Trade Modernisation

Enabling Seamless, Paperless, and Trusted Trade 

Contact the Public Policy Team

Trade > Govt > Customs

Modern cross-border trade requires trusted, structured data that moves as fast as goods do. GS1 standards are embedded and aligned with WTO, WCO, and UNCEFACT frameworks to support trade digitisation. From electronic certificates to digital product identification, our standards reduce paperwork, increase customs efficiency, and support global supply chain resilience-benefiting regulators, importers, and exporters alike. 

Examples
  • Integration with Australia’s Single Trade Window development 

  • GS1 identifiers used in export documentation and certificate exchange 

  • Digitalisation of 32 trade documents using common data standards 

"its not a lack of standards for international trade but rather the lack of understanding of those standards"
- Hannah Nguyen, Director of Digital Ecosystems at International Chamber of Commerce - Digital Standards Initiative

Trade Modernisation- paperless trade
australian exports
National Impact

GS1 standards are essential to modernising Australia’s trade system in an era of complex, fast-evolving tariff regimes and rising demands for data-driven compliance. As a recognised component of WTO, WCO, and UN/CEFACT frameworks, GS1 provides the structured, interoperable data needed to support Australia’s Digital Trade Strategy and Simplified Trade System (STS) agenda.

From electronic certificates to trusted product identifiers, GS1 enables seamless cross-border data exchange, streamlines customs processing, and reduces regulatory duplication. CIE modelling shows these capabilities contribute to a 0.9-1.3% uplift in exports-worth up to $16 billion annually-by lowering friction in trade flows, ensuring tariff transparency, and helping Australian businesses navigate shifting global requirements​.

Learn more about the national economic impact of using supply chain standards