Have you struggled with cumbersome documentation processes in cross-border rail transport during the pandemic? Relief may be coming as major international organizations take action to remove these barriers.
On May 15, 2020, leaders from three prominent international agencies—the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Intergovernmental Organization for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF), and the Organization for Cooperation of Railways (OSJD)—issued a joint statement announcing collaborative efforts to optimize rail supply chains and minimize COVID-19's global impact. This declaration serves as a significant boost for the international rail transport sector, signaling more efficient cross-border operations ahead.
The Paperwork Challenge in Pandemic Rail Transport
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges across industries, with rail transport facing particular difficulties in document preparation and collection. Travel restrictions and quarantine measures created obstacles for rail companies needing to process customs documentation for international shipments.
The traditional process—requiring physical documents to be signed, stamped, and physically delivered to customs authorities—became increasingly problematic as logistics networks faced disruptions. These delays introduced uncertainty into cross-border trade and increased operational costs for businesses.
Digital Solutions From Three Key Organizations
To address these challenges, WCO, OTIF, and OSJD implemented measures encouraging customs authorities to adopt flexible approaches. Their recommendations include temporarily accepting electronic documents while allowing companies to submit physical copies at a later date—a move that significantly simplifies customs procedures and accelerates cargo clearance.
WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya, OTIF Secretary General Wolfgang Küpper, and OSJD Committee Chairman Tadeusz Szozda collectively pledged support for implementing tools and measures to maintain international rail transport continuity during the crisis.
Legal Framework: The Revised Kyoto Convention
The WCO's proposal for temporary electronic document acceptance finds legal grounding in the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), an international customs agreement designed to simplify and standardize procedures. The RKC permits member states to implement flexible measures during exceptional circumstances.
This framework ensures that electronic document acceptance maintains legal validity while providing practical solutions for businesses and maintaining international trade standards.
The Advantages of Digital Transformation
The temporary shift to electronic documents offers benefits beyond pandemic response:
- Enhanced Efficiency: Immediate digital transmission and processing reduces clearance times and improves transport efficiency
- Improved Security: Encrypted files with digital signatures prevent tampering and forgery
- Sustainability Benefits: Reduced paper usage supports environmental conservation efforts
The Future of Rail Transport Digitization
The joint statement represents more than a pandemic response—it signals broader digital transformation in rail transport. Emerging technologies promise further advancements:
- Electronic waybills replacing paper documentation
- Digital customs declaration platforms streamlining processes
- IoT-enabled tracking systems improving shipment visibility
These innovations will create more efficient, secure, and sustainable rail transport networks, offering businesses reduced operational costs, faster delivery times, and enhanced competitiveness.
As the pandemic accelerates digital adoption across industries, rail transport companies now face an opportune moment to embrace technological transformation and position themselves for future success in global trade.