State is the moment the treaty actually becomes legally binding on it. The treaty does not enter into force immediately; it usually takes some time, as specified in the treaty. Entry into force Entry into force of a treaty is the moment when a treaty becomes legally binding on its parties. The provisions of the treaty determine the moment of its entry into force, usually after a month or so. There are two types of entry into force: definitive entry into force of the treaty as an international legal instrument; and specific entry into force for a particular State. • Definitive entry into force Definitive entry into force is when a new treaty becomes a legally binding instrument for those States that have already expressed their consent to be bound by its provisions. Most treaties stipulate that they will enter into force after a specified number of instruments of ratification, approval, acceptance or accession have been deposited with the Secretary-General. Until that date, the treaty cannot legally bind any State, even those that have ratified or acceded to it (although they are obliged to refrain in good faith from acts that would defeat its object and purpose). • Entry into force for a State Once a treaty has entered into force generally, additional provisions determine when the treaty will enter into force for any other State (or regional integration organization) that wishes to be bound by it. Dates Consequently, there may be several dates attached to a treaty in relation to a given State: Date of definitive entry into force of the treaty: the date, set in the treaty, at which the treaty enters generally into force in international law and becomes binding on States that have already taken the necessary measures. Date of signature: the date on which a State signs the treaty. This has no legal effect other than to oblige the State to refrain from actions that would defeat the object and purpose of the treaty. Date of deposit of instrument of ratification or accession: the date on which the United Nations treaty depositary receives the legal instrument that expresses the State’s consent to be bound by the treaty. 61