United Nations Trade Data Elements Directory Review

otherProject Details

Relevant SDG targets:

Maintaining the United Nations Trade Data Elements Directory (UNTDED), standardized library of data elements, supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by facilitating efficient transport and logistics operations. Standardized data enable better monitoring (SDG 17) and reporting of key performance indicators, supporting sustainable development goals related to economic growth (SDG 8), to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns (SDG12), sustainable cities (SDG 11), climate action (SDG 13), promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels (SDG 16) and partnerships (SDG 17).

Significantly increasing the exports of developing countries, by simplifying and standardizing trade documentation, UNTDED helps developing countries integrate more effectively into global trade networks, boosting their export capacities.  Standardized processes reduce the complexity and cost of exporting for developing countries, enabling them to compete more effectively in international markets.

UNTDED plays a crucial role in advancing the SDGs by promoting efficient, transparent, and fair-trade practices. Its contribution spans multiple goals and targets, emphasizing the importance of standardized data in achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth, infrastructure development, and institutional integrity. By reducing transaction costs, enhancing transparency, and supporting SMEs, UNTDED helps create a more equitable and sustainable global trading system.

Project Purpose

The 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

Exit 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

Maintaining and updating the UNTDED will continue to enable: 1. Streamline Trade: Aligning with current practices and regulations reduces trade barriers and harmonizes information requirements. 2. Enhance Interoperability: Compatibility with international standards facilitates smoother data exchange among stakeholders. 3. Efficient Trade Processes: Faster clearance times and reduced administrative burdens. 4. Cost Savings: Lower documentation and compliance costs for businesses. 5. Transparency: Standardized data promotes trust and reduces misunderstandings.

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-policy 

Geographical 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.
6. 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:

1. Trade Data Elements Directory (TDED) UNTDED 2005/ISO 7372:2005
2. Latest published CCL at time of project start
3. 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