The UNCTAD secretariat conducted a study to assess the use of traditional transport documents in international trade, particularly the extent to which negotiable bills of lading are necessary for modern-day international trade and the extent to which they could be replaced by non-negotiable transport documents, such as seaway bills, and electronic alternatives. A questionnaire was circulated widely to the industry to determine (a) the current rate and pattern of use of different types of transport documents, as well as factors relevant to the choice of document; (b) the degree to which the use of electronic alternatives is practiced or being contemplated; and (c) the main perceived obstacles and advantages associated with the use of such electronic alternatives. This report presents the results of the secretariat´s survey, together with an overview of the role and function of transport documents in international trade and developments relating to the use of electronic alternatives. |
