Using electronic documents and transactions can speed up and increase trade. Electronic messages can eliminate the need to enter data into a computer manually at each supply chain checkpoint and can provide opportunities for the potential reuse of data.
While the benefits of trade digitisation are evident, its implementation may be challenging as policy decisions require legal and technical action to translate into operational tools such as cross-border paperless trade systems and national single windows. So far, limited guidance is available on these complex matters.
The Cross-Border Paperless Trade toolkit is the result of a collaboration between ESCAP, UNCITRAL and the WTO. Building on existing tools developed by ESCAP, UNCITRAL and EIF, it aims at raising awareness of the technical and legal tools to be called upon to adopt cross-border paperless trade systems and national single windows.
