5, 1992	December 29, 1993	June 4, 1993	November 2, 1995	January 31, 1996

Title

Host Institution

Date of Adoption (Treaty)

Entry into Force (Treaty)

Signature (Party)

Instrument (Party)

Entry into Force (Party)

Additional Information

[IM] Paris Agreement

Host Institution: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC)

December 12, 2015

November 4, 2016

April 22, 2016

November 1, 2016

December 1, 2016

[IM] Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Host Institution: United Nations (UN)

December 13, 2006

May 3, 2008

March 30, 2007

November 30, 2007

May 3, 2008

[IM] Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Host Institution: United Nations (UN)

December 13, 2006

May 3, 2008

March 30, 2007

November 30, 2007

May 3, 2008

[IM] Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions 2005

Host Institution: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

October 20, 2005

March 18, 2007

December 21, 2006

March 21, 2007

[IM] WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

Host Institution: World Health Organization (WHO)

May 21, 2003

February 27, 2005

June 16, 2003

April 19, 2005

July 18, 2005

[RE] Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Agreement

Host Institution: Southern African Customs Union (SACU)

October 21, 2002

July 15, 2004

October 21, 2002

July 15, 2004

[IM] Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage

Host Institution: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

November 2, 2001

January 2, 2009

May 12, 2015

August 12, 2015

[IM] Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

Host Institution: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

May 22, 2001

May 17, 2004

May 23, 2001

September 4, 2002

May 17, 2004

[RE] Constitutive Act of the African Union

Host Institution: African Union

July 11, 2000

May 26, 2001

September 8, 2000

March 3, 2001

May 26, 2001

[IM] Second Protocol to the Hague Convention of 1954 for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict

Host Institution: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

March 26, 1999

March 9, 2004

February 11, 2015

May 11, 2015

[IM] Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Secretariat: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC)

December 11, 1997

February 16, 2005

July 31, 2002

February 16, 2005

[RE] Protocol on Trade in the Southern African Development Community

Host Institution: Southern African Development Community (SADC)

August 24, 1996

January 25, 2000

August 24, 1996

January 25, 2000

[IM] United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa

Host Institution: United Nations (UN)

June 17, 1994

December 26, 1996

January 9, 1995

September 30, 1997

December 29, 1997

[IM] Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO)

Host Institution: World Trade Organization (WTO)

April 15, 1994

January 1, 1995

[IM] Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement)

Host Institution: World Trade Organization (WTO)

April 15, 1994

January 1, 1995

[RE] Treaty establishing the Southern African Development Community

Host Institution: Southern African Development Community (SADC)

August 17, 1992

September 30, 1993

August 29, 1994

[IM] United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Secretariat: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC)

May 9, 1992

March 21, 1994

June 15, 1993

August 29, 1997

November 27, 1997

[RE] Abuja Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community (AEC)

Host Institution: African Economic Community (AEC)

June 3, 1991

May 12, 1994

October 10, 1997

May 31, 2001

June 30, 2001

[IM] Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer

Host Institution: United Nations (UN)

March 22, 1985

September 22, 1988

January 15, 1990

April 15, 1990

[IM] United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

Host Institution: United Nations (UN)

December 10, 1982

November 16, 1994

December 5, 1984

December 23, 1997

January 22, 1998

Details

[IM] International Convention on the Harmonization of Frontier Controls of Goods

Host Institution: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)

October 21, 1982

October 15, 1985

February 24, 1987

May 24, 1987

Details

[IM] Protocol (I) additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts

Host Institution: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

June 8, 1977

December 7, 1978

November 21, 1995

May 21, 1996

[IM] Protocol (II) additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts

Host Institution: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

June 8, 1977

December 7, 1978

November 21, 1995

May 21, 1996

[WIPO] Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure

Host Institution: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

April 28, 1977

August 19, 1980

April 14, 1997

July 14, 1997

[IM] Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage

Host Institution: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

November 16, 1972

December 17, 1975

July 10, 1997

October 10, 1997

Details

[IM] Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property

Host Institution: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

November 14, 1970

April 24, 1972

December 18, 2003

March 18, 2004

[WIPO] Patent Cooperation Treaty

Host Institution: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

June 19, 1970

January 24, 1978

December 16, 1998

March 16, 1999

Details

[WIPO] Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization

Host Institution: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

July 14, 1967

April 26, 1970

July 14, 1967

December 23, 1974

March 23, 1975

Details

[IM] International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Host Institution: United Nations (UN)

December 16, 1966

January 3, 1976

October 3, 1994

January 12, 2015

April 12, 2015

Details

[IM] International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV)

Host Institution: International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV)

December 2, 1961

August 10, 1968

October 7, 1977

November 6, 1977

Details

[IM] Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards

Host Institution: United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)

June 10, 1958

June 7, 1959

May 3, 1976

August 1, 1976

[IM] Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict

Host Institution: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

May 14, 1954

August 7, 1956

December 18, 2003

March 18, 2004

[IM] European Convention relating to the Formalities required for Patent Applications

Host Institution: Council of Europe (CE)

December 11, 1953

June 1, 1955

November 28, 1957

December 1, 1957

[IM] International Plant Protection Convention

Host Institution: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

December 6, 1951

October 2, 2005

December 6, 1951

September 21, 1956

October 2, 2005

[IM] Convention (I) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field

Host Institution: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

August 12, 1949

October 21, 1950

March 31, 1952

September 30, 1952

[IM] Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War

Host Institution: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

August 12, 1949

October 21, 1950

March 31, 1952

September 30, 1952

[IM] Convention (II) for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea

Host Institution: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

August 12, 1949

October 21, 1950

March 31, 1952

September 30, 1952

[IM] Convention (III) relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War

Host Institution: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

August 12, 1949

October 21, 1950

March 31, 1952

September 30, 1952

[IM] Convention on International Civil Aviation

Host Institution: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

December 7, 1944

April 4, 1947

June 4, 1945

March 1, 1947

April 4, 1947

Details

[WIPO] Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works

Host Institution: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

September 9, 1886

December 4, 1887

October 3, 1928

Details

[WIPO] Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property

Host Institution: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

March 20, 1883

July 7, 1884

October 20, 1947

December 1, 1947

Details

[IM] Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity

Host Institution: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Secretariat: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat

October 29, 2010

October 12, 2014

May 11, 2011

January 10, 2013

October 12, 2014

[IM] Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity

Host Institution: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Secretariat: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat

January 29, 2000

September 11, 2003

August 14, 2003

November 12, 2003

[IM] Convention on Biological Diversity

Host Institution: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Secretariat: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat

June 5, 1992

December 29, 1993

June 4, 1993

November 2, 1995

January 31, 1996

South Africa

(120 texts)

Constitution/Basic Law (1 text)

Laws/Regulations (75 texts)

Treaties (44 records)