THE Digital Container Shipping Association has released final versions of its Booking 2.0 and Bill of Lading 3.0 standards.

The DCSA, which is supported by the 10 major container carriers, said the updates would streamline data exchange between shippers and carriers, significantly reducing administrative burdens, minimising errors and cutting costs.

It said the standards were a big step toward greater profitability and efficiency across shipping by removing the need for costly, customised IT integrations.

“These advancements will not only cut costs through automation and reduced manual processing, but also set the foundation for a more interoperable and efficient global shipping ecosystem,” DCSA chief executive Thomas Bagge said.

The standards add a digital signature to the electronic bill of lading to ensure integrity and authenticity of the eBL’s contents.

They also add more than 190 attributes for compliance with Import Control System 2, an advance manifest requirement for all cargo moving to or through the EU, Norway, Switzerland or Northern Ireland.

The updated standards also add the ability to provide notifications including the full content of a booking, shipping instruction or transport document, reducing network traffic and helping speed up business.