Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA), a neutral, non-profit organization dedicated to driving standardization and digital innovation in container shipping, has announced the release of the final versions of its Booking 2.0 and Bill of Lading 3.0 standards.
These landmark updates are expected to enhance data exchange between shippers and carriers, reduce administrative complexities, minimize errors, and lower costs across the industry.
Key improvements in the updated standards include:
- Enhanced Security – The addition of a digital signature to the electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) ensures integrity, authenticity, and non-repudiation of the eBL content provided by the carrier to the eBL solution provider.
- Stronger Regulatory Compliance – Over 190 new attributes have been incorporated into Shipping Instructions to support Import Control System 2 (ICS2), the updated advance manifest requirement for cargo transiting to or through the EU, Norway, Switzerland, or Northern Ireland.
- Improved Visibility – The ability to provide notifications containing the full content of a booking, shipping instructions, or transport document enhances transparency while reducing network traffic and improving process efficiency for all stakeholders.
By eliminating the need for expensive, customized IT integrations, these standards represent a major step toward increased profitability and operational efficiency. Seamless digital data exchange between carrier systems and Transport Management Systems (TMS) will reduce reliance on OCR solutions, saving both time and resources.
Additionally, the adoption of these finalised standards will support sustainability efforts by significantly reducing paper usage and promoting wider adoption of electronic Bills of Lading (eBLs).
