Recently, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) published its most comprehensive report to date: “Digitalising Global Trade: A Roadmap to Interoperability and Trust at ScaleIn 31 pages, the document outlines a concrete plan to move away from paper-based processes and build an interoperable global business ecosystem centered on structured data and digital trust.
(I.e.A turning point in the digital commerce agenda
According to the ICC, the años 2023 y 2024 marked a decisive shift in the digitalization of international trade. Legislative advances, new digital trust frameworks, and increased international cooperation are laying the foundation for a more agile, transparent, and inclusive trading system.
In this context, cross-border trade is beginning to overcome regulatory fragmentation, manual processes, and dependence on paper. Governments, multilateral organizations, and businesses agree that digitalization is key to strengthening supply chains and facilitating access to trade, especially for SMEs and developing economies.
A relevant fact: By the end of 2024, ten jurisdictions Some economies—including the United Kingdom and France—had already adopted legislation based on the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR), developed by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). This standard allows for the digitization of commercial documents such as bills of lading or promissory notes with full legal validity. These economies represent 37% of global GDP, and another 34% are in the process of legal harmonization and institutional strengthening.
In parallel, forums such as the G7, G20, APEC, the DEPA—a regional agreement signed by Chile, New Zealand, and Singapore to boost cooperation in the digital economy—and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework have incorporated the digital transformation of trade into their political agendas.
(I.e.Trends that are transforming commerce
Complementing this institutional framework, the report identifies four factors that are driving the shift toward data-centric commerce, but still face challenges in achieving global scale:
- Commercial data platforms and networksMore than 200 systems manage logistics, compliance, financing, and sustainability information. However, many remain closed, limiting interoperability.
- New Generation Single WindowsWhile 69% of national paperless trade measures are in place, only 47% of cross-border initiatives are even partially operational.
- Digitalization of trade financeAlthough the use of the ISO 20022 standard is growing, many companies and banks still work with manual or hybrid processes.
- Digital identity and trust: The use of the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) and its verifiable version (vLEI) is advancing, but is not yet fully integrated into trade, financial, and customs flows.
(I.e.Roadmap to interoperability
The ICC proposes a global strategy based on four pillars to scale the digitalization of trade:
- Key data mapping: Identification of 189 essential elements contained in 36 commercial documents for their digital standardization.
- Interoperability and digital trust: Adoption of the “verify once, use many times” principle and use of trusted digital credentials such as the LEI/vLEI.
- Real and scalable pilots: Proof of concepts in trade corridors to validate solutions and facilitate regional and global expansion.
- Collaborative governance: coordination between governments, multilateral organizations, banks, insurers, technology providers and business chambers.
"NOr we can assume that digitalization and increased data flow will automatically generate the inclusive and interoperable trading system we seek. We must move toward that future with deliberate and coordinated steps, where connectivity and collaboration are the norm.Said Pamela Mar, Executive Director of the ICC Digital Standards Initiative.
(I.e.Why should Latin America care?
Because, according to the latest Global Trade Facilitation Survey According to UNCTAD, progress in the region is uneven and still limited, especially in key areas such as paperless e-commerce, also known as paperless cross-border trade. The report emphasizes that faster and more coordinated implementation of these measures is essential to diversify exports and facilitate the participation of SMEs in international trade.
In this context, the ICC's call takes on special relevance. With more than 45 million companies represented in over 170 countries, the organization emphasizes that The digitalization of trade is not just a matter of efficiency, but a tool for building a faster, more inclusive, and more reliable system.
In this way, the report invites all actors in the commercial ecosystem —public and private— to make concrete commitments: adopt common digital identity standards, update regulatory frameworks, and invest in open and scalable technological infrastructures.
Action in the face of change must be a priority for everyone.
We invite you to download the full ICC DSI 2025 report, available in English. Here.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
