ICC DSI launches digital trade reliability assessment tool  

Developed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)’s Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) and the Digital Governance Council (DGC) of Canada, the new assessment framework enables an entity to deploy ETRs in place of paper trade documentation assessing a platform’s ability to effect the transfer in conformity with the definition of the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) definition of reliability. As more economies align to the MLETR, the assessment allows for service providers to assert their reliability through a commonly accepted market standard.  

Pamela Mar, Managing Director, ICC DSI said : 

“The reliability assessment framework is a collective effort drawing on the knowledge and work of technical and commercial experts from various entities involved in digital trust, standards, certifications and assessment. This launch is an important first step in the development of a framework for ensuring digital trust at scale, an important pillar of the digital trade ecosystem.” 

ICC DSI and the DGC led a working group of standards bodies, technical experts, assessment firms, and commercial and industry entities to develop the tool that holds potential to become a major credential for this part of digital trade services. The working group operated with advice from the Industry Advisory Board of ICC DSI.  

Keith Jansa, CEO, DGC of Canada said : 

“The collaborative effort between ICC and DGC has resulted in a groundbreaking technical self-assessment for the reliability of systems that enable the transfer of Electronic Transferable Records (ETRs). This is a major step towards international standardisation and formal recognition of digital service providers enabling the global digital trade and we look forward to continuing the work with ICC and the ETR community.” 

The assessment framework was recently piloted by several ETR service providers to test its robustness, utility and market relevance. It has been released as a beta version for self-assessment, while plans for a certification with third party assessment are in development.  

To access the assessment framework, visit: https://github.com/dgc-cgn/CAS-Digital-Trade-Documentation  

A 30-min webinar with a live Q&A will take place on 30 October, Wednesday, 9pm SGT / 9am Ottawa / 3pm CET.  Register, free of charge here.   

For more details about the ICC Digital Standards Initiative, please visit: www.dsi.iccwbo.org.