What is customs broker software?

Customs broker software is the system a licensed customs broker uses to file entries with CBP — connecting to ABI/ACE, preparing entry summaries (CBP Form 7501), calculating duties, and tracking release. It is built around the brokerage’s filing workflow, not the importer’s compliance oversight.

What is the difference between customs broker software and importer compliance software?

Broker software files entries; importer compliance software checks them. A broker tool is optimized to submit declarations to CBP, while importer-side software like Tariffloop audits those declarations for misclassification and overpayment, screens suppliers, monitors tariff changes, and benchmarks the broker. They sit on opposite sides of the same transaction.

Do importers need their own software if their broker has software?

Often, yes. The broker’s software serves the broker; the importer of record still bears the legal liability for classification, valuation, and reasonable care. Importer-side software gives you an independent audit trail, catches errors and refunds your broker’s workflow isn’t designed to surface, and documents reasonable care for an audit.

Does Tariffloop file customs entries?

No. Tariffloop is not a broker and does not file entries. It is the importer-side compliance layer: it audits what your broker files, screens suppliers, monitors tariffs, and drafts Post-Summary Corrections and drawback claims for your broker to file.

How much does importer customs compliance software cost?

Enterprise trade suites are typically custom-priced and expensive to deploy. AI-native importer tools are far more accessible — Tariffloop starts at $199/month with a 14-day free trial, plus a success fee only on duty actually recovered.

Buyer guide

Customs broker software

Customs broker software helps brokers file entries. Importer-side compliance software does the opposite job — it audits what your broker files, screens your suppliers, and recovers overpaid duty. Here’s how they differ and which one you actually need.

Customs broker software

For the broker filing entries

• Files entries with CBP via ABI / ACE
• Manages entry summaries, duties, and statements
• Tracks shipments and release status
• Built around the broker’s filing workflow

Importer compliance software

For the importer of record

• Audits the classifications a broker filed for errors and refunds
• Screens suppliers against UFLPA, OFAC, and BIS lists
• Monitors Section 301/232/IEEPA changes and your exposure
• Benchmarks broker accuracy, ISF error rate, and markup

Which one does an importer need?

If you file your own entries, you need broker software. If a broker files for you — the common case — you still carry the legal liability as the importer of record, so you need the importer-side layer: independent classification, supplier screening, tariff monitoring, and duty recovery. Tariffloop is that layer, and it works regardless of which broker software your broker runs. Learn more about AI customs compliance, see the full comparison, or check pricing.

Customs broker software FAQ

The importer-side layer your broker can’t be

Keep your broker. Run a free 14-day Tariffloop audit to see what an independent compliance layer catches.

Start free audit →