Fit for future trade
A number of associations have joined forces to create new data standards. Bimco, Fiata, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Swift and the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA), in conjunction with its nine member carriers, have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the formation of the Future International Trade (FIT) Alliance.
The organisations aim at standardising the digitalisation of international trade. Through this initiative, the FIT Alliance will work together to generate awareness about the importance of common and interoperable data standards and common legislative conditions across international jurisdictions and platforms.
The focus lies on the acceptance and adoption of an eBL by regulators, banks and insurers. Another goal is to unify communication between these organisations and customers, as well as all other stakeholders involved in an international trade transaction.
The DCSA member carriers include: MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, Evergreen, Yang Ming, HMM and ZIM. (cd)