The research report was published regarding the electronic B/L legislation in which TradeWaltz participated.

TradeWaltz Inc. has been engaged in developing laws and regulations for electronic B/L primarily to meet the demands of the shipper industry.
(Part-Time Director Shintani is a person in charge)

During FY2021, a study group was established with the Ministry of Justice as its secretariat, and legislative research was conducted. This time, the report was published with the results summarized from examining legislation (members from private companies are only TradeWaltz Inc.).

1. Book overview

 “Separate volume NBL Study Group Report about Electronization of Merchant Law – Electronization of Bills of Lading”  Publisher: SHOJIHOMU Co., Ltd. Price: 3400yen

Report of the Study Group regarding the Electronization of the Merchant Law: Mail Order Sales of Electronization of Bills of Lading/SHOJIHOMU Co., Ltd.- Paper Books: Honto Books Mail Order Stores

2. What is the development of laws and regulations for Electronic B/L?

• The electronic B/L is partly used today, but since it is not a legal B/L, even the right to claim the delivery of freight to carriers can be stipulated in contracts, there is uncertainty about the validity of real right against third-party assertions, which has been pointed out since the past. (Many parties are involved in trade, thus, a paper B/L can be used to claim ownership of freights, etc., when needed)
• For B/L users, such as shippers and banks, it was hoped that electronic B/L would be accepted to obtain the validity of real right.

3. Background

2018 Requests for revision of the law were made one after another at Trade Consortium, which is the predecessor of TradeWaltz Inc., and discussions were held at Keidanren Transportation Committee.

2019 The Keidanren Transportation Committee requested the Ministry of Justice to revise the law.

Jan. 2021 At the Council for the Promotion of Regulatory Reform of the Cabinet, as a requester, TradeWaltz Inc. explained changes in the international situation and the necessity of amending the law, and Mr. Taro Kono, Minister of State for Regulatory Reform, instructed to consider amending the law.

Apr. 2021 The Ministry of Justice established a study group and commissioned members (TradeWaltz Inc. was the only private company).

Jun. 2021: The Council for the Promotion of Regulatory Reform submitted a proposal to revise the law for electronic B/L to Prime Minister Suga.

Feb. 2022 The Minister of Justice consulted the Legislative Council on the outline of electronic B/L legislation.

Apr. 2022 The Legislative Council (the Commercial law subcommittee) was established on April 4, 2022, and the study began (TradeWaltz Inc. continues to participate).