International contracts

International terms of trade

We advise Danish and international businesses and public organisations on trade according to international standard terms of trade or when disputes arise. It is generally possible to use the terms of trade unchanged but it depends on a detailed analysis of the relevant product and the specific circumstances. A large part of the world's trade in mechanical, electrical and electronic products is conducted according to international terms of trade such as the Orgalime general conditions and the NL general conditions or special terms of delivery such as Incoterms.

Our team of specialists assist with understanding and insight and advise on the correct choice of terms and conditions as well as any necessary adjustments.

CISG

CISG, which is also called the international sale of goods act, is an abbreviation of ”The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods”. The UN convention, which has been adopted by more than 80 countries, applies to international contracts on the sale and purchase of goods between traders. There are significant differences between CISG and the Danish Sale of Goods Act that are important to know as a trader before entering into any international contracts. We advise on when CISG applies and the importance of CISG on the parties' legal position.

Mechanical, electrical and electronic products

Two different types of international terms of trade in particular apply to the trade in mechanical, electrical and electronic products to and from Denmark. On a European level it is the Orgalime general conditions and on a Nordic level it is the NL general conditions.

The Orgalime general conditions have been drafted by Orgalim which represents national industry associations in Europe, including The Confederation of Danish Industry, and European-level sector associations for various niche manufacturers. The Orgalime general conditions are available in many versions with various addenda.

Similar conditions have been prepared on a Nordic level by the Nordic industry associations, the so-called NL general conditions (general conditions for the supply of machinery and other mechanical, electronic equipment between Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden and within such countries). The general conditions are also available in different versions and editions such as NL, NLM, NLS, NLG, etc.

We help buyers and sellers choose the right general conditions and the right adjustments.

Incoterms

Incoterms, which are drafted by The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), are the most widely used terms of trade in the world. The most recent version is Incoterms 2010, but a new edition is expected in 2020 because of ICC's 100 anniversary. Incoterms govern the seller's and the buyer's liability in respect of the passing of the risk, transportation, costs and insurance. We have many years of experience in advising on the choice and interpretation of the various Incoterms.

Disputes

We conduct and close about 1,700 legal actions annually and 60-80 of such legal actions are actions before the Danish Supreme Court. We also represent clients in more than 100 arbitration cases, including industrial arbitration. It means that we are Denmark's leading litigation firm.

We are successful in the far majority of the legal actions that go all the way to be set down for judgment. As for the other legal actions that have either been settled or withdrawn, we are usually successful. Our objective is always to get the best possible results for our clients.