Scope of Application of the CISG, the PICC, and Other International Instruments

Abstract This chapter analyses the scope of application of the CISG, the PICC, and other international instruments governing international contracts. It explains the legal nature of ‘hard law’ conventions such as the CISG and ‘soft law’ principles like the PICC, and how they apply in international, commercial (B2B) contexts. The chapter details the CISG’s direct, indirect, and optional application, including to mixed and manufacturing contracts, and the PICC’s use through explicit or implicit choice, or to interpret and supplement other laws. It examines the relationship of these instruments with concepts like lex mercatoria and general principles of law. Finally, it outlines the scope of other relevant instruments, including those on independent guarantees, documentary credits, Incoterms, electronic commerce, and limitation periods, highlighting their complementary roles in regulating cross-border commercial transactions.