Open Customs Blockchain. The missing piece to unlocking the broad application of distributed ledger technology for Customs?

Digitalization has simplified Customs clearance in many areas, especially in the declaration of imports and exports. However, various data discontinuities and queries unnecessarily delay cross-border process flows. A group of major logistics companies, software providers and researchers is driving an initiative which could change this. Called the "Open Customs Blockchain", it focuses on developing and applying blockchain technology for the exchange of key Customs data in foreign trade. The best part: the jointly developed software components will be published publicly under an open-source licence. This article looks at why previous projects and initiatives have not yet achieved the widespread use of blockchain, and what is so different about the open-source approach that just might be the missing piece to unlocking broad and standardized application.