Inter-American Service Convention and Additional Protocol (IACAP)
The Inter-American Convention on Letters Rogatory and its Additional Protocol (collectively known as IACAP) are multilateral treaties designed to facilitate judicial cooperation among member states in the Americas. Specifically, these agreements streamline the process of serving legal documents across borders in civil and commercial matters by providing a standardized method that is more efficient than traditional letters rogatory.
What Is the Inter-American Service Convention on Letters Rogatory and Additional Protocol?
The Convention (1975)
Adopted in 1975, the Convention establishes a formal framework for transmitting judicial documents (such as summonses, complaints, and subpoenas) from one country to another through Letters Rogatory. Furthermore, it outlines the legal mechanism for one court to request assistance from a foreign court in serving documents.
The Additional Protocol (1979)
The Protocol, signed in 1979, supplements the Convention by introducing specific procedures and standardized forms (Form A, B, and C) that streamline the service process. Whereas the Convention focuses on legal authority and jurisdiction, the Protocol emphasizes practical implementation. Moreover, it mandates direct communication between Central Authorities and provides official templates to be used for requests, service, and confirmation.
Participating Countries
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Expertise
We specialize in service of process under the Inter-American Convention and ensure full treaty compliance.
Translations
Certified legal translations provided for Spanish, Portuguese, and other official languages required by treaty countries.
Accuracy
We prepare and review all required IACAP forms and letters rogatory to prevent costly delays or rejections.
Support
From submission to proof of service, we handle every step with real-time updates and dedicated client support.
Signatory Status: Inter-American Convention vs. Hague Service Convention
The table below compares countries that are signatories to the Inter-American Convention (IAC) and the Hague Service Convention. Some nations that are not part of the Hague Convention are IAC members, allowing parties to bypass diplomatic channels, avoid embassy fees, and choose a faster, more cost-effective route for service of process.
| Country | Signatory to Inter-American Service Convention | Signatory to Hague Service Convention |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Yes | Yes |
| Bolivia | Yes | No |
| Brazil | Yes | Yes |
| Chile | Yes | No |
| Colombia | Yes | Yes |
| Ecuador | Yes | No |
| El Salvador | Yes | Yes |
| Guatemala | Yes | No |
| Mexico | Yes | No |
| Panama | Yes | No |
| Paraguay | Yes | Yes |
| Peru | Yes | No |
| United States | Yes | Yes |
| Uruguay | Yes | No |
| Venezuela | Yes | No |
The Inter-American Convention offers a major advantage by eliminating embassy fees, which are a significant expense under the traditional Letters Rogatory route. Service is also faster, typically taking 3 to 12 months instead of a year. It is recognized as formal service, but still requires translated documents and a court-signed, stamped request form. For countries outside the Hague Service Convention, the IAC provides an efficient and reliable pathway. This approach ensures cost savings, timeliness, and compliance with international legal standards.
Key Benefits of Using the IAC for Service of Process
- Avoids embassy fees compared to Letters Rogatory.
- Faster process (3–12 months vs. about a year for Letters Rogatory).
- Recognized as formal service of process, same as Letters Rogatory.
- Requires translated documents.
- Requires a court-signed and stamped request form.
- Provides an alternative when Hague Service Convention is not applicable.
- Avoids diplomatic channels, saving time and costs.
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Step-by-step guide to treaty-based service
Inter-American Service Convention Process
Under the Inter-American Service Convention and Additional Protocol, the service of legal documents follows a structured, treaty-based process between participating countries. Here’s how it typically works:
Submit Request – Letter Rogatory (Form A)
A formal request for service is issued by the requesting country’s court. Next, this Letter Rogatory is sent to the receiving country’s Central Authority. Additionally, required documents often include translations and a summary in the recipient country’s official language.Serve Documents – Notification to Addressee (Form B)
The receiving Central Authority serves the legal documents to the recipient. In addition, Form B accompanies the papers, explaining the nature of the documents and any legal obligations.Receive Proof – Certificate of Execution (Form C)
After service is completed, the receiving authority returns Form C to the originating court. Specifically, this form certifies the method, date, and outcome of the service.
Overall, this system ensures legal cooperation between nations and helps protect due process rights while avoiding the complexities of informal or unauthorized international delivery methods.
Get Help with the Inter-American Service Convention
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Whether you’re a law firm litigating an international case or a private party trying to serve legal documents abroad, you need a reliable expert in Inter-American Convention service of process. Let Stellar Konsulting handle the paperwork, compliance, and logistics so you can focus on your case.
We’re here to ensure your documents are served properly, on time, and in full compliance with the Inter-American Service Convention and Additional Protocol.
