The Convention was adopted rind opened for signature at a conference of Plenipotentiaries in Rotterdam on 10 September 1998. It was signed at a special ceremony on 11 September 1998 by 61 States and one regional economic integration organisation. The Convention was opened for signature for one year at UN headquarters in New York on 12 September 1998. it will enter into force 90 days after the submission of 50 instruments oh ratification.