4. Disruptive customs technologies and automation

4.4. Examples of disruptive technology implementation

·         Smart Customs Project (WCO / CCF-China): expands on the 2022 Study Report across blockchain, AI/ML, IoT, drones and robots, biometrics, and virtual/augmented/mixed reality. Its April 2024 global survey drew 116 responses (62% of WCO members) and set three focus technologies — AI/ML with big data and analytics, blockchain, and cloud computing; 92% of respondents already had an IT strategy in place.

  • European Union (DG TAXUD): the Customs Reform Package (2023) lays the foundation for a fully digital customs union:

o   EU Customs Data Hub: a central platform for sharing and analyzing customs data across Member States

o   EU Customs Single Window: connects customs with other regulators for joint, data-driven decisions

o   Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): relies on digital systems to track embedded carbon in imports

  •          Blockchain pilots: several countries are testing blockchain for cross-border documentation, trusted-trader programs, and supply-chain visibility
  •          AI risk-management systems: many administrations use AI to flag high-risk shipments; Dubai Customs runs RIISE (AI, predictive analytics, and blockchain), and the Port of Qingdao uses AI for automatic container detection
  •          Japan — SMART Customs: digitizes the importer/exporter experience while focusing enforcement on high-risk transactions
  •          New Zealand — eGate: biometrics and automated border control for passenger processing
  •          Singapore — Networked Trade Platform (NTP): a national digital trade ecosystem with single data submission, API-based interoperability, and AI anomaly detection
  •          South Korea — UNI-PASS: a fully paperless system with integrated risk management and IoT cargo tracking, exported to more than 20 countries
  •          Brazil — SISCOMEX modernization: blockchain pilots, integrated port-community systems, and IoT container monitoring
  •          Australia — digital identity and trusted trader: piloting digital identity for trade actors, automated trusted-trader benefits, and AI-supported compliance checks