Artikel 33

1. Countries members of the Economic Commission for Europe and countries admitted to the Commission in a consultative capacity under paragraph 8 of the Commission's terms of reference, may become Contracting Parties to this Convention:
(a) By signing it;
(b) By ratifying it after signing it subject to ratification;
(c) By acceding to it.
2. Such countries as may participate in certain activities of the Economic Commission for Europe in accordance with paragraph 11 of the Commission's terms of reference may become Contracting Parties to this Convention by acceding thereto after its entry into force.
2. bis. Any regional economic integration organization may become, in accordance with paragraph 1 of this article, a Contracting Party to this Convention. Such organization which has acceded to this Convention shall inform the Secretary-General of the United Nations of its competence and any subsequent changes thereto, with respect to the matters governed by this Convention. The organization and its Member States may, without however any derogation from the obligations under this Convention, decide on their respective responsibilities for the performance of their obligations under this Convention.
3. The Convention shall be open for signature until 31 August 1956 inclusive. Thereafter, it shall be open for accession.
4. Ratification or accession shall be effected by the deposit of an instrument with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.