ICC Chief Calls for Digitisation of Global Trade Documents to Improve Cross-Border Commerce

Harsh Pati Singhania says 80–90% of global trade documentation remains paper-based, with digitisation expected to improve interoperability, reduce costs and expand access to international trade.

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Chairperson Harsh Pati Singhania has urged the digitisation of international trade documents, stating that the move would support smoother global commerce and broaden business participation in international trade.

He noted that nearly 80–90% of global trade documentation remains paper-based.

“If they are digitised, they can be interoperable across countries. This will facilitate greater trade, bring down cost and be more relevant for emerging economies and smaller businesses,” Singhania said.

Under the ICC's Digital Standards Initiative, 21 of the 36 key trade documents—including bills of lading, certificates of origin and purchase orders—have already been digitised, while work on the remaining documents is underway.

The ICC has also digitised International Commercial Terms (Incoterms), the globally accepted rules governing contracts for the sale and purchase of goods.

Singhania recently assumed the chairmanship of the Paris-headquartered ICC, becoming only the fourth Indian to hold the position. Hari Shankar Singhania and Sunil Mittal are among the previous Indian chairpersons. The ICC has a presence in 170 countries and more than 45 million member companies.

“My appointment being only the fourth Indian represents the salience of India,” Singhania said.

Arbitration and dispute resolution have emerged as another key focus area for the organisation. The ICC International Court of Arbitration has administered more than 30,000 cases to date, handling disputes worth around $20 billion annually.

While the ICC is widely recognised for resolving cross-border commercial disputes, Singhania noted that nearly 30% of its cases involving Indian parties relate to disputes between Indian companies.

Trade finance is another priority area for the organisation.