eBL Interoperability

Multiple solutions | One connected ecosystem

Stop trying to convince your counterparts to switch platforms.

An eBL is only worth having if both sides of the shipment are on one. GSBN connects the eBL platforms the industry already uses, so a document issued on one platform can be transferred, presented and surrendered on another — with no change to how your customers work, and no counterparty left on paper.

Talk to us about interoperability

At a Glance

Mar 2025

1st Open-account live flow

Jan 2026

1st Letter-of-credit live flow

59%

combined % of global fleet

60

banks on network

You can't digitise on your own

Digitising a bill of lading is not a decision you can take alone. You have to bring your carriers, your banks and your counterparties with you — and none of them is obliged to move first. No single platform can capture all of them.

So, instead of trying to convince every carrier, bank and trader in the world to pick the same eBL platform, we bring to you eBL interoperability – ability to issue, transfer, endorse, present and surrender an electronic bill of lading across different eBL platforms — so the parties to a shipment no longer have to use the same provider.

What eBL interoperability gives you

Immediate Network Effect

IQAX brings leading container carriers and a powerhouse presence in Asia—particularly in China. Meanwhile, ICE Digital Trade offers a massive network of 58 banks and over 70,000 companies, backed by a strong foothold in Europe and the United States. Connect to GSBN, and you connect to both.

Without Changing Your Experiences

No new logins, no re-keying, no retraining. You keep making transfers, endorsements, escrows and transaction-log lookups exactly as you do today. Interoperability happens underneath the interface — and because the platforms connect behind the scenes, you never have to leave the system you already use.

Our approach: The four pillars of eBL interoperability

Guaranteed Unicity & Audit Trail

GSBN operates the Control Tracking Registry (CTR)—a neutral layer that guarantees only one platform is ever in control of an eBL at any given time. It maintains an immutable audit log of every cross-platform transfer, providing a single source of truth for compliance and dispute resolution.

Local Law Enabled

Built on statutory law rather than complex multipartite contracts. Over 15 jurisdictions—including the UK, Singapore, China, the US, and France—now recognise electronic transferable records under MLETR or equivalent local laws, giving cross-platform eBLs full legal standing by default.

Check MLETR status by country →

Single Point of Recourse

Platforms manage cross-network liability between themselves through a centralised Interoperability Agreement. For users, nothing changes: you simply accept your platform’s standard Interoperability Addendum, and any claims or support remain strictly with the provider you already use.

IG P&I Approved

The legal framework and Interoperability Agreement connecting ICE CargoDocs and IQAX eBLs are fully approved by the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG)—ensuring your standard P&I insurance coverage remains fully intact across platforms.

Proven in production: the first interoperable eBL between banks

In January 2026, HSBC, Lenzing, their partner bank, and ocean carrier completed the world's first live cross-platform eBL transaction under a Letter of Credit—moving interoperability from pilot to production.

"HSBC is excited to pioneer the first interoperable eBL transaction between banks, breaking down barriers and accelerating adoption across the trade ecosystem."

Venkatraman P

Managing Director, Head of Products and Propositions – Asia Pacific & Global Core Trade, HSBC

Press release

“This initiative shows how interoperability can simplify complex processes, reduce risk, and accelerate transactions. We are proud to be part of a pilot that sets a new benchmark for digital trade and sustainability. Apart from e-BL, a complete set of commercial documents including insurance certificate, Cert of Origin also been handled digitally.”

Parsan Chand

Sr Director Global Logistics, Lenzing

Press release