Research Article

THE LEGAL NATURE AND REGULATORY APPROACHES OF SMART CONTRACTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS

Number: Advanced Online Publication Early Pub Date: July 17, 2026
TR EN

THE LEGAL NATURE AND REGULATORY APPROACHES OF SMART CONTRACTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Smart contracts, by enabling the automated and transparent execution of ag-reements through blockchain technology, promise to simplify complex cross-border transactions and reduce reliance on intermediaries, possessing trans-formative potential in international trade. However, significant legal uncerta-inties remain regarding their legal nature, contract validity, applicable law, jurisdiction, and liability. This study aims to examine the legal framework of blockchain-based smart contracts in international trade and to comparatively evaluate regulatory approaches in different legal systems. The research emp-loys a methodology that combines doctrinal legal analysis with comparative regulatory review, focusing particularly on legal recognition, regulatory inst-ruments used, general regulatory approaches, and emerging key legal issues. The findings of the international legal framework review and the comparative analysis conducted in the EU, United Kingdom, USA, some Asian countries, and Türkiye show that widespread adoption of smart contracts is still limited due to legal uncertainties and unresolved doctrinal questions, while regula-tory approaches are still evolving.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Law, Science and Technology, Commercial Law (Other), International Trade and Investment Law, International and Comparative Law (Other), Legal Systems (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

July 17, 2026

Publication Date

-

Submission Date

March 10, 2026

Acceptance Date

July 14, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

APA
Ortakarpuz, M., & Mangır, F. (2026). THE LEGAL NATURE AND REGULATORY APPROACHES OF SMART CONTRACTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS. Selçuk Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi, Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.15337/suhfd.1906822
AMA
1.Ortakarpuz M, Mangır F. THE LEGAL NATURE AND REGULATORY APPROACHES OF SMART CONTRACTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS. Selçuk Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;(Advanced Online Publication). doi:10.15337/suhfd.1906822
Chicago
Ortakarpuz, Metehan, and Fatih Mangır. 2026. “THE LEGAL NATURE AND REGULATORY APPROACHES OF SMART CONTRACTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS”. Selçuk Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi, no. Advanced Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.15337/suhfd.1906822.
EndNote
Ortakarpuz M, Mangır F (July 1, 2026) THE LEGAL NATURE AND REGULATORY APPROACHES OF SMART CONTRACTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS. Selçuk Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi Advanced Online Publication
IEEE
[1]M. Ortakarpuz and F. Mangır, “THE LEGAL NATURE AND REGULATORY APPROACHES OF SMART CONTRACTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS”, Selçuk Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi, no. Advanced Online Publication, July 2026, doi: 10.15337/suhfd.1906822.
ISNAD
Ortakarpuz, Metehan - Mangır, Fatih. “THE LEGAL NATURE AND REGULATORY APPROACHES OF SMART CONTRACTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS”. Selçuk Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi. Advanced Online Publication (July 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.15337/suhfd.1906822.
JAMA
1.Ortakarpuz M, Mangır F. THE LEGAL NATURE AND REGULATORY APPROACHES OF SMART CONTRACTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS. Selçuk Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026. doi:10.15337/suhfd.1906822.
MLA
Ortakarpuz, Metehan, and Fatih Mangır. “THE LEGAL NATURE AND REGULATORY APPROACHES OF SMART CONTRACTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS”. Selçuk Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi, no. Advanced Online Publication, July 2026, doi:10.15337/suhfd.1906822.
Vancouver
1.Metehan Ortakarpuz, Fatih Mangır. THE LEGAL NATURE AND REGULATORY APPROACHES OF SMART CONTRACTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS. Selçuk Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026 Jul. 1;(Advanced Online Publication). doi:10.15337/suhfd.1906822

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