07 Nov GOV.UK: Digital Trade Corridor Programme
Digital Trade Corridor Programme
Businees.gov.uk are inviting MIA members to join the UK-government sponsored Digital Trade Corridor (DTC) pilots. DTCs run live pilots using digital processes on UK-Europe trade lanes, starting with France and Germany. The programme helps firms to switch paper documents, such as invoices, packing lists, delivery notes and bills of lading to data‑driven electronic Trade Document – cutting admin, speeding up shipments, and improving security. Using one of your existing supply chain routes, the UK Government will match you up with a digital solutions provider to trial sending a product from your warehouse to its destination in France or Germany, using electronic processes.
Under the Electronic Trade Documents Act 2023, key electronic trade documents have the same legal status as their paper counterparts, helping to streamline supply chains and boosting efficiency, so you can run your consignments digitally today.
Recent UK sponsored pilots saw shipments move up to 40% faster, reduce paperwork by around 89%, cut email traffic by 90%, and lower administrative costs by 15–25%. lower admin cost. These results are based on real shipments and transactions. Customs processes do not change; this is about B2B/commercial documents you control.
Pilots run 6–12 weeks with government matching you with and funding the digital solutions provider. No lock‑in; if one of your delivery partners still needs paper (e.g. pick‑up or port), a paper copy can continue to be used whilst digitalisation the rest of your supply chain.
If you are interested in taking part, please apply via the Expression of Interest form (QR/ link below) before the 21 November deadline. You can learn more about trade digitalisation at Understanding electronic trade documents – business.gov.uk and by contacting [email protected]