HK-led customs platform eases cross-border trade document checks

Hong Kong Customs announced the successful completion of a trial for a blockchain-powered customs verification platform as an Asia-Pacific regional customs conference, hosted by the SAR, concluded on Thursday.

Commissioner of Customs and Excise Chan Tsz-tat revealed that the newly developed platform allows customs administrations across the region to verify electronic documents -- such as certificates of origin and import/export permits -- without directly exchanging sensitive data. 

The pilot trial, conducted last week, enabled the remote authentication of an electronic certificate of origin for cargo shipped from Shenzhen to Thailand via Hong Kong.

As a result, the goods qualified for tariff exemptions under the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, reducing Thailand’s import duty from 10 percent to zero.

Chan emphasized that the platform will enhance regional connectivity and reinforce Hong Kong’s role as a financial, shipping, and trade hub.

The announcement came as Hong Kong wrapped up the 26th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference.

The four-day event, hosted by Hong Kong Customs in its capacity as the WCO vice-chair for the Asia/Pacific Region, brought together regional leaders to discuss trade facilitation and security.

The conference also saw key agreements, including plans to establish new training centers and customs laboratories in mainland China and the appointment of Hong Kong Customs as one of the Asia-Pacific representatives on the WCO’s audit committee.

Marking nearly one year since assuming the WCO regional vice-chair role in July 2024, Chan highlighted Hong Kong’s efforts in organizing over 10 collaborative initiatives, such as workshops and seminars, to foster knowledge-sharing and cohesion among member administrations. 

(Ayra Wang)