Economies within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum are accelerating the use of artificial intelligence, digital documents and data-driven customs systems to reduce border delays while strengthening regulatory oversight. At the APEC Customs-Business Dialogue in August, officials and businesses discussed expanding paperless trade, electronic certification and automated customs procedures.
For the food trade, discussions included electronic inspection and quarantine certificates, faster procedures for perishable goods and technologies designed to improve food-safety controls without slowing trade. APEC also highlighted electronic bills of lading, blockchain-based trade platforms and greater use of authorized economic operator programs and mutual recognition arrangements. More information