Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) are pleased to inform members that the Attorney-General's Department (AGD) has launched a public consultation on the Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR), an important step towards modernising trade documentation in Australia.
The MLETR Consultation Paper released today, 16 September 2024, is open for all stakeholders until Monday 28 October 2024.
The MLETR, developed by the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), seeks to confirm that electronic transferable records, such as bills of lading and bills of exchange, have the same legal standing as their paper counterparts. This initiative, aimed at creating efficiencies and promoting digital trade, involves extensive collaboration with stakeholders across industry, border agencies, and state/territory governments.
AGD is gathering insights on how transferable documents are used and identifying any legal barriers to their electronic implementation. For businesses, adopting these digital records could result in considerable operational benefits.
We encourage all relevant stakeholders to participate in this consultation process. Your insights are crucial to shaping potential implementation options and addressing any barriers to adopting electronic transferable records.
Your participation will help shape the Government's approach to implementing MLETR and drive the transition to digital trade documentation.
Resources
Official Consultation Website
MLETR Consultation Paper
Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) Website
Simplified Trade System (STS) Website
United Nations Commission On International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Website
Have Your Say
Your input will help build potential options for implementing the MLETR into appropriate legislation under Australian domestic law.
Submissions for the MLETR Consultation Paper are now open and members are encouraged to supply feedback to Tom Jensen by Friday 18 October 2024 for incorporation into the FTA / APSA submission.
Submissions can also be made direct to the AGD by Monday 28 October 2024 by online submission here.
For any further questions, please contact FTA/APSA or feel free to contact the MLETR consultation team directly at MLETR@ag.gov.au.
Tom Jensen - Head of International Freight & Logistics - FTA / APSA
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