A Systematic Literature Review Protocol for a Meta-Analysis on the Impact of Blockchain Technology in Customs Clearance: Enhancing Efficiency and Competitive Advantage in Emerging Economies

This protocol describes the planned procedures for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis on the impact of blockchain technology on customs clearance efficiency and competitive advantage within the shipping and logistics sector of emerging and developing economies. Following PRISMA-P guidance for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols, complemented by PRISMA 2020 reporting standards for the future completed review. The protocol details the search strategy, inclusion/exclusion criteria, data extraction process, and analytical methods to ensure a rigorous and reproducible review. The planned review will examine whether blockchain-based applications are associated with improvements in customs clearance outcomes, including clearance time, administrative cost, documentation accuracy, transparency, error reduction, fraud reduction, and coordination efficiency. It will also examine whether blockchain adoption may contribute to competitive advantage through improved reliability, responsiveness, trust, and information visibility. By predefining the methodological and analytical procedures, this protocol provides a transparent and reproducible basis for future evidence synthesis on blockchain-enabled customs modernization in emerging and developing economies.