The paper traces the evolution of bill of lading introduction and development in electronic commerce. Theoretical legislative and commercial base, challenges and prospects are considered. The possibilities and vectors of blockchain technology in this area are evaluated. As the overall result of research, a conceptual vision for eBL ecosystem creation in Benin is suggested. To realize the benefits of smart applications for bills of lading, it seems advisable to develop and adopt a set of legal norms at the legislative and subordinate level that regulate public relations in the digital economy, implementing inter-jurisdictional multi-subject blockchain and these smart applications for bills of lading into business practice