International trade still relies heavily on paper and manual processes, across more than 40 official and commercial trade documents exchanged between exporters, buyers, carriers, customs authorities and banks. Every record that is re-keyed, chased or corrected adds cost, delay and risk.

28.5% | The opportunity is significant. Office for National Statistics research found that UK exporters are, on average, 28.5% more productive than similar non-exporters (ONS, 2025).

£1.3bn | Estimated net benefit to UK businesses over 10 years (UK Government, latest assessment).

50% | Estimated reduction in administration time per shipment, saving around four hours, reported by a business in the UK–Europe Digital Trade Corridors pilot (UK Government, 2026).

The Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023 removed a key legal barrier in the UK. Qualifying electronic trade documents, such as bills of lading and bills of exchange, can now have the same legal effect as their paper equivalents, provided they meet specific legal requirements. ICC United Kingdom helped lay the groundwork for this reform. The priority now is adoption. Government-commissioned research in 2026 found that awareness of the Act was very low among the smaller exporters interviewed.

The market is already moving. Exporters and logistics firms interviewed for government research on electronic trade documents in 2026 reported that some carriers now charge more for paper documents or no longer accept them, and that requirements from major buyers and logistics partners often prompt the move to digital.

Benefits businesses report

• Less time spent completing forms by hand or waiting for stamped originals
• Errors corrected quickly, without reissuing and re-sending paper documents
• Lower courier costs and fewer documents lost in transit
• Records that are easy to retrieve for repeat orders and audits

For smaller exporters, this frees time to focus on customers. For larger traders and global supply chains, the same benefits can apply across many more shipments and partners.

85%+ | Reported reduction in paperwork on Fort Vale’s digital UK–Singapore shipment of specialist valves (GOV.UK, 2023)

£174,000 | Estimated annual saving for fruit importer Melon & Co from using digital tools to manage customs entries (ICC United Kingdom, Seizing the moment)

Once you know what you want to improve, the right technology can help.

The ICC United Kingdom TradeTech Directory is a reference guide to technology providers supporting the digitalisation of trade documents, trade finance, logistics, compliance and border processes. We recommend starting with a clear business need, then assessing whether a solution works with your existing systems and those of your trading partners, and what it will cost. The Directory is a resource for exploring options, rather than a recommendation of any particular supplier.

The ICC United Kingdom TradeTech Group

A members-only forum for trade technology providers. Members collaborate on case studies, practical guidance and tools for businesses, and contribute to work at the Testbed.

Join ICC United Kingdom to take part. Get in touch at membership@iccwbo.uk

Before investing, businesses can see digital trade solutions working in practice.

The Teesside Digital Trade Testbed, at Teesside International Airport, is the UK’s first real-world environment for testing, validating and deploying digital trade solutions. Operating in a live freeport setting, it brings together businesses, financial institutions, government and technology providers to co-develop interoperable, trusted digital trade systems.

Led by Teesside University and supported by £3.5 million of Freeport Seed Capital, the Testbed works with partners including Tees Valley Combined Authority and ICC United Kingdom. It offers the opportunity to:

• Test before investing: trial digital trade technologies in a live operational environment
• See solutions in action: digitally signed, tamper-proof trade documents, digital identities and physical assurance of goods
• Learn from pilots: recent pilots include a digital trade finance pilot with Lloyds and MUFG, and a Japan–UK digital shipment
• Develop skills: courses on the digital transformation of trade documentation, and executive training on the opportunities and risks of digital trade

The objective is lower costs through automation, faster clearance, greater supply chain visibility and stronger security through verified data.

Find out more about the Testbed

Behind these practical steps sits ICC’s global work to make digital trade function across borders. Digital trade can only deliver its full potential if systems, data and legal frameworks work together across borders. The ICC Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) is a global initiative, based in Singapore, working to establish a globally harmonised digital trade environment. It engages the public sector to advance legal and regulatory reform, and the private sector to promote standards interoperability, digital trust and adoption.

Its Governance Board includes ICC, the Asian Development Bank, the World Trade Organization and the World Customs Organization.

DSI resources:

• Digital Trade Navigator: structured learning and expert resources to help organisations prepare for digital trade
• MLETR Tracker: progress by jurisdiction in aligning with the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records
• Trade Data Glossary: definitions of key trade documents and data elements
• Certificate in Digital Trade Strategy: a self-paced programme from DSI and ICC Academy

“I would definitely go and explore what needs to happen to get into electronic documents.” UK manufacturer and exporter, UK government research, 2026

Register your interest and the relevant team will be in touch. It takes around two minutes. Select the areas most relevant to your business:

• Business Growth Service support
• Digital Trade Accelerator demonstration days
• Digital Trade Corridor pilots
• Visiting or testing at the Teesside Digital Trade Testbed
• ICC United Kingdom events

For further information, contact info@iccwbo.uk. For export advice and support, visit Business.gov.uk.