Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN) has announced that Abu Dhabi Customs and China (Chongqing) International Trade Single Window are participating in the collaboration initiatives, marking another important milestone in the network's expanding engagement with public sector trade authorities.
Building upon Colombia Customs' decision to accept electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) for clearance, this development represents a growing interest among customs authorities to leverage eBL data to facilitate more efficient, transparent and secure import and export processes.
The announcement said as GSBN's cooperation partners, Abu Dhabi Customs and China (Chongqing) International Trade Single Window are exploring the use of trusted eBL data available on the GSBN platform to improve workflow efficiency and support innovative initiatives for financial services.
This includes improving customs clearance processes by using structured eBL data; ensuring data credibility by using GSBN's platform as the sole source of truth for eBL data; and verifying accuracy and integrity of trade information using GSBN's data validation service.
The collaboration benefits all participants in the clearance process. Authorities can gain access validated eBL data via GSBN's network based on importer and exporter's consent, reducing reliance on manual document checks, minimising discrepancies, and enabling faster decision-making.
Importers and exporters will be able to share eBL data to authorities using a single click on IQAX eBL.
GSBN said this fast, secure process will simplify document submission and processing in future – significantly improving the efficiency of clearance by reducing processing times and operational friction at borders.
Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, director general of Abu Dhabi Customs, said "Abu Dhabi Customs' decision to join GSBN comes as part of our ongoing efforts to expand partnerships and open new avenues for cooperation in the adoption of emerging technologies and the implementation of best practices to support the facilitation of global trade, enable reliable and trusted digital trade corridors, and support more efficient, compliant, and seamless logistics and supply chain operations."
"This aligns with the evolving requirements and future outlook of customs operations, and further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global hub for trade and logistics," he added.
The spokesperson of China (Chongqing) International Trade Single Window, said, "As a key digital gateway for international trade, China (Chongqing) International Trade Single Window is committed to improving connectivity and data sharing across the trade ecosystem. Working with GSBN-validated eBL data will streamline and secure information exchange, and explore innovative financial services in Chongqing and along the Western Land-Sea New Corridor."
Bertrand Chen, CEO of GSBN, said customs authorities are crucial partners in using eBLs to make cross-border trade easier for everyone involved.
He noted that the participation of Abu Dhabi Customs and the China (Chongqing) International Trade Single Window reflects a shared commitment to modernising trade processes through trusted digital systems and data.
"Enabling secure access to validated eBL data helps both authorities and traders achieve faster, more transparent, and more efficient cross-border flows," Chen said.
GSBN is a not‑for‑profit consortium providing digital infrastructure to support paperless trade and efficiency in global shipping. Its members include shipping lines, terminals, banks, and technology partners, together covering more than half of the world's container volumes.
The General Administration of Customs of Abu Dhabi is the government body overseeing customs policy and trade regulation across the emirate’s border crossings and the Chongqing International Trade Single Window is a government‑led digital platform that centralizes customs clearance, port operations, logistics, and financial services for international trade.
It is part of China's national Single Window framework and supports regional connectivity through collaboration with provinces along the New International Land‑Sea Trade Corridor.
