The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the U.S., a major law enforcement agency, is to launch a live test of a shipment tracking system that implements blockchain technology.
The test will consist of two autonomous systems: a legacy application and a blockchain platform developed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The outcomes of this endeavor will decide the fate of blockchain technology in the sphere of border security. Will the technology improve the certificates of origin verification process from the associates of the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Central America Free Trade Agreement. This technology will also decrease the time taken for resubmission of shipping data.
During the testing, CBP aims to develop a standard of various blockchain interaction, so that the software and companies will be linked to customs with the requirement of any further customization.
Director of CBP’s Transformation & Innovation Division, Vincent Annunziato, noted that currently, blockchain platforms are not completely compatible with each other, stressing that data security“of the upmost importance.”
Reportedly, the agency is working on a project regarding intellectual property rights. Annunziato expressed the importance of the favorable testing of the blockchain platform, which will provide the consumers the certainty of the authenticity of their product.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
- Implementation of blockchain technology in a governmental institution is a positive move towards the acceptance of the importance of the technology and its implementation on a wider level.
- If the tests turn out successful, then this technology will simplify a row of bureaucratical processes, which a step towards decreasing the time taken to check the cargo.