In 1911, Asser received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in the field of private international law, and in particular for his achievements with respect to the HCCH.

After World War II, steps were taken to establish the HCCH as an intergovernmental organisation, governed by its member states and administered by a secretariat, the Permanent Bureau.

[2] The acronym HCCH is derived from the name of the organisation in these two languages (Hague Conference – Conférence de La Haye).

The Regulations on Financial Matters and Budgetary Practices of the Hague Conference on Private International Law provide the details in this regard.

Other bodies include the Netherlands Standing Government Committee (instituted by decree on 20 February 1897 to promote the codification of private international law), the Special Commissions, and the Diplomatic Sessions.

Under the direction of the HCCH's highest governing body, the Council on General Affairs and Policy, the Permanent Bureau is charged with the preparation and organisation of the Sessions of the Hague Conference and the meetings of the Council and any Special Commissions; the work of the Secretariat of the Sessions and meetings; as well as all the tasks which are included in the activity of a secretariat.

Since 1955, the HCCH developed 40 international conventions and protocols that establish rules on jurisdiction, applicable law, the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, and on legal and judicial cooperation.

In 2015, the HCCH adopted its first soft-law instrument, the Hague Principles on the Choice of Law in International Commercial Contracts.