Why the UK Must Break Free from Paper in Exports

Every day, UK exporters are slowed down by paper. Bills of lading, customs forms, certificates – documents that are printed, stamped, couriered and stored. The inefficiency is staggering. Errors creep in, costs rise, fraud risk grows; opportunities are lost.

 

We now have the technology – and the legislation – to move beyond this. The Electronic Trade Documents Act (ETDA) gives digital documents the same legal standing as paper. The vLEI framework delivers trusted, verifiable digital identities for organisations and individuals across borders. The building blocks for a paperless trade system already exist.

So why hasn’t the UK export industry fully embraced it? In my view, three reasons stand out:

Legacy habits: Systems and processes are designed for paper, and change is uncomfortable.
Fragmentation: Multiple pilots and standards create hesitation.
Risk aversion: Too many are waiting for others to move first.

At TradeVeris, I believe the UK can – and must – lead the way. By adopting digital, verifiable credentials, exporters can:
Cut delays and manual duplication
Reduce fraud and misclassification risks
Strengthen ESG performance by reducing paper dependency
Build trust and transparency into every transaction

This isn’t just about efficiency. It is about positioning the UK as a global leader in digital trade. Those who take the first step won’t just benefit; they’ll set the standard for everyone else.

The question is not if trade will go digital, but who will lead. My conviction is clear: the UK should seize that leadership now.

What do you think will finally tip the balance – regulatory pressure, industry collaboration, or bold exporters willing to lead the charge? 

Michael Whittington

06 September 2025