From 1 July 2025, UK businesses engaged in cross-border disputes will benefit from a significant change in how their legal judgments are recognised internationally, following the UK’s accession to the 2019 Hague Convention.

This new development means that when a UK court issues a judgment in a civil or commercial case involving a business in another participating country, the decision will be far easier to enforce overseas. As a result, companies are expected to save both time and money, and face less legal uncertainty when resolving international disputes.

Key Changes Under the Hague 2019 Convention

At present, even when a UK business wins a legal case in the UK, enforcing that judgment abroad can be a complex and lengthy process—sometimes requiring parallel litigation in the foreign jurisdiction.

From 1 July 2025, the new rules will:

  • Allow UK civil and commercial judgments to be automatically recognised and enforced in other countries that are party to the Hague 2019 Convention

  • Enable foreign judgments from those same countries to be recognised and enforced within the UK

  • Apply to proceedings initiated on or after 1 July 2025

Why This Matters for UK Businesses

For UK businesses trading internationally—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—these changes will help reduce the legal and financial burden of cross-border disputes. Instead of grappling with different enforcement regimes, companies will be able to rely on a consistent, streamlined framework.

This development also strengthens the UK’s position as a global hub for legal services, further enhancing the reputation of UK courts and legal professionals in international dispute resolution.

Currently, 29 countries are signed up to the Convention, including all EU member states, Ukraine, and Uruguay, with more jurisdictions expected to adopt it in due course.

Preparing for the Change

Businesses that frequently engage in cross-border transactions—especially those drafting international contracts or managing overseas legal risks—should begin familiarising themselves with the upcoming rules to take full advantage when they come into force.

See: Government signs new international agreement in boost to British business