Recently, ISO 5909:2026, Business processes and data interchange of electronic bill of lading based on distributed ledger technology (DLT), was released. Proposed by China COSCO Shipping Co., Ltd., the standard is collaboratively developed by ISO and the UN/CEFACT, to provide a unified guideline on electronic bill of lading (eBL) for global shipping and trade.

ISO 5909:2026 aims to realize the digitalization of bills through blockchain technology. Blockchain features tamper resistance, traceability and transparent sharing of information, which guarantees the security and credibility of electronic documents. ISO 5909:2026 has established globally applicable business processes, data formats and interaction rules for eBL based on blockchain, providing a digital “common language” for global stakeholders in shipping, trade, finance and other sectors.

ISO 5909:2026 outlines the business processes and data requirements for the implementation of eBL, and focuses on the secure digital transfer of title documents via a trusted platform. Additionally, it specifies optional data elements that are essential for leveraging DLT to support the eBL workflow.

China COSCO Shipping Co., Ltd. has contributed to the development of ISO 5909:2026, and shared China’s experience in eBL on the blockchain platform Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN).

The standard is a crucial step in the digital transformation of the shipping industry, where China plays an important role in the formulation of international trade rules.