New ITC report explores digital trade gains through electronic bills of lading

The International Trade Centre (ITC) has published a new paper, Expediting Trade Through Electronic Bills of Lading, assessing how digital documentation is reshaping the movement of goods across borders.

The 50-page report examines the growing use of electronic bills of lading (eBLs) in international trade. Traditionally paper-based, bills of lading act as both a contract of carriage and a document of title. The paper outlines how digitising these instruments is helping to streamline trade operations and reduce transaction costs, especially for containerised goods.

The ITC notes that paper bills of lading still account for roughly 40% of container trade and can contribute up to 30% of total trade documentation costs. By contrast, electronic versions offer faster processing times, reduced risk of loss or fraud, and significant environmental benefits. The report estimates that full eBL adoption could lead to $6.5 billion in direct cost savings and enable up to $40 billion in additional trade flows.

While the benefits are clear, the paper also details the challenges limiting widespread uptake. Chief among them are legal uncertainties, lack of platform interoperability, cybersecurity concerns, and uneven levels of digital readiness among trading nations. The report explores both legislative and contractual pathways to eBL adoption and acknowledges the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR), now adopted in a growing number of jurisdictions, as a key legal enabler.

The report includes case studies from countries at various stages of implementation (including Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and China) along with insights into private sector and international organisation initiatives driving digitalisation. It also discusses emerging frameworks like TradeTrust and outlines how public–private collaboration is critical for global scalability.

Readers can expect an in-depth look at the mechanics of eBL systems, the technologies underpinning them (including blockchain-based platforms), and the policy frameworks that are beginning to support their use. The paper concludes with recommendations on harmonising legal standards, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting capacity-building, particularly in developing economies.

The full publication is available via the ITC’s website.