Logistics - Clearing and Forwarding agent issue

Dear Client,
Electronic Bills of Lading (e-B/L) are an accepted and legal alternative to physical Bills of Ladings, using secure digital signatures to ensure authenticity. Typically, a physical Bill of Lading is a traditional receipt for goods and authority for their collection and signed physically. Similarly, to e-Bill of Lading, e-Air Way Bills exist and can be signed using digital signatures to simplify the exchange of information. As regards GATT declaration form, digital signatures are often compulsory for documents uploaded on platforms like the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) web portal, allowing businesses to authenticate documents for licensing and other foreign trade activities. However, for a digital document to be legally binding, all parties involved in the transaction must agree to the use of electronic documents and execute a formal document. Customs and trade authorities may have specific requirements for digital or physical documents may be required for certain on-the-ground processes. While digitalization of shipping documents, including e-Bills of Lading and digital signatures, is gaining on the way and is often mandated for online submissions, a physical document might still be presented or needed for certain customs or logistical processes.