FIATA unveils eFBL guide to support global digital trade shift

The FIATA has released a Practical Guide to the Electronic FIATA Multimodal Bill of Lading (eFBL) to help global supply chain stakeholders adopt a legally sound and fully interoperable digital alternative to the traditional paper bill of lading.

Released on April 1, 2026, in Geneva, the guide is designed to support FIATA members worldwide with clear and practical guidance, enabling freight forwarders to adopt digital trade solutions with confidence, consistency and legal certainty.

The eFBL is the digital equivalent of the negotiable FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (FBL), first introduced in 1968. It remains compliant with rules set by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the International Chamber of Commerce, including UCP 600. The guide explains how this established instrument can be used effectively in electronic form while remaining aligned with existing commercial practices.

Built on the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records, and compatible with the upcoming UNCITRAL Negotiable Cargo Documents Convention, the eFBL achieves full legal equivalence with its paper version while maintaining the central role of freight forwarders in multimodal transport.

Dr Stéphane Graber, Director General of FIATA, said the eFBL forms the foundation of a more trusted global trade ecosystem, adding that the guide provides the clarity and tools needed for freight forwarders to lead the digital transition. He noted that paperless trade is no longer a distant goal and that FIATA aims to make it practical, secure and accessible across markets.

The guide offers practical and audience-specific guidance for freight forwarders, FIATA Association Members, customs authorities, banks and software providers. It covers onboarding, the FIATA Digital Identity framework, liability insurance requirements and the new insured eFBL option developed with Willis Towers Watson and Tokio Marine HCC. It also outlines verification mechanisms for third parties and explains how customs authorities can use eFBL data through the FIATA API.

As an open-source and standards-based instrument, the eFBL aligns with the data models of the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business and the World Customs Organization, enabling interoperability across commercial, regulatory and financial systems. FIATA is also a founding member of the Future of International Trade Alliance, working with BIMCO, DCSA, ICC and SWIFT to advance global eBL platform interoperability.