IQAX Launches First DCSA-Compliant eBL on GSBN Platform, Accelerating Digital Trade Documentation

Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN) has announced a significant milestone in the digitalization of trade documentation with the integration of IQAX's solution for the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) API schema version 3.0. The deployment, which went live on 11 June 2025, was a collaborative effort between GSBN, its carrier members, and IQAX, a global digital trade technology company. The teams worked together to ensure that the API-based data exchange complied with regulations, resulting in the successful completion of the DCSA end-to-end conformance test. This integration is a major step forward in the digitalization of trade documentation and builds on the increasing adoption of eBL. Since 2023, GSBN has implemented multiple eBL standards, including those from BIMCO and the DCSA. The consortium's blockchain-enabled infrastructure has processed more than 550,000 eBLs across more than 100 countries. The DCSA eBL API v3.0 is now available to all DCSA carrier members on the GSBN platform, facilitating streamlined integration and expediting digital transition. IQAX CEO George Guo commented on the achievement: "We are happy to support our carrier customers that are DCSA members such as Hapag-Lloyd, in implementing their preferred eBL standard. IQAX eBL is designed to prioritize the operational needs of container carriers as exemplified by this implementation. As the only eBL solution supporting all major international standards, we aim to offer greater flexibility and choice to carriers and their customers to accelerate eBL adoption and digital trade." GSBN CEO Bertrand Chen emphasized the importance of supporting the diverse needs of all global trade stakeholders as the industry accelerates its transition to digital trade documents. He added: "With multiple standards and data models emerging across the ecosystem, there is a growing need for a universal 'data adapter', a mechanism that enables trusted data to be used for different trade scenarios with the proper consent." Furthermore, the consortium aims to ensure that digital trade brings inclusive benefits to all stakeholders in the trade ecosystem. This includes working with the International Chambers of Commerce's Digital Standards Initiative (ICC DSI) to enhance data harmonization and maximize the benefits of digital trade. In 2023, IQAX partnered with COSCO Shipping Captive Insurance to showcase the capabilities of its eBL solutions in a four-party collaboration agreement with IQAX, COSCO Shipping Captive Insurance, COSCO Shipping Lines, and GSBN. This partnership further demonstrates the potential for collaboration and innovation in the digitalization of trade documentation. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.