ICC launches playbook to accelerate global paperless trade adoption  

The Paperless Trade Pilot Playbook, developed by the ICC Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) with content inputs from IMDA and the MMDF,  provides  clear guidance for designing and executing paperless trade pilots that translate global frameworks into real-world progress. 

Built on lessons from  public and private sectors, it helps banks, corporates, platforms and public agencies align stakeholders, structure pilots and strengthen implementation capacity  – laying the foundation for interoperable digital trade corridors worldwide. 

Organised in six steps, the Playbook includes checklists, guiding questions, and ready-to-use templates, offering a tested sequence of action to help design pilots that are practical, inclusive and scalable. The Playbook  builds on ICC DSI’s Key Trade Documents and Data Elements Framework published last year under the DSI Industry Advisory Board. It provides a pathway towards operational and technical readiness for enterprises to accelerate their digital transformation. 

ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said:  

“In a time of geopolitical uncertainty and disrupted supply chains, one of the best ways to build trade resilience is through digitalisation. This Playbook provides the tools to move from aspiration to action, and to deliver the practical capability that makes trade more connected, inclusive and sustainable.”  

ICC DSI Managing Director Pamela Mar said: 

“Paperless trade is no longer a distant aspiration – it is today’s most practical lever for cutting cost, time and risk in cross-border commerce. The Playbook sits at the heart of ICC DSI’s mission: turning interoperability into implementation. We were delighted to receive support from  IMDA and the MMDF –  their combined expertise and the KTDDE framework will help create pilots that can be replicated, scaled and operationalised globally.” 

Metals and Mining Digitalization Forum (MMDF) member and BHP Vice President, Commercial Global Business Services Outbound Operations, Hui Ling Chan said: 

“From our experience across global supply chains, digitalisation takes root when people can test, learn and share what works. The MMDF and its founding members – Anglo American, BHP, Rio Tinto and Vale – have built a wealth of experience from practical pilots. A paperless trade can reduce turnaround times from days into hours. We are sharing those insights to help accelerate new experiments and empower changemakers driving digital transformation in trade.”