Customs officials use blockchain technology to clear e-commerce goods

By Park Sae-jin Posted : November 6, 2018, 17:01 Updated : November 6, 2018, 17:01

[Iclickart]


SEOUL --  South Korean customs officials will introduce a new digital system using blockchain technology to reduce inefficient manual work on clearing goods purchased through direct buying at overseas online stores and provide quick information to customers.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Customs Service (KCS) said in a joint statement Tuesday that they would test a blockchain-based customs clearance system.

By applying blockchain technology, customs officials can track transaction and logistics in real time to prevent tax evasion and document forgery. It would also block illegal items being brought into South Korea, and private importers can enjoy a one-stop service, check customs declaration reports and track parcels more easily.

The customs service adopted "Nexledger", a blockchain ledger system created by Samsung SDS, in September to establish a blockchain-based logistics platform.

In January next year, the science ministry and customs authorities will launch an automated blockchain-based joint service with two private enterprises including Koreacenter, the operator of South Korea's largest "Jikgu" parcel forwarding service Malltail, and CJ Logistics, a leading parcel delivery service operator.

Jikgu, a Korean word for overseas direct buying, opened a new way for South Korean customers to buy goods from foreign shopping malls such as Amazon and eBay. Before Jikgu became a shopping trend, it was not easy for South Koreans to buy goods directly through foreign online shopping malls.

Helped by a Jikgu boom, some 23.5 million goods purchased through foreign e-commerce services were brought into South Korea last year, up 111 percent from four years ago. By using Jikgu services, South Korean consumers have bought tons of products during Black Friday and other online discount sale events.

KCS data showed the total value of Jikgu purchases rose 33 percent on-year to about 200 billion won ($177 million) in the first nine months of this year. 
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