This project works under the Open Development Process of UN/CEFACT. This, together with the UN/CEFACT Code of Conduct and the UN/CEFACT Intellectual Property Rights, defines key aspects of the way the project works and the commitments made by participants.
There are a number of other policies, procedures and terms of reference for UN/CEFACT work. A full list can be found here: https://unece.org/trade/uncefact/policiesprocedures-and-termsreference.
For ease of access, we have made copies of ODP, Code of Conduct and IPR documents [as of June 2025] and placed them in the project folder here.
An open call for participation was published by UN/CEFACT for the project in April 2025. This is an open invitation for experts around the world to participate in the project.
The general principles are that
work is voluntary (unpaid/pro-bono)
the work of the project will be open for all to view and observe.
Participation in the project is encouraged across all of the UN member nations and
Participation as a contributor requires registration with UN/CEFACT
The form for expert registration application can be found here: https://uncefact.unece.org/display/uncefactpublic/UNCEFACT+Expert+Registration
Applying for expert registration will confirm, amongst other things, your agreement to participate under the Intellectual Property Right policy of UN/CEFACT projects.
Completing the form generates an application request that will be sent to your country "Head of Delegation" (HoD). The HoD is the person that your country has delegated authority to for their interactions with UN/CEFACT. Not all countries have a head of delegation. You can find the list here: https://unece.org/trade/uncefact/HoD.
If you wish to participate, but your country has no HoD then we can approach the UN/CEFACT bureau for support and advice.
If you apply, you will receive an email to the address you supplied confirming your registration. The email will have the subject:
"[CUE] - New UN/CEFACT Expert registration confirmation" and will come from uncefact@unece.org.
The project team has no visibility of UN/CEFACT Expert applications and we have no visibility of their processing. However, we can help if you forward the confirmation email that you receive after your application to the project leads (John and Alina). This will give three benefits
We will know you've applied and accepted the terms and conditions described in the application process.:
We can then let you engage with the project on working drafts as a contributor while waiting for your registration process to complete
We can help the UN/CEFACT secretariat chase your application
Please use the form below to reach out to the project team and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Our apologies if it takes us a little time, the project leads and contributors are volunteers, and while we are passionate about the project, we are NOT omnipresent.