Which 1965 United Nations convention established rules for transit trade among landlocked countries?

The Convention on Transit Trade of Land-locked States established international rules for facilitating transit trade for countries without a coastline.

The convention was adopted by the United Nations in New York on 8 July 1965. It recognizes that landlocked states depend on neighboring transit countries to reach seaports and international markets. Its provisions address transit freedom, non-discrimination, and the need to facilitate movement through the territories of transit states while respecting their legitimate interests.

Landlocked countries face structural trade challenges because imports and exports must cross at least one additional border before reaching a maritime gateway. Transit delays, infrastructure gaps, customs procedures, and political disputes can raise costs and reduce competitiveness. The convention therefore forms part of the legal background for wider efforts to improve corridors, ports, railways, roads, and border management.

It is distinct from modern regional transport agreements and from the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The convention focuses specifically on the transit needs of landlocked states rather than creating a general law of ocean navigation.