Document Notarization
Notarization on FenixTrace is a double-signature cryptographic process that certifies the authenticity and integrity of every product, identity, and report registered on the IOTA blockchain. By combining wallet signatures and IPFS storage, it creates immutable and publicly verifiable proofs.
What is Notarization?
Notarization on FenixTrace is a two-phase process that goes beyond simple on-chain registration. While registration creates the initial product record on the Tangle, notarization adds a second wallet signature that cryptographically certifies the integrity and authenticity of the data.
This double-signature mechanism is inspired by traditional legal notarization: the first signature "declares", the second "certifies". The fundamental difference is that on FenixTrace everything happens on-chain, without intermediaries, and is verifiable by anyone at any time.
Metadata and documents are stored on IPFS, a distributed storage system that guarantees content immutability. The IPFS hash is included in the notarization transaction, verifiably linking off-chain data to the on-chain record.
Notarization Flow
The notarization process follows a 4-phase flow, from initial registration to public verification:
Product Registration
The company registers a new product on FenixTrace filling in all metadata (name, batch, origin, certifications). This operation generates the first on-chain transaction (add_product) that creates the primary record on the IOTA Tangle. The company's wallet signs the transaction.
Metadata Upload to IPFS
Product metadata and any attached documents are uploaded to IPFS (InterPlanetary File System), a distributed storage system. IPFS generates a unique hash (CID) that immutably identifies the content. This hash is included in the notarization transaction.
On-Chain Notarization
A second transaction is created specifically for notarization. The company's wallet signs again, certifying that the registered data is authentic and complete. This second signature is the cryptographic proof of the record's integrity. The notarization transaction references the original registration transaction and the IPFS hash.
Public Verification
The notarized product is now verifiable by anyone via the public scanner. The scanner shows the "Notarized" badge with direct links to the IOTA Explorer for both transactions (registration and notarization) and to the IPFS gateway for metadata.
What Gets Notarized
Products
Every product registered in the supply chain can be notarized with a second wallet signature. Notarization certifies that product metadata (origin, batch, certifications) is authentic and immutable.
DID Identities
Companies' decentralized identities are notarized to certify that the association between wallet address and company identity is verified and authentic.
Red Flags
Irregularity reports are notarized to guarantee that the Red Flagger actually signed the report and that attached evidence has not been tampered with.
IPFS Integration
IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) is a distributed storage protocol that FenixTrace uses to store metadata and documents associated with products. Unlike a centralized server, IPFS distributes files across a global network of nodes, ensuring redundancy and resilience.
Every file on IPFS is identified by a Content Identifier (CID), a cryptographic hash of the content. If the content is modified, even by a single byte, the CID changes. This makes IPFS perfect for notarization: the hash recorded on-chain guarantees that the referenced content is exactly the original.
Registration vs Notarization
Create the on-chain record
Certify the record's integrity
First wallet signature
Second wallet signature (confirmation)
add_product TX
notarization TX
Product metadata
Reference to original TX + IPFS hash
Yes, for all products
Optional but recommended
Key Points
Each document generates a unique hash that reliably identifies its content.
The hash is linked to a wallet signature and written in an on-chain transaction.
The scanner verifies hash, timestamp, and tx without requiring internal system access.
During controls, file integrity and non-tampering can be demonstrated quickly.
Proof remains verifiable over time even when the document is stored off-chain.
The model supports quality workflows, external audits, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Notarization is not technically mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. A product registered without notarization still has an on-chain record, but lacks the second cryptographic proof of integrity. Notarized products display a dedicated badge in the scanner and offer a higher level of trust.
Files uploaded to IPFS are distributed across the network and identified by a unique hash (CID). The content is immutable: if even a single byte changes, the hash will be different. FenixTrace maintains files on dedicated IPFS nodes to ensure permanent availability. The hash is recorded on-chain as reference.
You can verify a notarization in three ways: (1) via the FenixTrace public scanner which shows the badge and details, (2) via the IOTA Explorer by following the notarization transaction link, (3) via the public APIs which return the notarization status of every product.
The IPFS hash (CID) identifies the content of metadata and documents stored on IPFS. The transaction hash identifies the on-chain transaction on the IOTA Tangle. In notarization, the IPFS hash is included as data in the transaction, creating a verifiable link between off-chain content and the on-chain record.
Verify Notarizations
Visit the public scanner to verify the notarization status of any product. Badges, IOTA explorer links, and IPFS references are accessible without authentication.