Digital Customs

What is Blockchain, and how does it work?

The blockchain is a decentralised digital ledger that records transactions across a computer network. Every time new transactions are added to the blockchain, a new block is created. Once a block is added to the blockchain, the information in it cannot be altered, making the blockchain highly secure and resistant to fraud. The decentralised nature of the blockchain means that any single entity does not control it, making it highly transparent and difficult to corrupt. The most famous blockchain technology is the one used by Bitcoin.

The United Kingdom

The UK continued to strengthen their post-Brexit relationships around the world in 2022. Here are some of their highlights:

South Korea

In February, the UK and South Korea began talks over improving their free trade deal in order to deepen the ties between the two countries.

The introduction of the internet and smartphones have changed consumer behaviour forever. No longer are wholesale traders making up the bulk of all international shipments, or high street shops the only way for you to access what you need.

With the growth of technology and digitalisation in everyday life and more developments to come, customs must also undergo a radical shift to keep up with the world of tomorrow.

Businesses selling plastic goods have been able to leverage this, removing the costs and timelines of importing and instead choosing to print in their office or local workshop. But what are the limits of 3D printing, and how could progression in this industry relate to customs? Find out in this article.

How 3D printing works

3D printing uses a digital file to create a three-dimensional product. How this works is the printer adds small amounts of material in layers through a tube to build the shape, similar to how you would pipe on cake icing to create detail.

Customs Support Joins Finland’s AI accelerator FAIA 

The AI accelerator develops the ability of SMEs to utilise AI solutions in internal organisational development and innovation, product and service development. Companies are embracing new AI solutions for selling services and their delivery to customers. Being part of the accelerator has given us many new ideas for further development and improvement of our services, aided by artificial intelligence. These AI solutions will translate into efficient collaboration with customers. 

From the recent evolution of CHIEF to the Customs Declaration Service (in the UK), through to the digital connection of end-to-end clearances, the progression of IT systems has revolutionised the process. (Related: Will freeports open the doors to new technology?)

How the UK Government is investing in infrastructure and innovation

Since Brexit, the UK Government has kept the theme of “levelling up”. Their objective is to accelerate development in areas that are outside of London, the southeast of England, and Northern Ireland. The scheme has 12 targets to reach by 2030, including:

But what do freeports do, and how will they contribute to Britain’s future? Find out in this article.

What are freeports?

A freeport is a type of Free Economic Zone (FEZ), which provides preferential trading conditions for companies that are located within them. These can be reduced import duty rates, more lenient paperwork requirements, lower employment tax, or something else which makes the process of importing and exporting easier for the local business community.

Whilst CDS is replacing the Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight (

A lot has happened in the past year that has made it clear that supply chains are fragile. Sometimes it seemed like a flock of black swans landed. In 2020 China, the factory of the world, came to a grinding halt, the impact of which could be felt all through 2021.