GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Paperless Trade
The moment a shipment crosses a border, documentation comes into play – in paperless trade, all of it exists exclusively in electronic form.
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Source: https://www.unece.org/trade/uncefact
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Passar Hub: Everything on the new Swiss customs system
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Definition & Explanation
The moment a shipment crosses a border, documentation comes into play – in paperless trade, all of it exists exclusively in electronic form. Electronic bills of lading, e-invoices, digital certificates of origin, and electronic customs declarations replace printed originals that once travelled by courier or post. This removes delays caused by postal transit, eliminates the risk of lost originals, and makes the entire document flow across the supply chain fully traceable. The legal basis rests on international standards such as UN/CEFACT recommendations and national legislation that grants electronic documents the same evidential weight as paper. Unlike customs digitalization, which targets regulatory procedures, paperless trade covers all commercial documents from purchase order through to final settlement.
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