The first European Certificate of Origin to be processed with Blockchain technology has taken place using expertise from Bristol – potentially giving the city a head start in a global market expected to be worth $20bn within six years.
The request was submitted by South Gloucestershire global engineering group Renishaw to Business West – the region’s largest business organisation which also runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce – working with its IT partner i2i Infinity.
It is the first Certificate of Origin – a document used by businesses trading internationally for customs purposes to identify the origin of the goods that are being exported – to be added to a Blockchain outside of South East Asia.
After Brexit, if the UK is not in the Customs Union, it will have to abide by complex ‘rules of origin’ under which exporters will need to show the origin of each component in order to benefit from preferential trade deals.
Business West issues 30,000 such certificates a year and post Brexit that number could rise significantly. These documents could be digitised and processed through Blockchain technology.
Blockchain, a new form of decentralised database, is seen by some commentators as one of the major innovations of the past 30 years – including the internet.
A digital ledger of information stored chronologically in ‘blocks’, it allows for the efficient and nearly instantaneous processing and transfer of data. It records transactions across many computers and doesn’t allow the record to be changed without the alternation of all subsequent blocks.
The technology should make the processes of sending goods abroad simpler and more transparent, reducing the risk of false declarations to obtain lower tariffs.
The technology is in its infancy and to be compliant with existing regulations, Business West also produced a physical document alongside the Blockchain but included a QR code that links directly to the Blockchain and a digital proof of certification.
Business West commercial director James Monk said: “Business West has an established reputation in developing and using technology to simplify trading internationally. We are delighted to have worked with our IT partners i2i Infinity and Renishaw to process Europe’s first Blockchain enabled Certificate of Origin. Whatever challenges and opportunities Brexit may bring, we are certain that the more we can streamline and verify the trading process, the easier it will be for our clients.”
Renishaw, one of the world’s leading engineering and scientific technology companies has a track record for trialling and leading on new initiatives. It was quick to take up the opportunity of being a part of this pilot project.
Head of communications Chris Pockett said: “While Renishaw is well known for its innovative world leading engineering technologies, we actively apply innovation across all of our business operations. Therefore we are delighted to have been involved with this European first using Blockchain technology.”
i2i Infinity developed the Certificate of Origin Blockchain using Ethereum infrastructure and has a verification website that validates the certificate on the Blockchain which then displays the ledger records.
Managing director Adam Underwood said: “We are looking to further develop the solution using Hyperledger Fabric which will enhance the solution, and align the technology development with the likes of IBM & Maersk.
“The UK has recently agreed to adopt the Union Customs Code (UCC) and HMRC is set to deliver a new customs declaration service which implements the rules of the UCC. This includes key requirements – and digitised trade is one of those.
“This pilot is a demonstration of Business West’s and i2i Infinity’s ability to lead technology for international trade in the UK.”
Business West is planning to be at the forefront of international trade support post Brexit and this is just one of the many initiatives being developed by the organisation.
The technology is currently in testing phase but the pilot project with Renishaw was a success and the aim is for the service to become common practice and pushed live through Business West’s online documentation service, Acorn International, at a future date.
Pictured: Adam Underwood of i2i Infinity, left, with James Monk of Business West
