Blockchain in Supply Chain Case Study: Automotive Parts Traceability

Short description: Two live case studies (Renault XCEED and Volvo’s EX90 battery passport) show how blockchain plus data-space standards are delivering auditable parts and battery traceability. This guide distills the latest regulation deadlines, architectures, and emerging best practices you can implement in 2025.

Why this matters in 2025: Regulations and risk just got real

• EU Battery Regulation makes a digital battery passport mandatory for EV, industrial (>2 kWh), and LMT batteries placed on the EU market from February 18, 2027, with phased carbon footprint and due diligence obligations before then. The regulation defines what data goes into the passport and access rights (public, authorities, “legitimate interest”). (eur-lex.europa.eu)
• The Global Battery Alliance kicked off a second wave of battery passport pilots in June 2024 to converge on comparable product-level ESG disclosures, signaling where regulators and OEMs are heading on interoperability. (globalbattery.org)
• U.S. enforcement under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) has pivoted sharply toward autos: an October 2025 analysis cites 17,088 shipments detained since 2022, with 5,961 from auto/aerospace and 5,713 of those in 2025 alone; Senate investigators also spotlighted forced-labor–linked parts in vehicles imported by BMW in 2024. (morganlewis.com)

Takeaway: Decision-makers need verifiable chain-of-custody and emissions data that can be shared selectively, audited quickly, and proven cryptographically.

---

Case study 1: Renault XCEED — compliance traceability at production speed

• Business problem: EU market surveillance tightened in 2020; OEMs must prove parts compliance fast across sprawling multi-tier networks. (media.renaultgroup.com)
• Solution: XCEED (eXtended Compliance End-to-End Distributed) uses Hyperledger Fabric with IBM to certify component compliance from design through production. In full-scale trials at Renault’s Douai plant, XCEED archived 1M+ documents and achieved 500 transactions/second—critical when regulations demand near-real-time proofs. (newsroom.ibm.com)
• Why Fabric: permissioned identities, private data collections (PDCs) for selective data sharing, and now native “purge private data” APIs (v2.5) to meet deletion/retention needs while keeping on-chain hashes as immutable evidence. (hyperledger-fabric.readthedocs.io)
• Result: Faster, auditable supplier–OEM data exchange with confidentiality controls, replacing linear file/email exchanges. (ibm.com)

What you can reuse

• Network design: consortium Fabric channel(s) per compliance domain; PDCs for sensitive certificates and test reports; anchor EPCIS event hashes on-chain for tamper-evidence (details on EPCIS below).
• Governance: joint onboarding and endorsement policies that mirror real supplier contracts.

---

Case study 2: Volvo EX90 — the first industrial-scale battery passport

• In June 2024, Volvo launched the world’s first EV battery passport on the EX90, powered by Circulor. Consumers see origin for cobalt, nickel, graphite, lithium, embedded CO₂, and recycled content via a QR code; regulators access a more detailed record for 15 years. Reported cost: ≈$10/vehicle. (reuters.com)
• Tech stack: Circulor uses an enterprise blockchain (Oracle Blockchain Platform built on Hyperledger Fabric) plus strong anti-fraud upstream data capture (GPS, facial verification) before persisting to the shared ledger; this underpins chain-of-custody and PCF data at scale for autos and batteries. (oracle.com)

What you can reuse

• Implement “material digital twins” at source (smelter/refinery), link to batch/lot and part instances, and propagate attributes (origin, recycled %, PCF) downstream with cryptographic proofs.
• Expose a consumer-facing subset (QR) and a regulator-facing dossier with selective disclosure (see W3C VCs below).

---

The architecture we recommend for parts/battery traceability

Instead of forcing all suppliers onto one blockchain app, use a layered, standards-first architecture that meets both auditability and data sovereignty:

1. Data spaces for operational data exchange (Catena‑X pattern)

• Use Eclipse Tractus‑X as the reference blueprint: an Eclipse Dataspace Connector (EDC) per company, contract-based data sharing, and a Digital Twin Registry (DTR) to discover asset twins and submodels. Latest Tractus‑X releases add multi-identity clearing house support and streamline connector onboarding. (projects.eclipse.org)
• Catena‑X traceability and PCF standards define how to model serialized parts, register digital twins (AAS), negotiate usage policies, and transfer data via EDC. (catenax-ev.github.io)
• Pricing for turnkey access via Cofinity‑X (the managed operator of Catena‑X services and app store) is now public—budget for a basic dataspace license (€1k–€10k annually by company size) plus a usage tier (€500–€70k by partner count). This is tangible TCO input for your business case. (cofinity-x.com)

1. Global standards for event and attribute data

• GS1 EPCIS 2.0 for event-level “what–when–where–why–how” across receiving, shipping, transforming, and sensor events (JSON/JSON‑LD + REST). It’s the cross-industry lingua franca for traceability and plays nicely with DLT anchoring. (gs1.org)
• PACT (WBCSD) Data Exchange Protocol for product carbon footprints (PCF) to ensure comparability across suppliers and ecosystems; Catena‑X’s PCF Rulebook aligns and is now in v4.0 (2025). TÜV SÜD issued the world’s first “PCF Program Certification” in Dec 2025, boosting assurance on methods and systems. (wbcsd.github.io)
• Battery passport content: DIN DKE SPEC 99100 (Jan 2025) concretizes the data attributes to collect and aligns with Battery Pass guidance; start mapping your data model to this now. (fiware.org)

1. Trust, identity, and selective disclosure

• Issue supplier and product credentials using W3C Verifiable Credentials 2.0 (Recommendation as of May 15, 2025). Use DIDs for entity identities and Data Integrity BBS cryptosuites for selective disclosure (prove origin or certification without oversharing pricing/BOM). (w3.org)

1. Blockchain for integrity and multi-party audit

• Permissioned chains (Fabric/Besu) complement data spaces: anchor EPCIS event bundle hashes, passport snapshots, and PCF attestations; keep sensitive payloads off-chain. For GDPR/retention, use Fabric’s private data purge and block‑to‑live controls while retaining tamper-evidence on-chain. (hyperledger-fabric.readthedocs.io)

1. Interoperability across ecosystems

• In March–April 2025, Catena‑X and Japan’s Ouranos ecosystem demonstrated cross‑dataspace interoperability for exchanging battery PCF and passport‑related data—important if you source in Asia but report in the EU. (ipa.go.jp)

---

What “good” looks like: a precise, synchronized data model

• Part instance twins: Model serialized or batch parts via Catena‑X CX‑0127 and register in the DTR (AAS-based) with discovery policies; attach submodels for compliance certs, PCF, and end-of-life status. (catenax-ev.github.io)
• EPCIS 2.0 events: Capture commissioning, aggregation (case/pallet), transformation (assembly), shipping/receiving, plus sensor telemetry (temp, vibration) as native EPCIS JSON‑LD. Publish to your submodel API; periodically anchor digests on-chain. (gs1.org)
• PCF exchange: Implement PACT v2.x/3.x payloads and align with the Catena‑X PCF rulebook; consider off‑the‑shelf apps like BASF/CircularTree’s PACIFIC available in the Cofinity‑X app store. (wbcsd.github.io)
• Battery passport attributes: Map your PLM/MES/ERP to DIN DKE SPEC 99100—cover model-level and individual-battery data (composition, disassembly, safety measures, carbon footprint, recycled content, etc.). (eur-lex.europa.eu)
• Credentials: Issue W3C VC2.0 credentials for supplier due diligence (e.g., cobalt/lithium due diligence, ISO/SA8000 certificates) with BBS+ selective disclosure for customs and regulators. (w3.org)

---

Step-by-step blueprint (90 days to a credible pilot)

Days 0–15: scope and governance

• Pick 1 product line and 2–3 multi-tier chains (e.g., wiring harness → module → final assembly) with UFLPA/EU exposure. Use enforcement data to prioritize categories most likely to be flagged at the border. (millerchevalier.com)
• Define attestation set: compliance certificates (homologation), PCF, origin proofs for critical minerals, and battery passport attributes if applicable. Map to DIN DKE SPEC 99100 and EPCIS KDE/CTEs up front. (en.acatech.de)

Days 15–45: stand up the rails

• Join a dataspace: Cofinity‑X license + usage tier; onboard identity wallet and BPN; deploy EDC and register your DTR. Budget realistically using published price brackets. (cofinity-x.com)
• Build the digital twin graph: register serialized parts/batches and their submodels (compliance, PCF) per Catena‑X CX‑0002; enforce membership/usage policies. (catenax-ev.github.io)
• Instrument EPCIS capture: adapt MES/PLC/labels to emit EPCIS 2.0 events; route via API gateway to a submodel server and message bus (Kafka). (gs1.org)
• Set up integrity anchoring: run a small Fabric network (managed or vendor) to store periodic SHA‑256 digests of event batches and credential proofs; enable PDCs for sensitive payloads; configure purge policies. (hyperledger-fabric.readthedocs.io)

Days 45–75: data and credentials

• PCF pipeline: compute per PACT methodology; expose via Catena‑X PCF data model; optionally trial the PACIFIC app for supplier requests. (wbcsd.github.io)
• Issue VCs: mint VC2.0 credentials (issuer = you, holder = supplier) for origin and due‑diligence; use BBS+ for selective disclosure during customs/regulatory checks. (w3.org)
• Battery passport MVP (if EV): generate a DIN DKE 99100‑conformant record; expose public vs authority views and a QR; align with GBA pilots for comparability. (en.acatech.de)

Days 75–90: prove value

• Run a mock recall and a customs audit using only the passport + VCs + EPCIS trail; measure “time-to-proof” and data gaps.
• Define go-live KPIs and budget: include dataspace fees, node ops, label/scanner upgrades, and integration work.

---

KPIs that resonate with boards and auditors

• Time to assemble a regulator-grade dossier (target: hours, not weeks), backed by immutable anchors and signed credentials.
• Percentage of inbound components with machine-verifiable origin/PCF data.
• UFLPA risk reduction: share of imports with selective‑disclosure VC packets ready for CBP; track detentions avoided as CBP focuses on auto/aerospace. (blog.aiag.org)
• Battery passport coverage: share of EU-bound vehicles with QR-accessible passport; passport SLA (15‑year accessibility, per EU design requirements). (eur-lex.europa.eu)
• Supplier onboarding velocity: time from invite to first data exchange in the dataspace; number of SMEs onboarded without VPNs or custom EDI.

---

Emerging best practices we see working

• “Data‑space first, blockchain as integrity layer.” Keep operational data in your EDC-controlled endpoints and DTR submodels; anchor hashes and proofs to a permissioned chain to get auditability without centralizing supplier data. (catenax-ev.github.io)
• Model once, share many: EPCIS 2.0 for events; PACT for PCF; DIN DKE 99100 for battery data; W3C VC2.0 for credentials. This is how you avoid one-off integrations and survive audits. (gs1.org)
• Align with Catena‑X to tap a growing app ecosystem (e.g., PACIFIC) and cross‑region interoperability (Ouranos). It’s how you scale beyond pilots. (basf.com)
• Use selective disclosure (BBS+) to satisfy authorities without exposing trading terms or full BOMs to every counterparty. (w3.org)
• Plan for PCF verification: Catena‑X/TfS frameworks and new third‑party certifications (e.g., TÜV SÜD) are raising the bar on assurance. (catena-x.net)

---

Practical pitfalls to avoid

• Putting entire certificates and BOMs on-chain: overexposes IP, bloats ledgers, and complicates retention. Anchor digests; share payloads via EDC with usage policies—then purge private data per policy. (hyperledger-fabric.readthedocs.io)
• Ignoring standards mapping early: retrofitting EPCIS and DIN DKE 99100 mappings late is expensive; define your KDE/CTEs and passport attributes before you code. (gs1.org)
• One-region thinking: if you source in Japan or Southeast Asia, plan for cross‑dataspace exchange—the Catena‑X/Ouranos PoC shows the pattern for PCF/battery data. (ipa.go.jp)
• Underestimating onboarding: budget for supplier identity wallets, connector setup, and label/scan upgrades; Cofinity‑X pricing helps you right-size early. (cofinity-x.com)

---

Automotive parts traceability checklist for RFPs

Ensure bidders can demonstrate:

• Data‑space interoperability: Eclipse Dataspace Connector (EDC) compatibility and Catena‑X CX‑0018 policy enforcement. (catenax-ev.github.io)
• Digital Twin Registry and AAS submodel support with discoverability and proper usage policies. (catenax-ev.github.io)
• EPCIS 2.0 event capture and APIs; GS1 Digital Link for QR identifiers. (gs1.org)
• PCF per PACT with Catena‑X rulebook alignment; evidence of verification readiness (e.g., TÜV SÜD program certification awareness). (wbcsd.github.io)
• W3C VC2.0 credential issuance and verification with BBS+ selective disclosure. (w3.org)
• Permissioned blockchain anchoring (Fabric/Besu), with private data collections and purge policies implemented and audited. (hyperledger-fabric.readthedocs.io)
• Battery passport readiness: DIN DKE SPEC 99100 mapping; role-based access (public/authority/legitimate interest) and QR delivery. (en.acatech.de)

---

Budgeting signals for 2025

• Dataspace costs are becoming transparent (Cofinity‑X): plan €1k–€10k for the license plus usage tiers; amplify value by using certified apps (e.g., PACIFIC). (cofinity-x.com)
• Passport maturity: Catena‑X has its first certified battery passport solution (Spherity + RCS Global) and real EVs ship with passports (Volvo). These reduce custom build risk. (rcsglobal.com)
• Standards cadence: Tractus‑X releases (e.g., 25.06) add multi‑identity/SSI improvements; PCF rulebook v4.0 and verification frameworks are active. Keep a small budget line for standards-driven updates. (projects.eclipse.org)

---

What 7Block Labs would build for you

• Week 1 assessment: regulation exposure (EU Battery Reg, UFLPA), current data model, and supplier readiness.
• 6–8 week build: EDC + DTR setup, EPCIS 2.0 capture pipeline, Fabric anchoring, VC2.0 credential service, and a pilot battery passport or parts compliance twin.
• Outcomes: a regulator-grade “time-to-proof” demo, PCF exchange live with at least one tier‑1 and one tier‑2, and a rollout plan with dataspace and app store costings.

If you’re evaluating a 2025 pilot, we’ll scope a plan that reuses these patterns so you get measurable compliance and audit wins fast—without locking suppliers into yet another closed portal.

---

Sources referenced in this article

• EU Battery Regulation (passport scope, access rights, essential requirements). (eur-lex.europa.eu)
• Global Battery Alliance pilots (2024). (globalbattery.org)
• UFLPA enforcement trends affecting autos. (morganlewis.com)
• Renault XCEED on Hyperledger Fabric with IBM (performance and scope). (newsroom.ibm.com)
• Fabric private data purge and retention controls. (hyperledger-fabric.readthedocs.io)
• Volvo EX90 battery passport details and cost. (reuters.com)
• Circulor’s blockchain foundation (Oracle Blockchain / Hyperledger Fabric) and anti‑fraud data capture. (oracle.com)
• Catena‑X / Eclipse Tractus‑X components and updates. (catenax-ev.github.io)
• Catena‑X ↔ Ouranos cross‑dataspace interoperability for battery data. (ipa.go.jp)
• GS1 EPCIS 2.0 event standard. (gs1.org)
• PACT data exchange protocol and Catena‑X PCF rulebook evolution. (wbcsd.github.io)
• PACIFIC PCF app availability in Cofinity‑X app store. (basf.com)
• DIN DKE SPEC 99100 battery passport data attributes. (fiware.org)
• W3C Verifiable Credentials 2.0 Recommendation (2025) and BBS+ selective disclosure. (w3.org)
• Cofinity‑X dataspace pricing. (cofinity-x.com)

---

7Block Labs helps startups and enterprises implement these architectures end‑to‑end—combining data spaces, VCs, and targeted blockchain anchoring—to deliver auditable traceability that stands up to EU Battery Regulation and U.S. customs scrutiny.