Our work
Digital Standards
Digital Standards for Global Trade Transformation
Digital trade standards provide the common language that enables governments, businesses, financial institutions and technology providers to exchange information seamlessly across borders and supply chains.
The ICC Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) works to improve the transparency, accessibility and alignment of digital trade standards. Our goal is to support a future in which trade information can be transformed into structured data that can be exchanged, automated and reused across the trade ecosystem.
ICC DSI works with standards bodies, technology providers, ERP vendors and industry stakeholders to support interoperable and platform-neutral trade records, enabling businesses to exchange digital trade information seamlessly across supply chains, systems and ecosystems.
Watch: Perspectives on Digital Trade & Interoperability - A short compilation of insights from industry leaders at the Digital Trade Transformation Forum in Geneva, highlighting why harmonised digital standards and interoperable systems are critical to accelerating global digital trade.
Joint UNECE-ICC Call to Action for Digital Trade
To drive the widespread adoption of globally interoperable digital standards, DSI has partnered with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) to issue a joint Call to Action. Launched in July 2024, this Call to Action urges all stakeholders across the global supply chain—public and private—to commit to implementing the digital standards.
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Creating policies conducive to digital trade and uniform regulations
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Aligning legal systems
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Adopting globally interoperable standards for national border processes
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Aligning data definitions and cross-referencing common standards for global interoperability, among others
Review the full Call to Action and show your commitment to adopting digital standards by submitting your pledge through this form.
Pilot for innovation
Our innovation pilots, fostered in collaboration with both public and private sectors, provide secure testing grounds for experimentation. These pilots aren't just trials; they're sources of valuable insights, highlighting challenges and avenues for refinement. Working alongside industry experts, users, and solution providers, we ensure that recommended standards are pragmatic, effective, and fit for purpose. Simultaneously, we are empowering organisations with a wealth of proven strategies and real case studies to construct robust business cases and navigate implementation with confidence.
Visit our Resources page to find a collection of pilots and best practices that we and our partners have led.
Ecosystem movement
We mobilise industry champions, early adopters and supply chain leaders to collaborate for mutual benefit. The FIT Alliance, comprising DCSA, BIMCO, FIATA, ICC, and SWIFT, was formed in February 2022 to raise awareness and accelerate adoption of a universal electronic bill of lading (eBL). In Sept 2023, it launched a ‘Declaration of the electronic Bill of Lading’ to secure the support of various stakeholders including Shippers, Corporates, Solution Providers, Banks and Freight Forwarders towards a universal electronic bill of lading (eBL). Find out more about the declaration HERE
There have been significant momentum behind eBL adoption among FIT Alliance member organisations. Through BIMCO’s “25 by 25 Pledge” and DCSA’s “100% eBL by 2030” initiative, some of the world’s largest bulk shippers and 9 of the top 10 ocean carriers have committed to switch their B/Ls to eBLs within two to seven years. 26 of FIATA’s Association members have adopted the eFBL (electronic FIATA bill of lading) and have begun to distribute it to their members.
ETRs in Practice: Seven Cross-Border Use Cases
This booklet showcases seven real-world examples of Electronic Transferable Records (ETRs) in action across trade, logistics and trade finance. Covering electronic bills of lading, electronic bills of exchange, promissory notes and warehouse receipts, the case studies demonstrate how ETRs can facilitate cross-border transactions, unlock financing opportunities and improve operational efficiency. Together, they illustrate how ETRs are moving from legal concept to commercial reality.
Additional Resources
Technologies and Trusted Digital Trade Ecosystems
ICC DSI advances trusted digital trade ecosystems that enable the secure and interoperable exchange of supply chain data across the global trade ecosystem.
We work with governments, industry leaders, technology providers and international organisations to promote trusted digital trade ecosystems that enable secure, scalable and interoperable digital trade. Our focus is on strengthening the frameworks, technologies and governance mechanisms that allow digital trade information to be exchanged with confidence across different platforms and jurisdictions.
Legal Reform
We engage the public sector to progress legislative reform and build capacity to implement digital trade.
Recognising the Legality of Trade Documents in Digital Form
The Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) drafted by UNCITRAL creates an enabling legal framework for paperless trade. It provides an international framework to align national laws and enable the legal use of electronic transferrable records both domestically and across borders.
As a dynamic catalyst, DSI offers unparalleled support to countries aiming to align with the MLETR framework. From conceptualisation and consultation to comprehensive capacity building, DSI serves as a comprehensive hub, providing an array of invaluable resources, including:
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a detailed Roadmap
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a Tracker that monitors global alignment progress
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a repository of frequently encountered questions
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a practical MLETR implementation guide for policymakers and practitioners
Latest Initiative: NCD Convention Tracker
DSI, UNCITRAL and UNESCAP have launched a new tracker monitoring global progress towards ratification of the United Nations Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents (NCD), helping accelerate the transition to paperless trade worldwide.
Reliability Assessment Framework
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As adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) expands globally, attention is increasingly shifting from legal recognition to implementation. A key challenge is ensuring confidence in the systems used to create, manage and exchange electronic transferable records.
To support this transition, ICC DSI partnered with the Digital Governance Council (DGC) of Canada to develop the Reliability Assessment Framework. The framework provides a structured approach for assessing whether systems can support the reliable management and transfer of electronic transferable records in line with recognised MLETR requirements.
By translating broad legal principles into practical assessment criteria, the framework supports organisations seeking to implement electronic transferable records and advance digital trade adoption.
Watch the Webinar recording of the Reliability Assessment Framework launch here.
Additional Resources
Industry Support
Many industry stakeholders contributed to the development and testing of the framework and continue to support efforts to advance the adoption of electronic transferable records. Read what some of them have to say.
Policy and Regulatory Environment
Legal reforms to enable the digitalisation of trade documents work together with an enabling regulatory environment that supports the digitalisation of trade. Regulatory policies that prioritise trade facilitation, the use of global standards, single windows, and paperless trade work together to enhance the global trade ecosystem.
Trade facilitation policies streamline customs procedures, cut operational costs, and expedite the movement of goods. When combined with legal reform, these regulations create an enabling environment for digitalisation, enhancing the efficiency of trade operations. They foster trust and transparency among traders, enabling them to confidently embrace digital processes for document exchange and transactions.
Creating an Inclusive Global Trade Environment
Legislative reforms that allow for paperless trade will also increase the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in global trade and boost growth as countries recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, making trade more efficient as digital information is shared seamlessly across jurisdictions.
DSI provides a platform for sharing lessons learned and propelling nations forward in a nation’s MLETR alignment journey, bringing about a harmonised future for international trade. View our MLETR Toolkit .
Facilitating Legal Reform for Digital Trade
At the heart of our legal alignment and regulatory enablement effort lies the Legal Reform Advisory Board, which supports the achievement of an enabling environment for digital trade. A careful limit of 30 members, exclusive of Co-Chair positions, ensures focused and efficient discourse.
Measuring Economies’ Readiness for Digital Trade
In collaboration with The Milken Institute and theAsia Global Institute, DSI has developed the Global Trade Modernisation Index (GTMI), to engage the public and private sector about the building blocks for competitiveness through digital trade. Find out more about the Index and its panel of advisors here.
Building Capacity
We work with the public sector to build capacity to implement and benefit from digital trade by promoting and facilitating the adoption of MLETR.
Public Sector Capacity Building
DSI, together with the Asian Development Bank and UNCITRAL, holds in-person and virtual capacity-building sessions on MLETR with targeted public sector officials to help smoothen the adoption process of MLETR.
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Awareness-raising, advocacy, and local capacity building
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Identify and support local champions in participating jurisdictions
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Assist in the preparation of local legislative frameworks for MLETR adoption
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Promote international best practices across participating jurisdictions
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China
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Georgia
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Cambodia
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ASEAN
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Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore. Thailand, Vietnam
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Commonwealth
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Africa – Botswana, Cameroon, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozamique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia
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Asia – Blangladesh, Brunei, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka
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Caribbean and Americas – Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago
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Europe – Cyprus, Malta, United Kingdom
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Pacific – Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
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A 21st-century trade ecosystem needs progressive legal foundations. Nations need an enabling legal framework to recognise trade documents in digital form. DSI offers unparalleled support to do that by building capabilities within industries and governments to drive the necessary changes across the supply chains.
Digital Trade Navigator [New]
The Digital Trade Navigator is an online platform developed by the ICC Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) to help companies prepare for digital trade adoption. It provides structured learning, expert insights, and curated resources to guide businesses through the evolving landscape of digital trade, including legal frameworks, standards, and interoperability requirements.
Designed for organisations operating across cross-border supply chains, the Navigator supports teams in building a shared understanding, aligning internally, and strengthening readiness for implementation—ultimately enabling more efficient, secure, and seamless global trade.
Certificate in Digital Trade Strategy
Unlock the potential of your business in the digital age with our Certificate in Digital Trade Strategy (CDTS). Curated by DSI and jointly produced with ICC Academy, this comprehensive self-paced online course offers a holistic journey through the intricacies of digitising supply chain processes, equipping you with the knowledge to drive informed decisions and shape coherent policies for digital trade.
Led by over 20 industry champions, legal experts, innovators, and public policy officials, the CDTS is a unique opportunity to tap into a wealth of expertise. Whether you're steering the digital strategy or spearheading transformation within organizations with global supply chains, this course is tailored to empower your journey.