Advancing Global Trade Through Open-Source Electronic Bill of Lading

The bill of lading (B/L) is essential for global trade, but traditional paper-based B/Ls have significant drawbacks, including inefficiencies, delays, errors, and increased fraud risks. The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) aims to shift to 50% digital issuance of B/Ls by 2028 and fully adopt electronic B/Ls (eBL) by 2030. However, this transition faces resistance, legal complexities, and technological limitations.

The Digital Supply Chain Institute (DSCI) offers a groundbreaking solution with Open eBL, an open-source eBL platform focusing initially on the House Bill of Ladings (HBLs). Open eBL aims to modernize shipping documentation, enhancing efficiency, security, and sustainability. This white paper discusses the key functions of the B/L, advantages of open-source eBL over traditional B/L, and benefits of an open-source approach.