BIFAlink November 2025

Policy & Compliance

and EdoxOnline. This milestone introduced a Platform Interoperability (PINT) API and a Control Tracking Registry, allowing cargo owners, banks and carriers to work across systems without being locked into a single provider. While many shipping lines and banks are ready to go digital, smaller shippers, forwarders and customs authorities may still prefer paper-based trading. Full digital adoption requires the entire chain to be ready. Concerns remain among operators about cybersecurity, fraud and liability in the event of platform failure. If an eBL platform is compromised, sensitive cargo and ownership data could be exposed or manipulated. This could lead to theft, rerouting of shipments or fraudulent claims. Fraudsters may attempt to impersonate legitimate parties (such as carriers, shippers, consignees) to gain unauthorised access to eBLs or redirect cargo. A ransomware-induced platform outage could paralyse operations,

but visible way to reduce emissions. Looking ahead

“ The adoption of electronic bills of lading is becoming a reality. The law is in place, the major carriers are committed to full digitalisation by 2030, and the industry is poised for a transfor- mation

The adoption of electronic bills of lading is becoming a reality. The law is in place, the major carriers are committed to full digitalisation by 2030, and the industry is poised for a transformation that promises efficiency, security and sustainability. For now, uptake is slow and gradual, but logistics firms that engage early, test platforms and adapt their processes will be well placed to thrive in the emerging digital trade ecosystem. To see the original article, click here Further advice? Speak to the shipping and logistics team at Lester Aldridge to find out how we can support your transition to digital trade documentation. elisabetta.scanferla@LA-law.com

delay shipments and disrupt supply chains. To mitigate these risks, platforms are increasingly adopting digital signature protocols, multi-factor authentication and blockchain-based audit trails. However, the sophistication of cybercriminals continues to evolve, making security a moving target. Transitioning from familiar paper-based systems requires investment in technology, training and integration with existing workflows. Smaller players may see the change as a cost burden rather than a benefit. As adoption spreads, early users will be more government and many logistics firms have net zero commitments. Cutting out paper and courier flights for documents is a small attractive trading partners. The UK

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standing with paper documents under English law. In 2025, the Netherlands followed suit, joining France and Germany in recognising eBLs as legally valid. However, even though English law recognises eBLs, some other trading partners’ laws may not. In cross-border trade, this could be a reason why some traders continue to use traditional paper bills. Another difficulty is platform fragmentation. eBLs are issued via private platforms, and interoperability between platforms can be challenging. The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) has worked to overcome this. In early 2025, DCSA released its Bill of Lading 3.0 standard, which includes digital signatures and over 190 attributes to meet EU Import Control System 2 requirements. In May 2025, the first standards- based interoperable eBL transaction was completed, involving platforms such as CargoX

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