eBL and Paperless Trade
Accelerating eBL Adoption
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Every year, 20 million paper Bills of Lading are couriered around the world to facilitate the shipments of goods. An electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) issued over GSBN infrastructure transforms the existing manual, paper-based exchange of global trade documentation into a digitally enabled efficient, paperless, and environmentally friendly process.
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The digitisation of this important trade document means it can be issued and transferred in seconds, rather than several weeks. Fewer administrative costs, and expenses associated with loss, damage, or delay of delivery of the paper BL.
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GSBN collaborates with standards development organisations such as DCSA, BIMCO, and ICC, to ensure that eBLs issued on GSBN cover all types of maritime shipping including container, bulk, and special cargo.
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Interoperable eBL - Control Tracking Registry
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Over the past decade, the adoption of electronic Bills of Lading (eBL) has accelerated significantly. Container carriers have committed to achieving 100% eBL adoption by 2030, with many jurisdictions enacting laws that grant eBLs the same legal status as traditional paper Bills of Lading.
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While each eBL solution offers unique advantages, no single provider is expected to dominate the market. Achieving full adoption will require seamless interoperability between platforms.
The GSBN Control Tracking Registry plays a critical role in enabling this by recording which platform controls an eBL at any given time. This ensures clear accountability, simplifies dispute resolution, and builds trust through a transparent, immutable audit log maintained by a neutral third party.
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By combining legal recognition, a robust liability framework, and blockchain technology, alongside the Control Tracking Registry, eBLs can retain their essential characteristics—uniqueness, validity, and security—even as they move across platforms.
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Key Fact
Over 300,000
eBLs issued on GSBN in 2023
Member
