Uniform Interpretation: Notice of Nonconformity

Abstract

This Article is about uniform interpretation as it pertains to the nonconformity notices under CISG Article 39.1 Article 39, which is one of the most heavily-litigated provisions of the CISG, provides in relevant part:2 The buyer loses the right to rely on a lack of conformity of the goods if he does not give notice to the seller specifying the nature of the lack of conformity within a reasonable time after he has discovered it or ought to have discovered it.

I will focus chiefly on two aspects of Article 39(1): (1) what constitutes a “reasonable time” within which buyers must notify sellers of a “lack of conformity” and (2) what level of specification is required to establish “the nature of the lack of conformity.”