Framework Convention

A framework convention sets out broad principles and obligations in its main articles while leaving the detailed technical requirements to annexes or subsidiary instruments that can be amended separately. MARPOL 73/78 is the leading IMO example: the parent articles establish general duties, and the six technical Annexes carry the substantive discharge and emission limits, each amendable under the tacit-acceptance procedure of Article 16. This structure lets the IMO update technical detail without reopening the core treaty, and lets states accept the framework while phasing in optional annexes.