framework enacted by the New Code. For instance, the New Code includes legislation on certain commercial relationships that were previously ruled in separate laws or only accepted by customary or judicial precedents, such as, supply contracts, leasing contracts, banking contracts, factoring contracts, agent contracts, concession contracts, franchising contracts, arbitration contracts, trust contracts and consumer protection framework. that indicate how a contract should be construed. These provisions are not only a suggestion, but mandatory ruling. The principal rule in order to construe a contract would be "the common intention of the parties" and "good faith." Section 961 of the New Code states that the parties commit to comply with the stated, but also to all consequences that could be considered and compounded, by a reasonable and careful party. obligations to pay money subject to Argentine law could be stated in local or foreign currency. If a party undertook the obligation to repay a loan in USD (United States Dollars) such party could and should cancel its obligation paying USD. The New Code amended certain provisions that stated the manner a party could repay a loan payable in foreign currency in Argentina. Basically, the New Code states that if a party undertakes the obligation to pay in foreign currency, such obligation shall be considered as an obligation to deliver goods. That is to say, according to the New Code, the debtor could cancel its obligation paying in Argentine pesos at the official exchange rate, but it is be modified by the parties' agreement. So, in order to protect the interest of the parties, contracts signed after August 1, 2015, with foreign currency obligations shall be drafted taking into account different situations (e.g. if the contract is local or international, if the parties are locals or foreigners, if the object of the contract has any relation to markets using foreign currency, etc). New Code that should be considered at the time of doing business in the Republic of Argentina. The entire legal sector in Argentina is studying and analyzing the New Code, since it actually represents a new regulation on most of private relations. This is just a brief overview of the New Code; much more remains to be said and studied. |