Blockchain and customs
Distributed ledger technology applied to traceability, certification of origin and security of customs data.
Blockchain and customs
Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that is finding increasing applications in the customs and international trade fields, particularly for traceability, certification and data security.
Customs applications
- Digital certificates of origin: blockchain allows the issuance, verification and sharing of tamper-proof certificates of origin between partner countries. Singapore and several pilot countries are already using it.
- Supply chain traceability: real-time tracking of goods from production to delivery, meeting the requirements of EUDR, MACF and sustainability standards.
- Electronic bill of lading (eBL): blockchain platforms (TradeLens, WAVE, CargoX) allow the secure dematerialization of the maritime bill of lading.
- Trusted trade lanes: secure trade corridors between customs administrations, with real-time data sharing.
Pilot projects
The OMD is actively exploring the use of blockchain. Singapore Customs, South Korea, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have conducted pilot projects. The EU is integrating blockchain into its thinking on the EU Customs Data Hub.
Current limits
Interoperability between different blockchains, data standardization, implementation cost, legal framework still under construction and energy consumption (variable depending on the technology used).
Perspective
Blockchain is considered one of the key technologies for customs modernization, complementing artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT).