Abu Dhabi Customs receives award for its Blockchain Trade Chain platform

Abu Dhabi Customs has received the Border Innovation award at the 2026 International Trade Awards, organized by the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade in the United Kingdom, for its Trade Chain platform, a blockchain powered digital platform launched by the General Administration of Customs in Abu Dhabi.

The award which recognizes innovation and the use of advanced technologies to strengthen customs ecosystem, views Trade Chain as an optimal way to streamline and secure cross border trade. The platform connects the entire supply chain to enable real-time data sharing among traders, shippers, and authorities, cutting clearance times by up to 80%.

By utilizing structured digital data (such as electronic bills of lading) and pre-arrival processing, the platform reduces goods clearance times to as little as 12 minutes. From a supply chain objective, it provides real-time shipment tracking, allowing customs to predict delivery times and assess risks more efficiently.

Additionally by integrating with global blockchain networks, such as CargoX and the Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN)the platform guarantees the confidentiality, accuracy, and integrity of commercial data while offering paperless trade.

Trade Chain is designed to integrate with blockchain-based trade platforms worldwide. It improves customs operations by strengthening the reliability and integrity of information and enabling it to be processed rapidly and proactively within a secure digital environment.

Abu Dhabi Customs stated that this international recognition is the result of the continued support of the UAE’s wise leadership and reflects its commitment to adopting the latest digital solutions and advanced technologies. These efforts contribute to enhancing the security and resilience of supply chains, facilitating legitimate trade, and supporting the sustainable economic development goals of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates.