Maggie Li has watched export documentation transform from a largely paper-based process to a digital-first operation. As Manager of International Services at the South Australian Business Chamber, she reflects on what drove the change, what it means for exporters today, and what the chamber needs to stay ahead.

Maggie Li, Manager International Services, South Australian Business Chamber
 

Question 1: The Before

Cast your mind back to how export documentation worked at your chamber before the digital shift really took hold. What was the moment — or the process — that made it clearest that something had to change?

When I started in the international trade team, the chamber had already begun using the eCertify^[1]system, but export documentation was still largely paper based. At that time, around 70% of documents were processed manually, with only 30% submitted electronically. This was mainly due to limited acceptance of digital documents by foreign customs authorities and varying levels of technical capability among exporters.

The real turning point was COVID 19. Border closures, disrupted logistics, and restrictions on physical work made it clear that relying on paper was no longer sustainable. As international acceptance of electronic documents increased and awareness grew around paperless trade, efficiency, and document security the shift became unavoidable. That period made it clear that digital documentation wasn’t just an improvement; it was essential.

Question 2: The Now

For an exporter going through your chamber today, what does the digital documentation experience actually feel and look like — and what has that shift genuinely unlocked for them compared to a few years ago?

Today, the digital documentation experience for exporters is far more streamlined and reliable. The registration process itself is straightforward. Exporters simply complete the CO4 registration with the chamber and create an account on the online portal. The way documents are created and submitted has improved considerably.

For exporters using their own internal systems, generating and managing documents is now much easier and more efficient. Digital submission reduces processing times and removes the need for physical delivery. Compared to a few years ago, exporters now benefit from greater speed, higher acceptance across global ports, and increased certainty, especially as electronic certificates are widely recognised and trusted internationally.

Question 3: The Future 

As digital tools continue to develop, what does that open up for the chamber's relationship with exporters — the kinds of support, insight, or services that simply weren't possible in a paper-based world?

Looking ahead, continued development of digital tools opens up significant opportunities for the chamber's relationship with exporters. As the digital trade landscape evolves rapidly, staying ahead of exporter expectations is something we think about constantly. The market is becoming increasingly dynamic and competitive, with exporters naturally gravitating toward solutions that offer greater speed, automation, and convenience.

As multiple providers of certification services are entering the market, to remain competitive and continue supporting exporters effectively, having access to a cost-effective, highly automated portal that meets modern expectations is essential. A stronger digital platform would enable us to offer smarter services, better insights, and more responsive support, capabilities that simply weren't possible in a paper-based world. Ultimately, the future of our exporter relationships will depend on how well we grow alongside their digital needs.

¹eCertify is ICE Digital Trade’s legacy platform that was consolidated into essCert, bringing together both eCO solutions into a single powerful tool used across 350+ chambers in 18 countries.