The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) announced that a significant majority of global exports—61.5%—now originate from economies that have either aligned with or committed to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR). This landmark achievement marks a critical turning point for global trade, establishing the legal certainty needed to accelerate the adoption of paperless commerce worldwide.
Key Regional Developments
This progress is not isolated to one area but is gaining traction across multiple continents:
Europe: France has become the first European Union member to fully enact MLETR into domestic law, with Decree No. 2025-811 establishing the legal equivalence of electronic and paper records. This move provides a clear legal framework and technical safeguards for digital documents. The EU has also reinforced its commitment through its digital trade agreement with Singapore.
Asia-Pacific: This region is a leader in adopting MLETR-aligned frameworks. Japan is preparing to amend its Commercial Code in 2025 to enable the use of electronic bills of lading (eBL), with implementation expected by 2026. Additionally, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is negotiating digital trade commitments under its Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
Africa: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has embedded a commitment to MLETR within its Digital Trade Protocol, signaling a continent-wide alignment with international standards for digital trade.
Impact on Global Commerce and Freight Forwarders
This widespread legal alignment has profound implications for businesses, particularly freight forwarders. For decades, paper-based documentation has been a source of inefficiency and cost, but these reforms are changing the landscape.
For the industry: The new legal frameworks allow for faster, more secure documentation processes, reducing administrative costs and the risk of disputes. The legal certainty provided by MLETR builds greater trust in digital records across borders, streamlining global supply chains.
For freight forwarders: Adapting to MLETR-compliant practices positions freight forwarders at the forefront of digital innovation. They can now provide trusted, legally valid digital records, strengthening their role as essential data custodians in the supply chain. This not only enhances their service offerings but also allows them to differentiate themselves in the market with more efficient, transparent, and customer-centric solutions.
“The widespread commitment to MLETR shows that governments and businesses are ready to move beyond paper and embrace the future of trade,” said an ICC DSI spokesperson. “This momentum is crucial for creating more resilient, efficient, and sustainable global supply chains.”
