United Nations Trade Data Elements Directory Review
otherProject Details
Relevant SDG targets:
This proposed underlying capability (methodology) will support the future sustainability of all UN/CEFACT business domain project deliverables. Consequently, all SDGs that are relevant for UN/CEFACT projects are also relevant for this specification.Project Purpose
The United Nations Trade Data Elements Directory (UNTDED) was initially developed in 1990.
This project focused on developing standardize the data elements that are used in international trade transactions, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and consistency across global trade systems. By providing a common language for trade data, UNTDED simplifies the exchange of information between businesses and governments, reduces administrative burdens, and lowers transaction costs. This standardization promotes automation and interoperability of trade processes, leading to more efficient and reliable transactions. Furthermore, UNTDED enhances transparency and regulatory compliance, supporting efforts to combat illicit trade practices. By making trade processes more accessible, especially for developing countries, UNTDED fosters global economic growth and integration into international markets. Overall, UNTDED is essential for creating a more efficient, transparent, and fair international trade environment.
The project purpose is to update the list of the data elements, and adding any missing bridges/links, of the Trade Data Element Directory (UNTDED) which is used worldwide to facilitate trade and enhance semantic interoperability for governments and international organizations and businesses.
UNTDED is also called ISO 7273. This project is a joint project with ISO under ISO/TC 154/JWG9.
Project Scope
Update of the UNTDED with missing UN/EDIFACT Trade data elements
- Update of the 2005 Version of the UNTDED with backlog of DMRs and corrigenda
- Update of the UN/EDIFACT EDED with missing UNTDED data elements
- Update of the UNTDED bridges to the UN Code Lists (UNCL) plus code values
- Update of the textual introductory sections of the UNTDED
- Update of the UNCL code values with UNTDED ( ) and [ ] references
Project Deliverables
Deliverable 1: Technical SpecificationExit Criteria
The exit criteria will be: Deliverable 1: Public Review logs demonstrating all comments have been satisfactorily resolved; Final document ready for publication.Impact analysis
UN/CEFACT electronic standards for trade facilitation evolves covering aspects such as sustainability and products circularity. We need to make sure that all the data elements in the UN/CCL-based Reference Data Models will be accessible using the modern technologies. Therefore, this project delivers wide-scale across-the-board value to uplift the relevance and uptake of the UN/CEFACT semantic standards across all relevant data exchange syntaxes and methodologies.Project Team Membership and Required Functional Expertise
Membership is open to UN/CEFACT experts with broad knowledge in the area of international trade facilitation, electronic business, standardization, and interoperability. Members of both organizations: UN/CEFACT and ISO 7372 In addition, Heads of Delegations may invite technical experts from their constituency to participate in the work. Experts are expected to contribute to the work based solely on their expertise and to comply with the UN/CEFACT Code of Conduct and Ethics and the policy on Intellectual Property Rights. https://unece.org/trade/documents/2010/12/session-documents/intellectual-property-rights-policyGeographical Focus
The geographical focus of the project is global.Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries of the UNTDED standards are diverse and include various stakeholders involved in international trade, commerce, and e-business. Some of the primary beneficiaries include: 1. Governments: UNTDED helps governments streamline trade processes, reduce trade barriers, improve customs procedures, and enhance regulatory compliance. UNTDED helps governments to facilitate international trade, boost economic growth, and promote sustainable development. 2. Businesses (SMEs and large companies): Companies engaged in international trade benefit from UNTDED by simplifying and harmonizing trade procedures, reducing transaction costs, enhancing interoperability between different trading partners and systems, and accelerating the movement of goods across borders. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) particularly benefit from these standards as they enable them to compete more effectively in global markets. 3. Customs Authorities: Customs administrations use UNTDED to modernize their operations, automate customs procedures, improve risk management, enhance border security, and facilitate the smooth flow of goods across borders. Standardized electronic data exchange helps customs authorities efficiently process trade transactions, enforce regulations, and combat illicit trade activities. 4. Trade Facilitation Organizations: International organizations, trade facilitation bodies, industry associations, and standards-setting organizations leverage UNTDED to develop best practices, guidelines, and tools for improving trade facilitation, supply chain management, and e-business processes. 5. Technology Providers: Software developers, IT companies, and technology vendors use UNTDED into their products and solutions to enable seamless data interchange, interoperability, and connectivity between different trading partners, business systems, and electronic platforms. The list of organizations that contributed to the current version UNTDED, using it and will be involved in this review includes the following:Initial Contributions
References and initial contributions:
- Trade Data Elements Directory (TDED) UNTDED 2005/ISO 7372:2005
- Latest published CCL at time of project start
- ICC DSI Key Trade Document and Data Elements glossary
Resource Requirements
Collaboration with the relevant organizations namely: CIT, FIATA, IATA, ICAO, ICC, ICS, IMO,IRU, OASIS, UIC, UNCTAD, UPU, WCO, ISO.Project Proposal Files