⭐ Gateway Activation Protocol · CircularOS
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⭐ New · Gateway Activation Protocol · CircularOS · Sealed 01 May 2026

Gateway Activation
Protocol.

How a new gateway joins the 35-node sovereign network. Seven phases from application to active status. A gateway is not a partner, a processor, or a node — this protocol defines the difference and governs the path to full activation. 35 gateways are the target. This is how each one earns its place.

⭐ New Protocol 35 Gateway Target 7 Phases 90-Day Review Pilot Tonnage Required
Definitions · Gateway vs Partner vs Processor vs Node
GATEWAY
Gateway
A sovereign-approved entry point for plastic material or capital into the CircularOS network. Gateways have verified throughput, system integration, and a 50/50 node agreement or verified material buyer status.
PROCESSOR
Processor
A company that processes plastic material — may be a Verification-Only Processor, a 50/50 Node, or a Verified Material Buyer per MD-379. Not automatically a gateway. Must apply separately.
PARTNER
Partner
A business or individual with a commercial relationship with CircularOS. Partners may supply, refer, resell, or co-operate. Not a gateway unless they meet gateway activation criteria.
NODE
50/50 Node
A processor who has entered the 50/50 revenue split agreement per MD-363 Engine 1. A 50/50 Node is automatically eligible for gateway status but must still complete the activation protocol.
Phase 01 · Application
Gateway Application & Initial Assessment
  • Application submitted — business name, site address, processing capacity (tonnes/month), material types, current certifications, existing PRN registrations
  • Capacity check: Minimum gateway throughput of 5 tonnes/month declared and plausible
  • Geography check: Site falls within an active or target territory (MD-386 Terrain Doctrine)
  • Conflict check: No existing gateway within 5km radius servicing the same material type (exceptions at Sovereign discretion)
Phase 1 Trigger
Application reviewed. No disqualifying factors. Proceed to Phase 2: Assessment Call.
Phase 02 · Assessment
Capacity & Compliance Verification
CriterionMinimum RequirementResult
Throughput capacity≥ 5 tonnes/month declaredPass = proceed / Fail = decline or defer
Environmental permitT1 exemption or full waste carrier licencePass = proceed / Fail = hold until licensed
Site inspectionSite visit or video call tour acceptedPass = proceed / Fail = request re-inspection
PRN registration statusRegistered reprocessor or accredited exporter preferred; unregistered accepted at Tier 2Pass = proceed
Operator referenceOne existing CircularOS partner or supplier referencePass = proceed / Fail = arrange introduction
Phase 2 Trigger
All criteria met or documented exception approved. Proceed to Phase 3: Commercial Discussion.
Phase 03 · Commercial
Gateway Agreement Type Selection

The gateway selects its relationship type. This determines revenue share, data obligations, and system access level.

  • Option A — Verification-Only Gateway: Weighs, photographs, and truth-ledger-logs material on behalf of CircularOS. No dPRN minting rights. Fee per tonne verified.
  • Option B — 50/50 Node Gateway: Processes material under the Engine 1 revenue share (MD-363). 50% of dPRN proceeds after 7% Covenant and operational costs. Full system access.
  • Option C — Verified Material Buyer: Purchases verified plastic from the sovereign network at the sovereign floor price. dPRN generated on their behalf. Access to EPR compliance reports.
Phase 3 Trigger
Agreement type confirmed in writing (email confirmation accepted pre-contract). Proceed to Phase 4: Pilot.
Phase 04 · Pilot
Pilot Tonnage Run
  • Minimum pilot run: 2 tonnes processed through the gateway under sovereign verification
  • Weight ticket + photograph + Truth Ledger entry required for every tonne in the pilot
  • Pilot dPRNs minted and held in sovereign inventory — not sold until gateway is fully activated
  • Carrot payments for any supplier tonnage in the pilot are made normally — pilot status does not delay supplier payment
  • Pilot results reviewed: weight accuracy, evidence quality, ledger entries, communication responsiveness
Phase 4 Trigger
≥ 2 tonnes processed. All verification checks passed. Pilot report filed. Proceed to Phase 5: Training.
Phase 05 · Training
System Integration & Protocol Briefing
  • Portal access granted: Gateway receives login credentials for the relevant portal (Processor Hub / Partner Portal)
  • Weight ticket training: Standard format, mandatory fields, submission deadline (24h from collection)
  • Evidence protocol training: Photo standards, upload process, QR label attachment
  • Dispute protocol brief: Gateway is briefed on the Dispute Resolution Protocol — their obligations, rights, and escalation path
  • Emergency callout protocol brief: When and how to trigger emergency support from Digital Army
Phase 5 Trigger
Training completed. Gateway has portal access and has submitted at least one test entry. Proceed to Phase 6: Go-Live.
Phase 06 · Go-Live
Gateway Activation
  • Formal activation confirmed by Sovereign — gateway ID assigned (sequential within the 35-node network)
  • Live Ledger updated: Gateway appears as ACTIVE in the sovereign gateway registry
  • Pilot dPRNs released: Held pilot dPRN inventory is released to the sovereign market or ABL stack
  • First live collection scheduled — within 14 days of activation or gateway status is placed on PENDING REVIEW
  • Announcement (optional): Gateway may be featured in Digital Army communications as a new sovereign node
Phase 6 Trigger
Gateway ID assigned. Live Ledger updated. First collection scheduled. 90-day review date set. Status: ACTIVE GATEWAY.
Phase 07 · 90-Day Review
Performance Assessment & Tier Confirmation
  • Total tonnage processed in 90 days vs declared capacity — under 30% of declared capacity triggers a commercial review conversation
  • Verification quality score: Weight accuracy, photo compliance rate, ledger submission timeliness
  • Dispute history: Any open or unresolved disputes at 90-day mark triggers automatic review
  • Tier outcome: CONFIRMED ACTIVE (remains as-is) · UPGRADED (additional system access) · REVIEWED (improvement plan required) · SUSPENDED (non-performance)
Phase 7 Outcome
Review complete. Tier confirmed, upgraded, or improvement plan issued. Next review at 12 months unless performance triggers earlier review.
⚙️ Sovereign Jobs · Roles This Protocol Generates
Gateway Activation Manager
Manage the full 7-phase gateway activation lifecycle from application through to 90-day review for each of the 35 target gateways.
Due Diligence Lead
Conduct sovereign due diligence checks on all gateway applications and produce a sealed assessment report before approval.
90-Day Review Officer
Execute the mandatory 90-day post-activation review for each gateway and issue continuation, remediation, or revocation rulings.
3 sovereign jobs · View all jobs →
Protocol Seal · Gateway Activation · 01 May 2026
The 35-gateway target is not a metric to be reached by reducing standards. Every gateway in the sovereign network earned its place through this protocol — pilot tonnage, training, system integration, and 90-day performance review. A gateway that cuts corners in the pilot will cut corners on the weighbridge. The protocol filters for gateways that operate the way the sovereign organism operates. With evidence. With precision. With accountability.
← Protocol Hub Dispute Resolution Protocol → dPRN Minting MD-392
HANDSHAKE — witnesses
Handshake sealed.