The DCSA eBL 3.0 API is the latest version of a global technical standard designed to enable the reliable exchange of electronic Bills of Lading across carriers, shippers, forwarders, and trade platforms..
A common API structure supports automation, reduces errors, and enhances legal compliance, especially in jurisdictions that have adopted laws recognising the legal validity of digital trade documents..
On June 11, 2025, IQAX, which uses GSBN’s (Global Shipping Business Network) underlying blockchain infrastructure for electronic bills of lading, became the first company globally to go live with the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) 3.0 API standard, following several months of technical development and conformance testing..
With the successful implementation of the DCSA eBL 3.0 API standard, IQAX has taken a major step forward in replacing manual processes with fast, secure, and standardised digital documentation, enabling customers to overcome courier delays and the risks of lost or tampered trade documents..
Industry-first implementation with GSBN
This rollout was made possible through IQAX’s collaboration with the GSBN and its carrier members.. The joint effort ensured full compliance with DCSA’s end-to-end conformance test, validating that the solution supports secure and seamless document exchange from origin to delivery..
For the shipping and logistics industry, this marks a significant move toward wider interoperability across eBL platforms and standards..
What does this mean for carriers
The implementation enables IQAX to offer carriers a DCSA-compliant eBL solution that integrates directly with GSBN’s blockchain-based trade platform.. This provides a flexible, scalable, and standardised method for exchanging Bills of Lading — aligning with operational needs while reducing friction across the supply chain..
According to George Guo, CEO of IQAX, “We are pleased to support carrier customers like Hapag‑Lloyd in using their preferred eBL standard. Our solution is designed with carriers’ operational workflows in mind.”
GSBN has played a critical role in facilitating adoption of eBLs.. Since 2023, the platform has processed over 550,000 eBLs and now supports multiple eBL standards including DCSA and BIMCO — a key requirement as the industry shifts toward greater digital interoperability..
The role of interoperability in scaling adoption
One of the most pressing challenges in eBL adoption is standard fragmentation.. Different stakeholders prefer different formats, which can create silos and limit scalability..
Bertrand Chen, CEO of GSBN, highlighted the importance of this flexibility “As the industry accelerates its transition to digital trade documents, it is vital that GSBN continues to support the diverse needs of all global trade stakeholders. There is a growing need for a universal ‘data adapter’.”
This reinforces a central principle — eBL adoption must be inclusive, flexible, and aligned with how businesses actually operate..
Conclusion
IQAX’s implementation of the DCSA eBL 3.0 API is a practical demonstration of how standardised digital documentation can improve trade efficiency, transparency, and security.. It also reflects the value of collaboration between technology providers, carrier networks, and standard-setting bodies like DCSA and BIMCO..
As more carriers and platforms align with global eBL standards, the shift toward full trade digitalisation is becoming more realistic — and much closer than many expected.. This milestone collaboration between DCSA, IQAX, and GSBN is an encouraging signal that the industry is ready to move from pilot projects to large-scale implementation..
