The MLC, 2006, entered into force on 20 August 2013, 12 months after the date of receipt of  registered ratifications by at least 30 ILO Members with a total share in the world gross tonnage of ships of at least 33 per cent. This requirement for initial entry into force is within Article VIII, paragraph 3 of the MLC, 2006. It means that as of 20 August 2013 (when the requirements were met) the MLC, 2006, has entered into force and is binding as a matter of international law for those 30 countries. . For countries that ratified after 20 August 2012, as set out in Article VII, paragraph 4, the Convention will enter into force 12 months after the date of the country’s ratification is registered. Once this 12-month period after its registered ratification has passed, the Convention will enter into force for the country. This is the usual practice for ILO Conventions.