(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order brings into force on 1st June 2003 insofar as they apply to Scotland and the Adoption (Scotland) Act 1978, further provisions in the Adoption (Intercountry Aspects) Act 1999 (the “1999 Act”). This Order enables full effect to be given to the 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-Operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoptions which was concluded at the Hague on 29th May 1993.

It is the intention that the UK will ratify the Convention on 1st June 2003.