Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR)

The Australian Government is proposing to implement legislation aligned with the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (also known as the MLETR).

The MLETR contains rules which, if adopted into domestic law, would give industry the choice to digitise key trade records like bills of lading by ensuring these records have the same legal standing as equivalent paper-based records.

Transferable records are a class of trade document essential for many international trade processes. Implementing legislation aligned with MLETR in Australia would confirm that electronic transferable records have the same legal status as traditional paper versions of those documents, encouraging industry confidence in using electronic transferable records and transitioning to paperless trade.

This would support whole-of-government efforts to simplify and modernise Australia’s cross-border trade regulatory environment. It also aligns with initiatives being coordinated by the Simplified Trade System Unit in Austrade. Find out more about whole-of-government simplified trade reforms.

For more information about the MLETR, including a copy of the text, visit the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (2017) page.

Uniform model amendments being developed

On 14 November 2025, the Standing Council of Attorneys-General (SCAG):

  • noted the Commonwealth’s proposal to implement the MLETR through uniform amendments to Commonwealth, state and territory electronic transactions acts (the uniform ETAs)
  • agreed to establish a working group of Commonwealth, state and territory officials to progress the development of national model amendments to the uniform ETAs
  • agreed to refer to the Australasian Parliamentary Counsel's Committee the drafting of these national model MLETR amendments to the uniform ETAs
  • noted the significant economic and productivity benefits of this proposed reform, and the need for consultation across the Commonwealth, states and territories to progress it in a timely manner.

We are leading this work, in consultation with state and territory counterparts.

To view the SCAG communique, visit: SCAG Communique – 14 November 2025.

Consultation to inform options for implementing the MLETR

In September 2024, we held a public consultation to inform options for implementing legislation aligned with the MLETR in Australia.

For more information about the consultation and to read public responses, visit our consultation website.