DCSA and Altares Dun & Bradstreet strengthen trust in global trade through verified identity data
The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) is a neutral, non-profit association driving digital transformation in container shipping. Supported by the world’s leading carriers representing 75 percent of global containerised trade, DCSA develops open standards, shared digital infrastructure and partnership programs that enable trusted data exchange across the supply chain.
From its headquarters in Amsterdam, DCSA works with carriers, terminals, freight forwarders, technology providers and shippers to make shipping simple, efficient and sustainable. Through collaboration and practical solutions, it helps the industry digitalise effectively and at scale.
DCSA
100+
Industry experts united
75%
of global container
trade
2030
Ambition: 100% electronic
Bill of Lading (eBL)
The global transport ecosystem is still too dependent on paper, manual work and local practices. With open standards, we aim to change that: one language, one truth, one supply chain that truly works together.”
1. The Challenge
Unreliable identity data slows global trade
Accurate company information is vital to every trade transaction, yet business identity data across the supply chain is often inconsistent, incomplete or outdated. Records are stored in separate systems and differ between partners, creating delays, duplicated work and uncertainty.
When data does not align, shipments can be held up, documents re-issued and payments delayed. The business risk is significant – from contractual disputes to unintended dealings with restricted entities. At scale, these gaps erode trust and make automation difficult.
“As long as identity data remains disconnected across systems and jurisdictions, efficiency gains will remain out of reach,” says Dekkers. “You cannot digitise trade on unreliable data. We needed a way to create one trusted gateway to company data
”
2. The Solution
Connecting trusted sources through one access point
DCSA’s Identity Exchange brings verified company information together in one place. The platform connects to leading public and commercial data sources – including GLEIF, EU VIES/VAT, EU EORI and the Dun & Bradstreet Datacloud - commercial source offering global reach, ownership insights and ongoing data validation – and returns structured results in real time.
Each source contributes distinct value: public registries provide official validation, while commercial datasets add global coverage, ownership details and corporate linkages. Combined, they create a consistent, reliable view of every entity involved in trade.
“The connection between DCSA’s Identity Exchange and the verified Dun & Bradstreet Datacloud allows partners to access reliable information instantly,” explains Dekkers. “It means fewer errors, faster onboarding and stronger compliance, all powered by cleaner data.”
Accessible via web interface or API, Identity Exchange allows users to validate and enrich company records, remove duplicates and keep systems aligned. Automated routing directs each query to the most accurate source for that country or data type, ensuring precision and efficiency at scale.
“DCSA exists to create the digital foundations of global trade,” adds Dekkers. “Identity Exchange is one of the ways we turn that ambition into something tangible: a standardised, trusted layer of business identity data the entire industry can rely on.”
Identity Exchange Platform
2015
5
2023
3. The result
Trusted data that powers a digital, connected industry
By combining public and commercial sources, Identity Exchange reduces manual verification time and duplicate records, improving overall data reliability significantly. By combining public and commercial sources in one platform, Identity Exchange provides structured, up-to-date information from onboarding onwards. Verified data flows consistently through compliance, documentation and operational systems, removing duplication and delays.
The Dun & Bradstreet Datacloud enhances this reliability with its global reach and continuous updates, complementing official registries and helping ensure each record is complete. Together, these sources create a connected data network that makes digital processes dependable at scale.
One clear example is the electronic Bill of Lading (eBL). When counterparties are verified through Identity Exchange, document creation and validation can be automated with confidence. This capability supports the industry’s shared target of 100 percent eBL adoption by 2030 – a goal that relies on trusted, standardised data.
With cleaner information, organisations gain speed, accuracy and assurance. For the wider supply chain, it marks a step toward a more transparent, interoperable and digitally-enabled world of trade.
The Road Ahead
Scaling reliable identity data across global trade
The next phase is about scale. DCSA aims to make trusted identity data available to every organisation in container shipping, from carriers and freight forwarders to shippers and logistics providers. As adoption grows, each verified entity adds value to the network, strengthening it for all participants.
“Trusted data is the foundation of digital trade,” concludes Dekkers. “With Identity Exchange, and trusted data from partners such as Dun & Bradstreet we are creating that foundation, a meaningful step toward seamless, paperless and truly connected global commerce. This collaboration demonstrates how verified data can unlock the next level of digital trade – a cornerstone others in the industry can build upon.”
What other customers say
"Data is the backbone of our business. In essence, we cannot function without reliable and up-to-date data."
“Before engaging with a company, we always conduct a thorough analysis and request various supporting documents for identification and verification.”
"In particular, we felt the purity of the data was very important; that was the priority."
'As a company with a global scope, it is important for us to have a stable solution available based on global, reliable data'
'Every new customer we want to check. It sleeps much better for everyone if you know that companies you are owed money from can actually pay it.'
"To make sure we are sourcing good, reliable dealers everywhere, we need the expertise of Altares Dun & Bradstreet.
'We can now act proactively when it comes to credit risk.'
"We had another business information provider, but in testing, we found that with their data, we were only covering 45 percent of our customers.
'Doing business based on current, complete and accurate data.'
'Only by automating can we make substantial gains.'
'Improved customer insight and optimal service'
'For Barco, it is important to support your strategy and your decisions with market data.'
