THE UN ACCRA CONVENTION USHERS IN A NEW ERA FOR MULTIMODAL AND DIGITAL TRADE

On October 26, 2026, the UN Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents (the "Accra Convention") was officially opened for signature in Accra, Ghana. The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)—of which Ukrzovnishtrans is a member—warmly welcomed this development as a revolutionary step toward establishing a unified, technology-neutral global logistics system.
Core Essence of the Convention
Historically, the legal capacity to use negotiable cargo documents (such as bills of lading) was strictly confined to maritime transport. For the first time globally, the Accra Convention establishes a harmonized legal framework for negotiable cargo documents across all modes of transport: road, rail, sea, and air. These documents will hold equal legal validity, whether in paper or electronic format.
Key Facts as of Today:
•    Initial Signatories: During the official ceremony, 26 states signed the Convention, including China, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Venezuela, and Cuba, as well as a number of nations from Africa and the Caribbean. Other countries are expected to join in the near future, following the completion of their respective diplomatic procedures. •    A Symbolic Milestone: The adoption of the document coincides with the 60th anniversary of UNCITRAL (the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law), which has been working for decades on the unification of trade law.
•    FIATA’s Stance: The Federation urges governments worldwide to accelerate the ratification and implementation of the new rules, ensuring their prompt integration into actual supply chains.
What does this mean for Ukrainian freight forwarders?
For the Ukrainian logistics sector—which deals daily with complex multimodal routes, multiple border crossings, and the need for end-to-end digital cargo control—the Accra Convention will serve as a powerful tool. It is designed to eliminate legal gaps during the transition between different modes of transport, reduce administrative costs, and transition supply chains to a fully digital framework.
The "UKRZOVNISHTRANS" Association continues to closely monitor the international ratification process of the Convention and the prospects for its implementation in Ukraine.