Paperless International Trade: An Introduction

Most countries have been undergoing economic reforms during the past decade, reducing the barriers for movement of cargo and capital and increasing international trade. However, except in certain localized regions, trade invariably involves generation and transmission of documents such as those needed for customs-checking, financial documents, ownership documents, etc. This documentation cost in international trade is considered an avoidable expenditure, though its burden is felt by developed and developing countries. International organizations like UNCTAD have taken the lead initiative.