# Open Customs Blockchain

> The Open Customs Blockchain is a European open-source initiative for digitalizing customs processing that has been under development since 2022. The project includes two main components: BORDER for supply chain focus and GPID for customs focus, aimed at reducing data discontinuities and manual processes. The system is currently in the pilot phase and is funded with 7.7 million euros by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

**Sector:** Tertiary sector · **Industry:** Warehousing and logistics services · **Organisation:** DHL, Fraunhofer IML · **Maturity level:** Pilot

Canonical URL: https://www.sapientblock.com/en/use-cases/dhl-zollabfertigung-digital-beschleunigen

## Documentation status

- **Project status:** Pilot
- **Evidence:** Evidence high
- **Editorial review:** Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026

## Description

The Open Logistics Foundation (Dortmund, founded in 2021) is a public foundation for open logistics infrastructure. Founding partners include DB Schenker, Lufthansa Cargo, Kühne+Nagel and others. Open-Customs-Blockchain is a concept for the digital acceleration of customs clearances through blockchain-secured document release.

Customs clearances are one of the last heavily paper-based processes in international trade: certificates of origin, commercial invoices, packing lists, import declarations are exchanged between exporter, freight forwarder, customs declarant and customs authority — often by email or fax. Errors and missing documents lead to delays that cause storage costs and contractual penalties. Blockchain solves this structurally: all customs documents are digitally anchored on the blockchain at dispatch; customs authorities receive authorised read access and can pre-clear shipments before the ship arrives. The EU Customs Reform (2023) aims for fully digital customs by 2028. The Open Logistics Foundation develops open-source standards to ensure interoperability of different blockchain systems. Practical experience: Singapore (TradeTrust platform) and the Netherlands (Rotterdam Port Blockchain) already operate productive customs blockchain systems.

## Benefits

- Companies gain increased confidence in data accuracy and can significantly accelerate customs processes.
- Customers benefit from faster delivery times through optimised customs clearance.
- Blockchain technology eliminates the risk of fraud through immutable documentation of all customs transactions.
- The system creates a shared data basis for all involved parties and reduces data discontinuities.
- Digitalisation replaces paper-based processes and significantly reduces manual effort.
- Employees can free themselves from repetitive manual tasks and take on more strategic duties.

## Challenges

- Companies must invest in new IT infrastructure and adapt their existing systems to the blockchain solution.
- Integration into existing national customs systems requires extensive technical adjustments and regulatory approvals.
- Coordination between different customs authorities and supply chain partners involves considerable organisational effort.
- Employees need training in handling the new digital platform and must adapt to changed work processes.

## Technology foundation

The project uses a blockchain-based solution for forgery-proof storage and transmission of customs documents and supply chain data. Blockchain technology enables all relevant trade documents to be stored immutably while granting controlled access to various parties such as customs authorities, logistics companies and traders.

## Sources

- [Open Logistics Foundation: Neues Pilotprojekt für sichere Zollprozesse (Goods Passport ID)](https://openlogisticsfoundation.org/open-logistics-foundation-neues-pilotprojekt-fur-sichere-zollprozesse/)
- [DHL Freight: Blockchain in der Logistik – Beteiligung an der Working Group Open Customs Blockchain](https://dhl-freight-connections.com/de/loesungen/blockchain-in-der-logistik-sicherheit-und-transparenz-fuer-die-lieferkette/)
- [Fraunhofer IML: Open Customs Blockchain – The missing piece to unlocking the broad application of DLT for Customs?](https://publica.fraunhofer.de/entities/publication/53d527ed-4abe-4204-972d-d753fb0422f3)
- [LOGISTIK HEUTE: Open Logistics Foundation startet Pilotprojekt für sichere Zollprozesse](https://logistik-heute.de/news/blockchain-open-logistics-foundation-startet-pilotprojekt-fuer-sichere-zollprozesse-137947.html)