To further the progressive harmonization and unification of the law of international trade (i.e. laws applicable to private parties in international transactions).

The Commission is presently composed of member States elected by the U.N. General Assembly. (Previously thirty-six members, recently expanded to sixty.) Membership is structured so as to be representative of the world's various geographic regions and its principal economic and legal systems. Members of the Commission are elected for terms of six years, the terms of half the members expiring every three years.

Other entities with a formal voice: Observer States may participate actively in the drafting process. In addition, interested international inter-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations may participate.

UNCITRAL typically takes decisions by consensus, rather than by voting

Work concentrating on Information and Communications Technology - (1997 to present) Electronic Commerce:

In 1996, the Commission discussed future work in the field of electronic commerce, based on a preliminary debate held by the Working Group on Electronic Data Interchange. Members agreed to have UNCITRAL continue its work on the preparation of legal standards for the sake of bringing predictability to electronic commerce, thereby enhancing trade in all regions.

Previous work on Information and Communications Technology:

• (1992 - 1996) Electronic data interchange
• (1988 - 1992) International payments
• (1973 - 1987) International negotiable instruments