Output
1) Background Research and Report
This output will consist of a baseline analytical report assessing the current status, challenges, and opportunities related to the adoption of the electronic bill of lading (e-BL) in APEC economies. The study will identify key regulatory, technical, and operational factors influencing e-BL implementation and its contribution to trade facilitation and supply chain efficiency. The study method to be used will be a literature review, and the target economies will be all 21 APEC member economies.
It will include:
A review of existing legal and regulatory frameworks aligned with the UNCITRAL MLETR and other international standards.
Mapping of stakeholders and initiatives promoting e-BL adoption in both the public and private sectors.
Analysis of technological enablers such as interoperability and data security.
Consideration of the findings from the project "Improving the digitalization of international trade; the relevance of the use of an electronic bill of lading", developed in 2024 in the scope of APEC SCCP and the recommendations issued by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) regarding e-BL standardization and implementation.
The findings will provide the analytical foundation for the survey and workshop.
Survey Report
A survey will be developed to gain a deeper understanding of the specific benefits, challenges and requirements for each stakeholder: exporter, shipper, freight
forwarders, ocean carrier, maritime agents, importer, warehouse, banking/financial institutions. Using the identified indicators, the survey will aim to identify both the current state and a scenario of E-BL potential implementation across economies. It will be circulated to public-sector entities (customs administrations, ministries of commerce, ports, transportation authorities) and private-sector organizations (associations representing exporters, shippers, freight forwarders, ocean carriers, maritime agents, importers, warehouses, and banking/financial institutions) across all economies, on behalf of the APEC Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures (SCCP). To prepare the survey, we will use the information obtained in the 'background research'.
To conduct the survey, an online form will be used with questions in closed-question format, open-question format, and Likert-scale questions. The Survey Report will have a minimum length of 20 pages, not including annexes, and will follow the following structure: Introduction, Objectives, Methodology, Research and Analysis, and Survey Findings.
Workshop
A one-day event will be organized during APEC SOM3 2026 to present and discuss the findings of the Background research and the Survey Report, discuss with public and private sector representatives on the current state of E-BL potential implementation and expected benefits of it, as well as its specific benefits, challenges and requirements. The workshop will bring together representatives of APEC enforcement authorities and policymakers directly involved in regulating and controlling the flow of goods (e.g., customs administrations, ministries of commerce, ports, or transportation authorities, etc.), as well as private-sector stakeholders engaged in foreign trade logistics operations (e.g., ocean carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, exporters, importers, financial sector, etc.). Following expert presentations, participants will take part in working sessions to assess the current state of E-BL implementation, evaluate the potential benefits of adoption, and identify key gaps that could be addressed to achieve 100% E-BL potential implementation. An ex-post survey will be carried out to assess participants’ feedback and measure the workshop’s effectiveness.
4) Project Final Report (APEC Publication)
An electronic final report will be prepared, drawing on the findings from background research, survey, and workshop, and will be shared with all APEC economies. The report will present the conclusions regarding the impact and feasibility of scaling up potential E-BL implementation across the region and will also provide recommendations for stakeholders. It will include background information, a summary of the survey and workshop results, an analysis of its impact and feasibility, and concrete recommendations to support potential large-scale adoption.
The Project Final Report will have a minimum length of 40 pages, not including annexes.
The document will be an APEC publication.
Outcome
The key outcome of this project is to analyse the impacts and assess the feasibility of potential E-BL implementation in APEC economies, while developing a guide for its adoption by stakeholders. It is expected that, once aware of its benefits, both the public and private sectors across APEC economies could evaluate the adoption of the recommendations and may apply them within their jurisdictions. The anticipated results include lower costs and shorter processing times in the foreign trade logistics chain, together with enhanced security and sustainability, ultimately strengthening the overall competitiveness of APEC economies.
The project will identify, among other aspects, the legal and technical gaps that hinder the potential implementation of the e-BL and propose practical, actionable recommendations. This may help economies evaluate and prioritize actions, sequence necessary reforms, and align their efforts with international best practices.
Stakeholders such as customs authorities, ports, carriers, exporters/importers, banks, and insurers will strengthen their understanding of the benefits, challenges, and requirements of E-BL. This will lead to more informed decision-making and better coordination across the supply chain.
Overall, by reducing requirements, shortening clearance times, and improving security and transparency, the objective of this project will contribute to more competitive and sustainable supply chains across APEC.
Beneficiaries
Description of Appropriate Workshop Participants (Primary beneficiaries) :
-Border agencies: Government officers of customs, transport, port authorities and entities that manage single window are needed to be part of the event considering they manage the document. In that sense, their opinion is relevant to reach the objectives of the workshop. In other words, public officer will play essential role in the project.
-Private Sector: It is expected that private sector or industries could have higher awareness in the development of electronic bill of lading and provide comments of measures and draft regulation or standard to ensure its implementation. Further, women representatives could contribute to provide a different perspective.
-Representatives of international organizations: International organizations have conducted important work on the application of electronic bill of lading. Therefore, they will be engaged to share their experiences using the electronic document in ports and between other stakeholders.
Secondary beneficiaries:
-Supply-chain stakeholders (e.g.exporter, shipper, freight forwarders, ocean carrier, maritime agents, importer, warehouse, banking/financial institutions). Will benefit from a concrete roadmap outlining both the advantages and specific requirementsfor adopting E-BL, enabling more efficient, resilient and secure trade processes.
-International organizations (e.g. World Bank, United Nations,International Chamber of Commerce). Will gain access to data-driven insights and case studies that support broader digital trade and E-BL initiatives, fostering global alignment and cooperation.
- Policy makers (e.g. ministries of commerce, ports authorities, transportation authorities). Will receive evidence-based recommendations to inform legal reforms, regulatory updates, and domestic strategies aimed at advancing digital trade and enhancing cross-border efficiency.
- Customs officer. They will receive technical guidance and practical tools to assess the advantages of adopting the Electronic Bill of Lading (E-BL), supporting the transition toward paperless trade and streamlined cross-border procedures.
