What is Paperless Trade?

Paperless Trade is the process of exchanging trade-related data and documents through electronic communications rather than physically.

How Does It Affect International Shipping?

Paperless trade affects international shipping by improving efficiency of customs controls and trade administration processes, reducing the cost of doing business, and maintaining a competitive edge in trading. As a result, governments must coordinate new agreements and standards to ensure alignment in the current and future development of paperless trade.

How does UPS Paperless Trade Work?

UPS paperless trade works as a customs clearance process and no longer requires a physical commercial invoice to transfer data. The process of paperless trade (PLT) can be done right in Shippo as long as the shipment is eligible, which would be noted during the shipment process. Shippo will automatically submit the necessary commercial invoice electronically and will not require you to print out commercial invoices for your packages. However, if a shipment is NOT eligible for PLT, then it is crucial that the commercial invoice is printed and attached to your shipments.

How Does DHL Paperless Trade Work?

DHL paperless trade eliminates the need to print and physically attach customs documents to your shipments. Just activate paperless trade once in MyDHL+ and MyDHLAPI and the option of “Paperless Trade” will automatically present itself as you prepare your shipments. For MyDHL+, select Digital Customs Invoices and select enable to begin using paperless trade. For MyDHL API, users must contact the Electronic Shipping Solutions team at essnl@dhl.com and request paperless trade.