Siemens, Commerzbank and Fr. Meyer’s Sohn chart the course for fully digital LC shipping documents between Germany and China

Frankfurt, 14 July 2025 – Siemens AG, Commerzbank AG  and Fr. Meyer’s Sohn have successfully completed a proof of concept (POC) demonstrating the power of fully digital trade document flows between Germany and China. Together with the Chinese issuing bank and leveraging Enigio’s trace:original technology and its interoperability with Chinese trade platform TradeGo, the collaboration cut document processing time from approximately two weeks to under two hours.

While this was a controlled test, the implications are real. The successful transaction signals Siemens’ wider ambition: to foster digitisation of paper-based trade document flows under export letters of credit. For Commerzbank, this is a pivotal step toward offering first-to-market digital trade solutions for German exporters. For Fr. Meyer’s Sohn (FMS), it demonstrates their ongoing commitment to driving innovation in global logistics through digital documentation.

Redefining what’s possible for global trade

The transaction showcased the seamless exchange of digital original documents—including an electronic bill of lading (eBL)—between Europe and China. Under an assumed eUCP-based Letter of Credit, Siemens (exporter), Commerzbank (advising bank), the Chinese bank (issuing bank), and the importer in China completed the end-to-end process in less than two hours. 

Key enablers of this success included:

• An electronic bill of lading (eBL) issued by FMS using Enigio’s trace:original technology.
• Interoperability between trace:original and TradeGo, built on DCSA standards.
• Enigio’s digital envelope, allowing Siemens to securely package and transmit documents to Commerzbank and beyond.

This approach ensures that even across different platforms and jurisdictions, original digital documents can move freely and securely—just like their paper counterparts, but faster and with greater transparency.

A bold step for Siemens and Commerzbank

For Siemens, the project demonstrates more than just operational efficiency. It can be a door-opener for modernisation and digitisation of the export letter of credit business, setting a precedent for global exporters.

Gerhard Heubeck, Global Head of Trade Finance of Siemens AG , says:

“For Siemens, the project demonstrates more than just operational efficiency. It can be a door-opener for modernisation and digitisation of the export letter of credit business, setting a precedent for global exporters. This successful proof of concept is just the beginning, and a step forward to eliminate obstacles in the usage of digital shipping documents under letters of credit. It can contribute to make operations across our global supply chain more efficient and paper-less.”

For Commerzbank, the initiative highlights its role as an innovation leader in German trade finance, ready to provide cutting-edge solutions to its clients.

“Digital trade is no longer a distant vision—it’s here. As one of the first German banks to have performed this Proof of concept with a major Chinese bank, we’re excited to explore new opportunities with electronic documents in the evolving landscape of global trade,” says Jörg Motel, Global Head of Product Management Trade Finance.

Fr. Meyer’s Sohn (FMS), issuer of the electronic bill of lading, underscores the operational impact:

“As a global logistics provider, we see first-hand the complexities and delays that paper-based processes create. This proof of concept demonstrates how digital originals like the electronic bill of lading can transform the supply chain—bringing speed, security, and transparency to international trade. It is our daily commitment to make things as straightforward and uncomplicated as possible for our customers. We are proud to be part of this pioneering initiative, supporting Siemens and Commerzbank in shaping the future of cross-border logistics,” says Heiko Voigt, CEO.

Unlocking the future of trade

While the POC serves as proof of what’s possible, Siemens and Commerzbank are now exploring how to scale these digital processes across their broader operations and customer networks. The project reinforces the role of interoperability, trust, and open networks in transforming global trade.

Steven Zhou, Executive Director at TradeGo, says:

“Under the current international situation, this collaboration has taken on new meaning. We are witnessing the creation of a new international trading system in which digitalisation will play a significant role. We are honoured to contribute to this process together with our partners.”

For Enigio, the project demonstrates how openness and interoperability can overcome fragmentation in today’s trade ecosystem. Gunnar Collin, Director at Enigio, adds: 

“This collaboration proves that true digital trade doesn’t require everyone to be on the same system—just systems that can talk to each other. In today’s complex and uncertain global landscape, an open, interoperable approach is more important than ever. With Enigio’s trace:original and open network, we’re enabling frictionless digital document flows that work across borders, platforms, and industries—regardless of political or technological boundaries.”