A CCAMLR Contracting Party is a State or a regional economic integration organisation, such as the European Union, which has committed to the Convention through ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. Members include those Contracting Parties that participated in the first meeting at which the Convention was adopted in 1980, as well as States that have subsequently acceded to the Convention and been accepted as Members by the Commission. The Convention is open for accession by any State interested in research or harvesting activities to which the Convention applies. Acceding States do not take part in the decision-making process of the Commission nor contribute to the budget.

The Depositary, Australia, maintains the status list of Contracting Parties.