Accra Convention 2025
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The United Nations Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents, known as the Accra Convention 2025, was adopted on December 15, 2025. It provides a uniform legal framework for negotiable cargo documents (NCDs) in both paper and digital formats, extending beyond maritime transport to multimodal options like trains, trucks, planes, and ships.​
About Accra Convention
- Adoption Date: 15 December 2025, New York.
- Purpose: Establishes a uniform legal framework for Negotiable Cargo Documents (NCDs) — digital or paper documents representing goods in transit.
- Scope: Extends beyond maritime shipping to multimodal transport (ships, planes, trains, trucks).
- Key Features:
- NCDs can be used to sell, reroute, or pledge goods as collateral while in transit.
- Provides the same legal effect as physical delivery of goods.
- Supports digitalisation of trade finance and smoother global commerce.
- Impact: Seen as a major step in modernising international trade law, reducing paperwork, and boosting efficiency.
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