How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Best customs software for logistics
Descartes Customs is the top pick for brokers and forwarders that file in many countries, because it covers declarations, duty and broker workflows in one system. CargoWise is the best alternative for large forwarders that want forwarding, warehouse and customs work on one database. Smaller US importers that file direct should look at CustomsNow first.
Key takeaways
- Descartes Customs suits brokers and forwarders that file declarations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union.
- CargoWise suits large forwarders that want customs filing inside a full forwarding and accounting system.
- SAP Global Trade Services and Oracle Global Trade Management suit large importers and exporters that already run SAP or Oracle systems.
- E2open and Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE Global Trade suit teams that need current trade content for many countries.
- Magaya suits mid-size forwarders that also need warehouse and forwarding work in one place.
- CustomsNow suits United States importers that want to file entries direct with Customs and Border Protection.
Comparison table
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
| Descartes Customs | Multi-country brokers and forwarders | From 178 GBP per month, vendor price checked 14 Nov 2026 | No |
| CargoWise | Large forwarders and customs brokers | Quote | No |
| SAP Global Trade Services | Large SAP-based importers and exporters | Quote | No |
| E2open Global Trade Management | Importers and exporters in many countries | Quote | No |
| Magaya | Mid-size forwarders with warehouse work | Quote | No |
| CustomsNow | United States importers filing direct | Quote | No |
| Oracle Global Trade Management | Large Oracle-based importers and exporters | Quote | No |
| Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE Global Trade | Large trade compliance teams | Quote | No |
What is customs software
Customs software is software that prepares, checks and files customs declarations and related trade documents with customs authorities. It holds product data, tariff codes, duty rates and party details in one place, so a team can reuse the same data for each shipment. It also stores the records that a broker or importer needs for an audit. The best tools connect direct to customs systems such as ACE in the United States, CDS in the United Kingdom and ICS2 in the European Union, or they pass the data to a broker through a standard format.
How does customs compliance software work
Customs compliance software works by checking shipment data against current customs rules before the declaration is sent. It classifies goods under the Harmonized System, checks restricted party lists, calculates duty and tax, and flags missing data. When the checks pass, it sends the declaration to the customs authority and records the response. When a rule changes, the vendor updates its trade content, so the team works from the current tariff schedule and control list. The software also keeps a full audit trail for each entry.
How much does customs software cost
Customs software costs vary widely, because most vendors price by quote and by the modules, users and filing volume a buyer needs. Descartes publishes a base platform price from 178 GBP per month, with a setup fee of 704 GBP plus VAT, as shown on its e-Customs page. The other seven tools in this guide do not publish a list price, so a buyer must ask for a quote. Third-party sites report Magaya at about 200 to 300 USD per user per month, but that figure is not a vendor price.
What to check before you buy customs software
Check which countries and customs systems the tool covers before you buy it, because coverage is the main difference between these products. Ask whether it files direct with each authority you use, or whether it only prepares data for a broker. Ask how often the vendor updates tariff and control content, and who is responsible when a rule changes. Check how it connects to your forwarding, warehouse or ERP system, and whether the connection is built in or needs custom work. Ask for a demo with your own shipment data, and ask for the full cost in writing.
A broker platform suits a team that files for many clients, because it manages client accounts, billing and high filing volumes in one place. An importer platform suits a team that files its own goods, because it focuses on classification, valuation and duty for one company. Descartes, CargoWise and Magaya serve brokers and forwarders well. CustomsNow is built for importers that file direct. SAP, Oracle, E2open and Thomson Reuters serve large importers and exporters that need compliance across many countries. Pick the type that matches who files, then compare country coverage and cost.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 Descartes Customs | Customs brokers and freight forwarders that file in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe | From 178 GBP per month for the base platform, plus a 704 GBP setup fee plus VAT, from the vendor e-Customs page, checked 14 Nov 2026 | No free plan |
 CargoWise | Large freight forwarders and customs brokers that want forwarding, customs, warehouse and accounting on one database | Quote, no list price published by the vendor | No free plan |
 SAP Global Trade Services | Large importers and exporters that already run SAP and need trade compliance inside their ERP | Quote, priced by users, from the vendor pricing page, checked 14 Nov 2026 | No free plan |
 E2open Global Trade Management | Importers and exporters that need customs filing, duty management and trade content for many countries | Quote, no list price published by the vendor | No free plan |
 Magaya | Mid-size freight forwarders, 3PLs and NVOCCs that need forwarding, warehouse and customs work in one system | Quote, no list price published by the vendor. Third-party reported figures conflict: one comparison guide reports about 200 to 300 USD per user per month, while other review sites report about 300 USD per user per month. Treat both as third-party reported, not vendor prices. | No free plan |
 CustomsNow | United States importers that want to file customs entries direct, without a broker, and manage ISF, ABI and eManifest filings | Quote, no list price published by the vendor | No free plan |
 Oracle Global Trade Management | Large importers and exporters that already run Oracle Fusion Cloud and need customs and trade compliance in the same suite | Quote, no list price published by the vendor | No free plan |
 Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE Global Trade | Large trade compliance teams that need current regulatory content and direct filing links for many countries | Quote, no list price published by the vendor | No free plan |
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#1
Descartes Customs
Best for: Customs brokers and freight forwarders that file in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe
Visit descartes.com
Starting priceFrom 178 GBP per month for the base platform, plus a 704 GBP setup fee plus VAT, from the vendor e-Customs page, checked 14 Nov 2026
Free planNo free plan
Descartes Customs covers import, export, transit and excise declarations, with modules for the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union. Its e-Customs product connects direct to HMRC for the Customs Declaration Service, and its wider suite supports filings such as ABI, ACE, ACI, AES and AMS. The system can take data by manual entry or by EDI, and it runs on the Descartes Global Logistics Network, which links shippers, carriers and authorities. Brokers can manage client shipments, billing, document imaging and audits in the same system.
What we like- Broad country coverage for declarations, direct links to HMRC and major United Kingdom ports, modular design so a buyer can add import, export, transit and excise modules over time
Watch out for- Pricing is module based, so the full cost is hard to judge from the base price alone, and smaller teams may pay for coverage they do not use
#2CargoWise
Best for: Large freight forwarders and customs brokers that want forwarding, customs, warehouse and accounting on one database4.3/5 on
G2 (35 reviews, checked Oct 2026)
Visit cargowise.com
Starting priceQuote, no list price published by the vendor
Free planNo free plan
CargoWise is the flagship platform from WiseTech Global, and it is built for forwarders and brokers that run air, ocean, road and rail work in many countries. It handles bookings, customs and cross-border compliance, freight forwarding and rating, warehousing, landside logistics and accounting in one system. Its customs coverage includes native United States ACE, ABI and ISF filing, plus customs regimes for more than 50 countries. From 1 Dec 2025, most customers moved to CargoWise Value Packs, which charge a single fee per logistics job, such as a shipment or a stand-alone customs declaration.
What we like- Customs filing for more than 50 countries in one database, deep links to carriers, ports and accounting, and a single record for each job across modes
Watch out for- The new Value Packs model, live from 1 Dec 2025, replaces the old seat and transaction licence model, so buyers must learn a new per-transaction charge, and implementation can take time for large teams
#3
SAP Global Trade Services
Best for: Large importers and exporters that already run SAP and need trade compliance inside their ERP
Visit sap.com
Starting priceQuote, priced by users, from the vendor pricing page, checked 14 Nov 2026
Free planNo free plan
SAP Global Trade Services automates and standardises import and export processes with customs authorities, and it helps a company control costs and reduce the risk of penalties and fines. It centralises global trade management with a single repository for compliance data, and it uses SAP HANA as its primary database. The product covers customs management, compliance management and risk management, and it supports communication with customs authorities and brokers in supported countries. The edition for SAP HANA is priced by users, and the vendor gives pricing on request.
What we like- Central compliance data in one repository, strong fit with SAP S/4HANA, and customs management for import and export processes
Watch out for- It needs SAP HANA and, in the private edition, a RISE with SAP contract, so it is not a stand-alone choice for a small forwarder
#4
E2open Global Trade Management
Best for: Importers and exporters that need customs filing, duty management and trade content for many countries
Visit e2open.com
Starting priceQuote, no list price published by the vendor
Free planNo free plan
E2open Global Trade Management brings export management, import management, duty management, customs filing and due diligence screening into one platform. Its customs filing tool automates filings in more than 28 countries, and it supports agency systems such as ICS2, ATLAS, CDS and ACE. The Global Knowledge database holds regulatory controls, restricted party lists, classifications and landed cost data for more than 230 countries and territories. Duty Management helps a team use free trade agreements, EU customs warehousing, United States foreign-trade zones and duty drawback.
What we like- Customs filing in more than 28 countries, trade content for more than 230 countries and territories, and duty tools for free trade agreements, foreign-trade zones and duty drawback
Watch out for- The suite is broad, so a buyer that only needs one country may pay for modules it does not use, and the full cost is only clear after a vendor quote
#5Magaya
Best for: Mid-size freight forwarders, 3PLs and NVOCCs that need forwarding, warehouse and customs work in one system4.4/5 on
G2 (309 reviews, checked Oct 2026)
Visit magaya.com
Starting priceQuote, no list price published by the vendor. Third-party reported figures conflict: one comparison guide reports about 200 to 300 USD per user per month, while other review sites report about 300 USD per user per month. Treat both as third-party reported, not vendor prices.
Free planNo free plan
Magaya Supply Chain is a cloud platform for freight forwarders, 3PLs, NVOCCs, warehouse operators and customs brokers. It covers quotes, bookings, multimodal shipments, warehousing, customs filing and invoicing in one system, with built-in accounting and links to QuickBooks and Xero. Its Customs Compliance module supports United States customs work, including ABI filing through the ACELYNK module that Magaya acquired. The platform is sold by quote, based on the modules a buyer licenses, the number of users and transaction volume.
What we like- Forwarding, warehouse management, rate management, customs compliance and accounting in one cloud platform, with a strong base in United States and Latin America trade
Watch out for- The vendor does not publish pricing, so a buyer must wait for a quote to judge cost, and its customs coverage is narrower than CargoWise or Descartes for global multi-country filing
#6
CustomsNow
Best for: United States importers that want to file customs entries direct, without a broker, and manage ISF, ABI and eManifest filings
Visit customsnow.com
Starting priceQuote, no list price published by the vendor
Free planNo free plan
CustomsNow is a United States customs software and direct filing solution for importers, brokers and 3PLs. It supports ABI entry filing, Importer Security Filing, ACE eManifest and ACI filings for Canada and Mexico border crossings, and it gives access to ADD and CVD data by country and tariff combination. The vendor describes itself as a hybrid of software and trade expertise, with licensed brokers on its team and a process that guides a new filer through the CBP filer code and ABI steps. There is no extra fee for additional users on the ISF app, according to the vendor.
What we like- Built for direct filing by importers, with ABI, ISF and ACE eManifest modules, and support from licensed customs brokers on staff
Watch out for- Its focus is United States filings, so it does not suit a broker that needs declarations in many countries, and a new filer still needs a filer code and ABI approval from CBP, which can take weeks
#7
Oracle Global Trade Management
Best for: Large importers and exporters that already run Oracle Fusion Cloud and need customs and trade compliance in the same suite
Visit oracle.com
Starting priceQuote, no list price published by the vendor
Free planNo free plan
Oracle Fusion Cloud Global Trade Management helps a company manage cross-border trade processes, increase visibility over orders and shipments, and stay compliant with tariffs and trade rules. It covers tariff management, product classification, landed cost simulation, trade agreement and incentive program qualification, country of origin designation, supplier solicitation and customs management. It can build customs declarations from invoice and shipment data, track the documents needed to clear customs, and share data with forwarders and brokers. Oracle added new trade features in Apr 2025, including United States foreign-trade zone support and duty drawback tracking.
What we like- Tariff management, product classification, landed cost simulation and customs declaration tools in one Oracle suite, with new tariff and trade agreement features added in Apr 2025
Watch out for- It is part of Oracle Fusion Cloud SCM, so a buyer outside the Oracle suite faces a large implementation, and pricing is only available by quote
#8
Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE Global Trade
Best for: Large trade compliance teams that need current regulatory content and direct filing links for many countries
Visit tax.thomsonreuters.com
Starting priceQuote, no list price published by the vendor
Free planNo free plan
Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE Global Trade covers import management, export management, global classification, duty optimisation, free-trade agreement management, foreign-trade zone management and government connectivity. Its content team tracks more than 1,300 sources each day and holds tariff schedules, export control classifications and denied party lists for more than 220 countries and territories. The government connectivity module supports direct filing in Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Netherlands, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States. The platform also includes Global Trade Research, an AI research tool built on CoCounsel that gives cited answers from trade documents.
What we like- Trade content for more than 220 countries and territories, direct filing links in nine named countries, and a research tool that passed the United States Customs Broker License Exam
Watch out for- It is an enterprise platform with many modules, so a small team may find the scope and the quote process heavy for a simple filing need
Frequently asked questions
What is the best customs software for a freight forwarder?
The best choice depends on size and coverage. Descartes Customs is a strong pick for brokers that file in many countries, while CargoWise suits large forwarders that want forwarding, customs, warehouse and accounting on one database. Magaya suits mid-size forwarders that also need warehouse work. A buyer should shortlist two or three tools, check country coverage, and run a demo with its own shipment data before it signs a contract.
Can small importers file customs entries without a broker?
Yes, a United States importer can file its own entries if it has a filer code and ABI approval from Customs and Border Protection, and CustomsNow is built for that direct filing route. The process can take eight to ten weeks to set up, and the importer still needs trained staff and correct classification and valuation data. A broker remains the safer choice for complex goods, first-time filings or shipments that need a licence.
How much does customs software cost?
Most customs software is priced by quote, so the cost depends on modules, users and filing volume. Descartes publishes a base platform price from 178 GBP per month, plus a 704 GBP setup fee plus VAT. CargoWise now charges a per-transaction fee under its Value Packs model, live from 1 Dec 2025. Magaya has no vendor list price, and third-party sites report about 200 to 300 USD per user per month. Ask each vendor for the full cost in writing.
Does customs software handle tariff classification?
Yes, most tools in this guide help with tariff classification under the Harmonized System. E2open, SAP, Oracle and Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE all hold current tariff schedules and classification data, and they can suggest codes from product details. The software supports the work, but the importer or broker remains responsible for the final code. A buyer should check how the tool stores past classifications and how it flags a code that has changed.
What is the difference between customs software and a customs broker?
Customs software is a tool that prepares, checks and files declarations, while a customs broker is a licensed person or firm that files on behalf of an importer. Software can cut manual work, store records and check rules, but it does not replace the judgement of a broker on complex entries. Many teams use both: software for data and filing, and a broker for advice, licences and problem shipments. A buyer should decide who files before it picks a tool.
Sources we checked (14)
- https://www.descartes.com/resources/knowledge-center/descartes-customs-compliance-software-solutions
- https://www.descartes.com/resources/knowledge-center/descartes-e-customs
- https://www.cargowise.com/
- https://www.einpresswire.com/article-print/871463521/wisetech-global-launches-cargowise-value-packs-introducing-substantial-new-product-capabilities-and-simplified-billing
- https://www.sap.com/products/financial-management/global-trade-management.html
- https://www.e2open.com/global-trade/
- https://www.e2open.com/global-trade/customs-filing/
- https://www.magaya.com/magaya-supply-chain/
- https://www.erp-information.com/magaya
- https://www.customsnow.com/
- https://customsnow.com/products/import-technology/importer-security-filing-isf/
- https://www.oracle.com/scm/logistics/global-trade-management/
- https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/en/onesource/global-trade-management
- https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/en/onesource/global-trade-management/connectivity.html
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.