WT@1: Digitalisation of Trade - Electronic Trade Documents

Digitalisation is changing every aspect of how society and the economy functions, and how we work. However this digital change has not been happening quite so quickly in international trade - the main barrier has been that digital documents lack the interoperability of their paper counterparts (blue ink wet signatures still being required on some), numerous parties developing their own criteria; and the law lagging behind the pace of technology.

There is currently a lot of noise about digitalisation in international trade and how it is becoming increasingly more important, particularly with the considerable scope to reduce the costs of trade (inefficiencies and delays) and benefits including lower barriers to entry, greater supply chain visibility and reductions in theft and fraud.  It is important that businesses are aware of the changes that are happening and are fully informed about the relevant dimensions of digitalisation, including laws and regulations, technologies, and detailed industry specific information.

At our next World Trade At 1 event, John Habergham, Director at Myton Law, will be discussing digitalisation in international trade and addressing the introduction to the Law Commission’s draft Electronic Trade Documents Bill.

“A Bill to make provision for trade documents in electronic form to have the same legal effect as trade documents in paper form”

English law does not currently recognise the possibility of possessing a document electronically.

John will also discuss:

1. technological developments past present and future and
2. the international landscape in this regard noting developments by pan-national bodies such as the UN as well as in other countries.

John will be available for consultation after the presentation, when you will also have the opportunity to network with fellow international traders.

There are a limited number of places available for this World Trade At 1 seminar, which will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.  Please click below to reserve your place.