The "Blockchain Europe" project, led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML, is now making several components available free of charge: Among other things, with the "BORDER" software system (blockchain-based organization of relevant data in extra trade with legal security), the researchers are not only presenting a digital solution for the complex and paper-based processes of customs clearance in foreign trade, the blockchain technology also ensures transparency along the entire process and tamper-proof documentation.

"The release of the first blockchain software system underpins the importance of blockchain technology for the vision of end-to-end digital customs clearance. It creates transparency for all parties involved in the export process and has the potential to significantly simplify and accelerate complex processes such as customs clearance," emphasizes Prof. Michael Henke, Institute Director at Fraunhofer IML.

Data security and transparency

With "BORDER", customs creates a digital export accompanying document (EAD) and then transfers it to the "BORDER" software. In this way, the document is made available to all partners involved along the supply chain using blockchain technology. This ensures data security and transparency and also promotes sustainability along the supply chain. However, the ABD is just the beginning: blockchain technology can also be used to digitize other customs-related documents - from the EU import process to financial flows along the transport chain.

"The advantages of the technology are obvious: there are fewer media disruptions, time, money, CO2, working hours and, last but not least, a lot of paper can be saved," explains Roman Koller, scientist at Fraunhofer IML and responsible for "BORDER".

Further open source modules

The "BORDER" software digitizes the complex processes of customs clearance along the entire transport chain.

© Fraunhofer IML/Blockchain Europe

In addition to "BORDER", the researchers are making other building blocks available open source: for example, an entire blockchain toolkit can be accessed, from which software components can be individually used and adapted - so that the required software can be integrated into an existing infrastructure according to the modular principle and the transition to blockchain-based systems is made as simple as possible.

A total of three universal building blocks make up the "digital folder", a basic tool for digitizing blockchain-based documents along the entire supply chain: Among other things, the "Token Manager" is located in the open source blockchain construction kit. This is used to store and manage documents and other relevant data records within the blockchain. The "Authorization Module" can also be used, as it creates a role-rights system that manages access, write and read rights to ensure maximum data security at all times. The "Light Node Service" in turn creates the interface between the end devices and the blockchain technology. The transactions carried out with it are thus secured and documented.