GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 23, 2026

Dematerialized Transport Documents

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Last updated: 23 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://unece.org/trade/un-centre-for-trade-facilitation-and-electronic-business-untfeb

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Definition & Explanation

A dematerialized transport document is an electronic record that fully replaces a traditional paper transport instrument – airway bill (AWB), bill of lading (B/L), or road consignment note (CMR) – and carries equivalent legal force. It is created, signed, transmitted, and archived in digital form only, with no paper original in circulation. Unlike simple digitization, which converts an existing paper document into a scanned image, dematerialization produces a natively electronic legal act. Shipping lines, airlines, and freight forwarders deploy these systems – such as the electronic bill of lading or the eAWB – to cut document transit times, eliminate the risk of loss, and improve real-time visibility across the transport chain. Legal recognition depends on the applicable transport convention and the regulatory framework of the countries involved.

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Dematerialized Transport Documents

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Related Terms

Dangerous goods transport document

transport document

Multimodal Transport Document (MTD) Systems

Multimodal Transportation

Licensed Multimodal Transport Operators (MTO)

Movement Reference Number (MRN)

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