Blockchain Proofs of Concept
The Business Transformation and Innovation Division (BTID) developed and completed blockchain proofs of concept (POC) with trade partners serving on the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC). These were short assessments to demonstrate feasibility. At the completion of each POC, CBP completed a 360-degree assessment to evaluate four primary areas: legal, policy, technical, and operational.
Select each tile below to learn more:
-
NAFTA/CAFTA Proof of Concept | Sept 2018
In September 2018, CBP conducted the North American Free Trade Agreement/Central America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA/CAFTA) POC, which tested the application of blockchain technology for the entry summary submission process for NAFTA/CAFTA entries. View the complete assessment and report of the NAFTA/CAFTA POC for more information.
The assessment of the technology found that use of blockchain achieved almost instantaneous communications between CBP and trade, improved documentation of receipt, and expedited processing for CBP. Other benefits included:
- Easier access to back-up documentation when required
- Easier access to importer and more direct communication
- Enhanced targeting
- Full data (country of origin, entity data, etc.) received with initial submission of entry summary
- Potential issues captured early on
- Eliminated manual documentation requirements and duplicative data entry
-
Intellectual Property Rights Proof of Concept | Sept 2019
In September 2019, CBP conducted the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) POC, which tested blockchain technology that facilitates shipments based on known relationships between licensors and licensees. View the complete assessment and report of the IPR POC for more information. Benefits from the POC included:
- Tracking entities that owned the license with ease (importer, retailer, manufacturer)
- Reduced data for identification of license holder
- The ability for license holders to verify the legitimacy of licensee
- Potential for facilitation benefits for importations that have legitimate licensing
- Greater supply chain visibility
DHS University Programs
BTID partners with the DHS Center of Excellence to work with universities in developing cutting-edge trade projects to improve the flow of goods into the United States. BTID projects are focused on researching and developing solutions for CBP and the import of goods. University projects assess the impact to the economy, trade community, and the general public. BTID’s university projects are closely aligned with CBP strategic planning, ensuring that research projects are contributing to CBP’s mission.
Select each tile below to learn more:
-
Study: Addressing Cross Border E-Commerce Challenges with Emerging Technologies
- Researched how to leverage emerging technologies to augment and enhance data sharing and the economic costs and benefits from incorporating emerging technologies
- Researched the impact on efficiency effects for the consumer, the importer, and other stakeholders
- Conducted with the Borders, Trade, and Immigration Institute (BTI) of the University of Houston
- Read the final report
-
Study: Purchase Order to Entry
- The study was conducted by BTI of the University of Houston
- Looked at starting data from Purchase Order submission and combining shipping and entry data
- Reverse engineer Entry/Entry Summary Processes to remove dependency on Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)
- Included all modes of transportation and a look at architectural and technical implications
- Check out the final report on "Transforming Trade and Ensuring Global Supply Chain Security with Blockchain and Smart Contracts"
Augmented Reality
The mission of the Business Transformation and Innovation Division is to actively engage in the future strategic vision of the Office of Trade (OT) to provide strong foundations of future technology investments which will facilitate, secure, and reduce costs related to the movement of cargo. Assessing and analyzing new technologies within the parameters of CBP’s business needs, providing a futuristic vision on products and software so that the agency can proactively pursue changes in the technical environment. Select the button below to learn more.