由 caicai8478 and process reconstruction are driving cross-border trade efficiency into a new stage. The following analyzes its future trends from three dimensions: core technology application, typical scenario practice, and international coordination mechanism:
- Core technology drives process reconstruction
Blockchain oracle builds a trusted data pipeline
Blockchain technology uses smart contracts to realize data on-chain, and combines oracle nodes to capture multi-source data such as customs declarations and logistics sensors in real time, which improves information synchronization efficiency by 70%2. For example, Maersk’s pilot shows that the oracle based on the PBFT consensus mechanism can control the probability of data tampering at the level of 10^-15, and at the same time, sensitive logistics information is desensitized and uploaded to the chain through zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technology, which not only meets the customs compliance review needs, but also protects corporate data privacy2. In the Shenzhen Customs pilot, the “trigger-type customs clearance” mechanism automatically triggered by smart contracts reduced the cargo stranded in Hong Kong by 62%, and the customs clearance time for high-risk cargo was compressed from 48 hours to 4 hours2.
AI big models reshape the law enforcement paradigm
AI big models represented by DeepSeek have achieved breakthroughs in multiple scenarios in the customs field: system retrieval has been upgraded from “finding a needle in a haystack” to 30 seconds of precise positioning, the time spent on corporate background investigation has been reduced from hours to seconds, and risk analysis has shifted from passive control to intelligent early warning3. In the document review process, the AI image and text recognition function can automatically refine parameters such as commodity names and classifications, and combine the risk comparison of declaration elements to significantly reduce manual verification errors3. Despite the current limitations of complex scenario reasoning, through the “AI initial screening + manual review” dual verification process, the efficiency of document drafting and intelligent push of similar cases have been improved in case handling3.
The Internet of Things realizes full-link dynamic perception
IoT sensors and RFID technology build a dynamic cargo monitoring network: temperature sensors monitor the cold chain transportation environment in real time, pressure sensors prevent cargo damage, and GPS positioning realizes container trajectory tracking8. Shenzhen Airport’s aviation logistics platform connects with more than 500 enterprise systems and transmits 4 million electronic waybill data, which reduces the inspection time of air exports by more than 90% and improves cargo turnover efficiency by 45%4. Combined with digital twin technology, the 3D virtual customs constructed by Ningbo’s pilot project can map the real customs clearance process in real time and generate dynamic customs clearance plans 48 hours in advance2.
- Typical scenario innovation practice
The demonstration effect of the eWTP digital customs clearance project
The eWTP project promoted by Alibaba at the Shenzhen Port automatically collects original data of orders, payments, and logistics to generate a complete customs declaration data chain, realizing the full-link digitization from order placement to customs declaration1. During the Double 11 period in 2023, the system processed 7 times the number of orders compared with the same period last year, accounting for more than half of the import volume of Class B express at the Shenzhen Port, with a peak daily customs clearance volume of 52,000 orders, and the fastest full-link logistics time of only 40 hours and 18 minutes1. By optimizing the allocation of terminal resources and emergency support plans, we can effectively respond to the traffic impact during the promotion period.
Integration and upgrade of the single window for international trade
The Shanghai “Single Window” China-Europe Express Service Zone achieves multi-department collaboration through an online “big table”, which is 50% more efficient than offline operations, supporting the “Shanghai” to run a total of 189 trains with a cargo value of 6.29 billion yuan4. The Shenzhen Aviation Logistics Platform reduces the number of repeated entries by freight forwarders from 4 to 1 through the “one entry, one order, multiple reports” mechanism, and realizes online inspection and appointment, significantly reducing the operating costs of enterprises4. Hainan’s “Single Window” innovates the “zero tariff” feature application, which will exempt enterprises from 1.052 billion yuan in tax exemption in 2023, and at the same time build a full-chain traceability system for off-island duty-free goods4.
The collaborative breakthrough of EU ICS2 and CCI systems
The third phase of EU import control system ICS2 will cover sea, rail and road transport, requiring the submission of data such as HS codes and EORI numbers accurate to a single package, and promoting data transparency in all links of the supply chain5. The “Centralized Customs Clearance for Imports” (CCI) system, which was launched in July 2024, allows companies to submit customs declaration information in any EU member state and realize instant information sharing between customs through electronic communication networks. The first batch of 8 pilot countries has significantly reduced cross-border customs clearance time6. This cross-border centralized customs clearance model echoes China’s customs clearance integration reform and jointly promotes the reshaping of global trade rules.
III. International collaboration and risk prevention and control mechanism
Technical innovation of data security and privacy protection
The homomorphic encryption technology (Microsoft, 2023) is used to realize data verification in an encrypted state, and the hierarchical authorization mechanism enables customs to access only desensitized aggregated data. The Singapore pilot shows that the compliance cost is reduced by 35%2. For cross-border data flows, frameworks such as the APEC Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) and the “Management Measures for Cross-Border Logistics Oracle Data Flow” are being formed to clarify the rules for dividing data sovereignty27.
Construction of standardization and mutual recognition mechanism
International rules such as the World Customs Organization (WCO) “Kyoto Convention” promote the standardization of customs clearance processes. The RCEP region has achieved chain verification of X-ray detection image hash values of 85% of cross-border e-commerce products29. China-India handicraft trade has solved differences in goods classification, document preparation, etc. by formulating group standards, combining blockchain evidence and smart contracts to improve the efficiency of customs clearance dispute handling by 40%10.
Improvement of dynamic risk prevention and control system
The customs risk scoring model based on federated learning technology optimizes risk identification capabilities while protecting corporate data privacy. The Shenzhen pilot showed that the accuracy of intercepting high-risk goods increased by 30%23. The EU ICS2 system integrates data from all links of the supply chain and establishes a “Pre-Declaration” mechanism to predict potential risks 48 hours in advance, increasing the detection rate of smuggling cases by 25%58.
IV. Future Evolution Direction
Deepening of technical integration: The deep coupling of blockchain oracles and AI big models will give rise to an adaptive customs clearance system of “smart contracts + dynamic rules” to match tax policy changes in various countries in real time23.
Innovation in regulatory models: “Digital Twin Customs” is combined with the Internet of Things to achieve virtual mapping and real-time intervention in the entire process from cargo declaration to transportation28.
Global governance coordination: International organizations such as APEC and WTO are promoting the establishment of a cross-border oracle mutual recognition mechanism, which is expected to cover 70% of major ports in the world by 202529.
Digital dual customs clearance is reshaping the underlying logic of cross-border trade by building an innovative system of “technology – process – system”. Enterprises need to actively embrace technological change and improve their compliance capabilities by accessing a single window and adopting blockchain evidence storage. Government departments should strengthen the coordination of international rules, promote the standardization and mutual recognition of cross-border data flows, and jointly create an efficient and secure new global trade ecosystem.