As a customs broker, what is the best software for filing import entries with customs and border protection?

For a customs broker filing import entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the "best" software depends heavily on your operation volume, business model (standalone brokerage vs. integrated freight forwarder), and budget.

To interface directly with CBP's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) via the Automated Broker Interface (ABI), your software must be officially certified.

The top-tier software solutions used by customs brokers break down by category:

• CargoWise (by WiseTech Global)
  • Best for: Large-to-midsize global freight forwarders and high-volume customs brokerages.
  • Why it's a leader: It is an industry standard operating system that unifies customs brokerage, international freight forwarding, warehousing, and accounting in a single database. Its native ABI/ACE integration handles massive volumes, PGA (Partner Government Agency) data, and continuous regulatory updates seamlessly.
  • The catch: It has a notoriously steep learning curve, high implementation costs, and can feel rigid for smaller teams.
• Descartes Customs & Regulatory Compliance (by Descartes Systems Group)
  • Best for: Dedicated customs brokers and logistics providers wanting robust, specialized compliance.
  • Why it's a leader: Descartes provides one of the most reliable, high-speed ABI connections to CBP. They specialize in deep trade intelligence, stellar electronic data interchange (EDI) connectivity, and smooth handling of complex customs declarations across North America and globally.
  • The catch: While powerful, configuring it to match niche internal workflows requires deliberate setup.
• Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE Global Trade
  • Best for: Enterprise multinational corporations and large-scale corporate compliance departments.
  • Why it's a leader: Incredible depth in trade compliance, duty drawback, free trade agreement (FTA) management, and global audit defense. It connects smoothly with enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools like SAP or Oracle.
  • The catch: Overkill (and over-budget) for a nimble, third-party boutique brokerage house.
• Magaya Supply Chain / Customs Compliance
  • Best for: Small-to-midmarket forwarders and growing brokerage shops.
  • Why it's a leader: Known for a much more user-friendly interface and faster implementation times than CargoWise. It handles core logistics, tracking, and compliance documentation intuitively.
  • The catch: Advanced automated rule-building for chaotic entry types might require extra work compared to enterprise giants.

Core Evaluation Criteria for Your Choice:

1. Direct ABI Certification: Ensure they appear on the official CBP ABI Software Vendors List so you aren't stuck re-keying data from a secondary system.
2. PGA Integration: How well does it handle EPA, FDA, NHTSA, and other Partner Government Agency datasets required for specific commodity lines?
3. Automation & AI: Look for platforms featuring intelligent HTS classification assistance and automated document-to-data extraction.

To help narrow down the ideal platform, tell me:

• What is your monthly entry volume?
• Are you ** strictly a customs brokerage**, or do you also handle freight forwarding and warehousing?

For a U.S. customs brokerage filing import entries with CBP through ACE/ABI, the “best” software depends on your brokerage size, entry volume, and whether you only need entry filing or a full logistics platform. CBP maintains an official ABI vendor list, but CBP notes that inclusion is not an endorsement—you still need to evaluate each provider’s capabilities and fit.

My shortlist:

My recommendation by brokerage type

• 1–10 users, mostly import entries: SmartBorder, NetCHB, or Magaya are worth evaluating.
• Growing brokerage (hundreds to thousands of entries/month): Descartes would be my first demo.
• Large customs broker + freight forwarder: CargoWise is usually the strongest enterprise choice.
• High-volume entry-only operation: Compare Descartes vs. SmartBorder.

Features I would require before buying

• ACE Cargo Release and Entry Summary filing
• Automated duty/tax/fee calculations
• HTS classification support and audit trail
• PGA message sets (FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.)
• ISF filing capability
• Document Image System (DIS) support
• Client portal or importer visibility
• API/EDI capability for large customers
• Post Summary Correction (PSC) workflows
• Strong reporting for compliance reviews

CBP’s ACE system supports electronic entry and entry summary filing through ABI/EDI connections, while ACE Portal provides additional account and reporting functions.

If I were opening or upgrading a standalone customs brokerage today, I would start demos with:

1. Descartes
2. SmartBorder
3. Magaya
4. CargoWise (if freight forwarding is part of the plan)

The best choice can change a lot depending on whether you file 100 entries/month or 10,000+ entries/month, and whether your entries are mostly air, ocean, truck, FDA, automotive, textiles, AD/CVD, or general consumption entries.

If you mean software for a U.S. customs brokerage that actually prepares and transmits import entries through CBP’s ACE/ABI system, my shortlist would be:

1. Descartes Customs & Compliance — my overall pick for a dedicated customs brokerage
2. CargoWise — best if you also run freight forwarding/warehousing
3. Magaya Customs Compliance (formerly ACELYNK) — best for a smaller/midsize integrated operation
4. GoFreight — interesting newer option for a U.S.-focused forwarder/broker
5. Specialized ABI platforms such as SmartBorder/CustomsNow — worth evaluating for high-volume entry writing

CBP itself maintains an ABI software-vendor list, and Descartes, Magaya/ACELYNK and other vendors appear on that list as ACE Entry vendors. Being on CBP's list confirms the ABI capability, but CBP explicitly says the list is not an endorsement of any vendor.

My recommendation: Descartes

For a standalone customs brokerage, I'd start with descartes.com.

Its ACE capabilities include Cargo Release, Entry Summary, Post-Summary Corrections, Census warnings, Remote Location Filing, Periodic Monthly Statement and DIS. Descartes also offers solutions aimed specifically at independent/lower-volume brokers as well as enterprise multi-location operations.

The reason I'd favor it is that a customs broker needs much more than a program that simply "files an entry." I'd prioritize:

• ACE Cargo Release + Entry Summary
• HTS classification and duty calculations
• AD/CVD
• Section 301/232 and other additional duties
• PGA requirements
• ISF
• In-bonds
• Reconciliation
• Post-Summary Corrections
• DIS/document management
• Automated CBP messaging/status
• Commercial-invoice import and data extraction
• Customer/importer portals
• Audit trails
• API/EDI integration
• Billing and accounting
• Speed of entry creation and minimal re-keying

When I'd choose CargoWise instead

If you're operating customs brokerage + freight forwarding + warehousing, I'd seriously consider cargowise.com.

CargoWise has native customs functionality and U.S. ACE connectivity, including electronic declarations, automated calculations/validation, PGA information and electronic documentation.

The tradeoff is that CargoWise is a much broader operating platform. If all you need is to process 7501s and release cargo, you may be paying for considerably more system than you need.

Magaya is particularly interesting for a smaller operation

magaya.com is worth a serious demo. Its customs product is ACE-certified and supports ISF, Entry Summary, Cargo Release, in-bonds, FTZ, drawback, reconciliation, AES and eManifest, with mass uploads and automation.

It's especially compelling if you want customs connected to freight forwarding, warehouse and shipment management rather than buying a standalone customs system.

The decision I'd make by brokerage size

One newer option I'd also put on your demo list is GoFreight. Its current customs offering is explicitly U.S.-focused and combines the brokerage workflow with the forwarding platform; its own comparison describes its U.S. filing as a certified ABI pipeline.

If you tell me roughly how many entries you file per month, how many entry writers you have, whether you also do freight forwarding, and whether you need ISF/FTZ/drawback, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 systems for your brokerage and compare them feature-by-feature.

When filing import entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) , the "best" software depends heavily on your agency's size, volume, workflow preferences, and whether you handle end-to-end freight forwarding or only customs brokerage.

To file directly and securely, any software you choose must be certified by CBP as an ABI vendor. The top-tier software solutions used by customs brokers break down by operational focus:

1. Best for Enterprise & High-Volume Operations

• Descartes Customs Compliance (Descartes Systems Group): Widely regarded as an industry standard for heavy-duty customs compliance. Descartes has decades of deep domain expertise in CBP filing, robust connectivity, and excellent handling of complex tariff/regulatory updates. It scales wonderfully for large enterprise brokers, 3PLs, and multi-office brokerages that need rock-solid reliability at the border.
• CargoWise (WiseTech Global): The go-to enterprise platform if you operate as both a freight forwarder and a customs broker globally. CargoWise features native, deeply integrated ABI/ACE filing within a single operational database. If your workflow requires seamless transition from international shipping/booking straight through to customs entry without switching systems, CargoWise is unmatched—though it requires a significant implementation investment and learning curve.

2. Best for Mid-to-Large Brokers Needing Workflow Innovation & AI

• Magaya Customs Compliance: Magaya has carved out a massive footprint for mid-sized forwarders and brokers. Their platform integrates robust ACE/ABI connectivity with modern workflow tools. Notably, features like their Broker AI Assistant use AI to extract line-item data directly from unstructured commercial invoices (PDFs or spreadsheets) and auto-populate entry forms while recommending HTS codes. This drastically cuts down manual data entry time and reduces human error.

3. Best for Multinational Importers & Corporate Compliance

• Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE Global Trade: Ideal if you are working on the corporate/importer side or managing massive in-house broker operations. Its Government Connectivity module directly supports U.S. ABI filing alongside global customs regimes. It excels at deep data analytics, audit trails, and global trade management (GTM) rather than standalone high-speed commercial forwarding.
• E2open Global Trade (formerly Amber Road): Another heavyweight enterprise global trade management platform offering multi-country customs filing, strong compliance screening, and tight integration with supply chain execution.

What to Look for When Choosing:

1. Direct ACE/ABI Certification: Ensure the vendor is fully certified for real-time ABI messaging, statements, automated commercial system (ACS/ACE) reconciliations, and Partner Government Agency (PGA) message sets (FDA, EPA, NHTSA, etc.).
2. Automation & Data Ingestion: Look for platforms featuring OCR or AI-driven invoice parsing. Re-keying data from scanned commercial invoices is the primary bottleneck and error source in brokerage operations.
3. Uptime and Reliability: Check community reviews regarding system stability. When a major customs platform goes down during peak processing hours, it halts cargo release—making responsive customer support and high uptime critical.

You can reference the official ABI Software Vendors List provided by CBP to verify current certified vendor capabilities.

If you share:

• Your monthly entry volume
• Whether you handle freight forwarding alongside brokerage or strictly customs entry
• If you deal heavily with specific Partner Government Agencies (like the FDA)

I can narrow down which of these platforms aligns best with your business model.

For customs brokers filing import entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the best software options are industry powerhouses that feature Automated Broker Interface (ABI) certification and seamless integration with the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).

The top-rated platforms for dedicated brokerage operations and high-volume import filing include:

Essential Features to Require

When evaluating or choosing your ABI-certified software, ensure it supports:

• Direct ACE/ABI Integration: Real-time validation responses and cargo release processing updates from CBP.
• PGA Single Window: Electronic data interchange for partner agencies like the FDA, EPA, and USDA.
• ISF (10+2) Automation: Native handling of Importer Security Filings to prevent cargo delays.
• Comprehensive Entry Types: Support for consumption, bonded (TIB), Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) entries, and warehouse withdrawals.

If you'd like, let me know:

• The size and volume of entries your brokerage handles monthly
• Whether you need integrated freight forwarding or warehouse management features alongside customs filing

I can help you narrow down the ideal platform or deployment style for your business.

If you’re a U.S. customs broker filing import entries directly with CBP through ACE/ABI, my first choice would be Descartes, with CargoWise as the better choice if you also operate freight forwarding/warehousing or have substantial international operations.

CBP confirms that commercial entries are filed electronically through ACE using EDI/ABI, and more than 96% of entries are filed through ABI.

My shortlist

1. Descartes — my pick for a dedicated customs broker

Descartes Systems Group has a U.S. Customs Declaration platform specifically designed for customs brokers and self-filing importers. It is an approved CBP ABI software vendor and provides automated duty/tax/fee calculations, data validation and PGA/OGA information handling.

What I particularly like for a brokerage:

• ACE/ABI entry filing
• Cargo release and entry summary workflows
• Automated duty, tax and fee calculations
• Product/HTS databases
• PGA/OGA data validation
• In-bond, FTZ and warehouse entries
• Post-entry functionality
• EDI/XML integration
• Customer and shipment data integration
• Audit/reporting capabilities

For a brokerage whose primary business is filing entries, I'd put Descartes at the top of the list.

2. CargoWise — better if you're building an entire logistics operation

WiseTech Global's CargoWise is extremely capable. Its U.S. customs module connects directly with ACE and supports electronic import/export declarations, automated duty calculations, validation, PGA information and electronic documentation.

I'd choose CargoWise if your operation looks like:

Customs brokerage + freight forwarding + warehouse + transportation + accounting

rather than simply:

Customs brokerage → prepare entry → transmit to CBP → bill customer

The downside is that CargoWise can be considerably more platform than a customs-only brokerage needs.

What I would evaluate before buying

Don't just ask vendors, "Can you file ACE entries?" Almost every serious system can. CBP maintains an ABI software-vendor list, and vendors may support different combinations of ACE Entry, Cargo, DIS, drawback, FTZ and ISF.

I'd specifically test these with your actual entry data:

1. Entry creation from commercial invoices — can the system minimize manual line-by-line entry?
2. HTS/classification management — especially managing client-specific classifications.
3. PGA filings — FDA, USDA/APHIS, EPA, DOT/NHTSA, CPSC, etc.
4. ACE Cargo Release + Entry Summary
5. Duty/tariff calculations — including Chapter 99, AD/CVD and special programs.
6. Post Summary Correction (PSC)
7. Entry status/ACE messaging
8. Document Imaging System (DIS)
9. ISF/10+2
10. In-bonds and warehouse entries
11. Statement/ACH and reconciliation
12. Customer portal/status visibility
13. EDI/API integrations
14. Audit trail and record retention
15. Automation/bulk entry processing

CBP's current ACE documentation specifically identifies EDI as the route for filing entries, entry summaries, supporting documents through DIS, PSCs, liquidations, reconciliations and drawback.

Bottom line

If you told me "I'm opening/operating a customs brokerage and my main requirement is filing U.S. import entries efficiently", I'd demo Descartes first.

If you said "We're a freight forwarder with a customs brokerage and want one system to run the whole company", I'd demo CargoWise first.

If you tell me approximately how many entries you file per month (e.g. 100, 1,000, 10,000+), whether you do ocean/air/truck, and whether you're customs-only or also a freight forwarder, I can narrow this down to the best 2–3 systems and compare estimated cost, features, ACE/ABI capabilities, and ease of use.

What I would evaluate before buying

Don't just ask vendors, "Can you file ACE entries?" Almost every serious system can. CBP maintains an ABI software-vendor list, and vendors may support different combinations of ACE Entry, Cargo, DIS, drawback, FTZ and ISF.

I'd specifically test these with your actual entry data:

If you mean software for a U.S. customs brokerage to prepare and electronically file import entries through CBP’s ACE/ABI system, my top choice for most dedicated brokerages would be Descartes.

CBP’s ABI program is the electronic interface brokers use to transmit entry data into ACE, and CBP maintains a list of ABI software providers. Being on CBP’s list is not an endorsement, and brokers still have to meet applicable testing/qualification requirements.

My shortlist

1. Descartes — my first choice

Descartes specifically markets its U.S. Customs Declaration solution to customs brokers and self-filing importers, and identifies it as an approved CBP ABI software solution. It provides entry preparation, automated duty/tax/fee calculations, data validation, and electronic filing to CBP.

For a brokerage where customs entry filing is the core business, I'd choose Descartes over CargoWise unless you also need a large freight-forwarding operation.

2. CargoWise — best if you're more than a brokerage

CargoWise is exceptionally broad. Its customs module connects with ACE in the U.S., supports automated calculations and validation, PGAs, electronic documentation, and customs declarations.

I'd pick it if you're running:

• Customs brokerage
• Freight forwarding
• Warehousing
• Transportation
• Multi-country operations
• Integrated accounting/operations

If you're only filing U.S. import entries, however, CargoWise can be more platform than you need.

What I'd choose by size

• 1–5 brokers / new brokerage: Magaya, NetCHB, or CustomsNow
• Growing brokerage: Descartes
• High-volume dedicated customs brokerage: Descartes or SmartBorder
• Brokerage + freight forwarding: CargoWise or Magaya
• Large multinational: CargoWise or Descartes

The features I'd consider essential

Don't evaluate these systems merely on whether they "file ACE." Almost all serious ABI systems do. I'd compare them on:

• ACE Cargo Release and Entry Summary
• PGA filing — FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.
• ISF
• DIS/document management
• Post Summary Corrections
• Reconciliation and other post-entry functions
• HTS/classification database and tariff updates
• Section 301/232 and other additional duties
• Automated duty/tax/fee calculations
• Invoice/OCR import
• Customer portals
• Automated rejection handling
• ABI/ACE status monitoring
• Billing/accounting integration
• API/EDI capabilities
• Audit trail and reporting
• Speed of updating the system when CBP changes requirements

That last item is particularly important. The software is only as good as its ability to keep up with CBP and PGA changes.

My bottom line

If you told me, "I'm opening or running a customs brokerage and my primary job is filing U.S. import entries," I'd start with Descartes and get demonstrations from Magaya and SmartBorder as competitors.

If you tell me approximately how many entries you file per month (e.g. 100, 1,000, 10,000+), whether you also do freight forwarding, and whether you're a new or established brokerage, I can narrow this down to the 2–3 systems I'd actually demo and what each is likely to cost you.

When filing import entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and Automated Broker Interface (ABI), there is no single "best" software for every broker. Instead, the right choice depends heavily on your operation size, budget, and workflow integration (whether you are an independent boutique broker, a mid-market forwarder, or a massive multinational enterprise).

Industry consensus points to the following top platforms for CBP ABI/ACE filing:

• 1. CargoWise (WiseTech Global)
     • Best for: Global forwarders and high-volume customs brokers with international operations.
     • Why it leads: It provides a deeply powerful, single-database global platform with native ACE/ABI connectivity . Everything from freight forwarding and warehousing to accounting and customs entry lives in one ecosystem, eliminating double-entry.
• 1. Descartes Systems Group
     • Best for: Dedicated customs brokers and logistics providers scaling up high-volume declaration workflows.
     • Why it leads: Renowned for robust compliance, border security updates, and automated entry processing . Descartes excels at handling massive volumes of regulatory filings efficiently and adapts well to complex multi-country compliance frameworks.
• 1. • Best for: Small-to-midsize freight forwarders and independent customs brokers.
     • Why it leads: Magaya offers an intuitive user experience and faster implementation timelines compared to enterprise-heavy monoliths . It features targeted automation (such as HTS tariff and section 301 duty helpers) and integrates fluidly with their warehouse management system (WMS).
• 1. Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE Global Trade
     • Best for: Large enterprise multinational corporations and Fortune 500 importers managing heavy in-house compliance.
     • Why it leads: Boasts exceptionally deep regulatory content across 200+ countries and a powerful government connectivity module supporting direct ACE ABI filing.

To help narrow down which platform fits your desk best, tell me:

• Are you an independent broker or part of a larger freight forwarding/logistics company?
• What is your approximate monthly entry volume?
• Do you need the software to handle warehouse and accounting natively, or just pure customs compliance and ABI filing?

If you mean software for a U.S. customs brokerage that actually prepares and transmits import entries to CBP through ACE/ABI, my first choice would be Descartes Customs & Regulatory Compliance.

CBP maintains an official list of ABI software vendors, and importantly, CBP does not endorse any particular vendor; the broker still has to qualify for the applicable ABI functions.

My shortlist

1. Descartes — my first choice

For a pure customs brokerage, this is where I'd start.

Descartes is an approved CBP ABI software vendor and supports electronic entry filing, data validation, duty/tax/fee calculations, document creation, reporting, workflow controls and customer visibility.

Its ABI software also supports things beyond the basic consumption entry, including in-bonds, FTZ entries, warehouse entries/withdrawals, reconciliation and other specialized transactions.

One particularly important advantage is its ability to integrate with your existing systems through EDI/XML, which becomes increasingly valuable as entry volume grows.

2. CargoWise — if you're building a larger operation

I'd look seriously at CargoWise if you're doing customs brokerage + freight forwarding + warehousing + transportation rather than customs entries alone.

It's more of an operating platform than simply an ABI filing system. The tradeoff is that it can be considerably more complex to implement and operate.

3. Magaya — attractive for a smaller/midsize operation

Magaya is worth considering if you want customs filing tied closely to freight forwarding, shipment management, warehouse and customer operations.

I would put it ahead of CargoWise for a smaller organization that wants an integrated logistics system without necessarily needing the depth of a large enterprise installation.

What I'd look for specifically as a customs broker

Don't evaluate these systems merely on whether they can "file an entry." I'd put heavy weight on:

• ACE/ABI reliability and transmission speed
• Easy creation of 7501/entry summaries
• Automated HTS and duty calculations
• PGA/OGA data validation
• AD/CVD handling
• Section 301/232 and other additional-duty functionality
• Reconciliation
• Post Summary Corrections
• Entry amendments
• Drawback and in-bond capabilities if you need them
• ISF capability
• Document imaging/DIS
• Automated entry status updates
• EDI/API integration with customers' ERP/TMS systems
• Importer/customer portals
• Audit trails
• Multi-user permissions
• Automated billing
• Good reporting
• Ability to import commercial invoices electronically rather than re-keying them

The last point is particularly important. The best brokerage software isn't necessarily the one with the nicest entry screen—it is the one that eliminates the most data entry.

CBP specifically identifies ABI as the mechanism for electronic entry and entry-summary filing; the ACE Secure Data Portal itself isn't the replacement for ABI entry filing.

One other thing I'd consider

I'd separate entry filing software from classification/trade-content software.

For example, Descartes also offers CustomsInfo, which is designed for HTS classification, rulings, duty rates, PGA information, AD/CVD and other trade-content information.

For a serious brokerage, that combination can be much more valuable than an inexpensive ABI filing program by itself.

My recommendation

If I were opening or upgrading a brokerage today, I'd demo these three in this order:

1. Descartes — best starting point for a customs-focused brokerage.
2. CargoWise — if you expect substantial forwarding/logistics operations.
3. Magaya — if you want an integrated system but are smaller/midsize.

And I would not choose based on monthly price alone. I'd have each vendor demonstrate the same real-world entry from commercial invoice → classification → entry preparation → ABI transmission → CBP response → billing → PSC, including an entry with multiple HTS lines and additional duties.

If you tell me roughly how many entries you file per month (e.g. 100, 1,000, 10,000+) and whether you do ocean, air, truck, or all three, I can narrow this down considerably and compare pricing, features, ease of use, ABI connectivity, and implementation costs for your particular brokerage.

Descartes is an approved CBP ABI software vendor and supports electronic entry filing, data validation, duty/tax/fee calculations, document creation, reporting, workflow controls and customer visibility.

Its ABI software also supports things beyond the basic consumption entry, including in-bonds, FTZ entries, warehouse entries/withdrawals, reconciliation and other specialized transactions.

One particularly important advantage is its ability to integrate with your existing systems through EDI/XML, which becomes increasingly valuable as entry volume grows.

2. CargoWise — if you're building a larger operation

I'd look seriously at CargoWise if you're doing customs brokerage + freight forwarding + warehousing + transportation rather than customs entries alone.

It's more of an operating platform than simply an ABI filing system. The tradeoff is that it can be considerably more complex to implement and operate.

3. Magaya — attractive for a smaller/midsize operation

Magaya is worth considering if you want customs filing tied closely to freight forwarding, shipment management, warehouse and customer operations.

I would put it ahead of CargoWise for a smaller organization that wants an integrated logistics system without necessarily needing the depth of a large enterprise installation.

What I'd look for specifically as a customs broker

Don't evaluate these systems merely on whether they can "file an entry." I'd put heavy weight on:

• ACE/ABI reliability and transmission speed
• Easy creation of 7501/entry summaries
• Automated HTS and duty calculations
• PGA/OGA data validation
• AD/CVD handling
• Section 301/232 and other additional-duty functionality
• Reconciliation
• Post Summary Corrections
• Entry amendments
• Drawback and in-bond capabilities if you need them
• ISF capability
• Document imaging/DIS
• Automated entry status updates
• EDI/API integration with customers' ERP/TMS systems
• Importer/customer portals
• Audit trails
• Multi-user permissions
• Automated billing
• Good reporting
• Ability to import commercial invoices electronically rather than re-keying them

The last point is particularly important. The best brokerage software isn't necessarily the one with the nicest entry screen—it is the one that eliminates the most data entry.

CBP specifically identifies ABI as the mechanism for electronic entry and entry-summary filing; the ACE Secure Data Portal itself isn't the replacement for ABI entry filing.

One other thing I'd consider

I'd separate entry filing software from classification/trade-content software.

For example, Descartes also offers CustomsInfo, which is designed for HTS classification, rulings, duty rates, PGA information, AD/CVD and other trade-content information.

For a serious brokerage, that combination can be much more valuable than an inexpensive ABI filing program by itself.

My recommendation

If I were opening or upgrading a brokerage today, I'd demo these three in this order:

Choosing the "best" software for filing import entries via the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) using Automated Broker Interface (ABI) certification depends heavily on the scale of your operations, your budget, and whether you function as a standalone customs brokerage or an end-to-end freight forwarder.

The top-tier software solutions utilized by U.S. customs brokers break down by operational fit:

1. CargoWise (WiseTech Global) — Best for global enterprises and large forwarders
   • Strengths: Features deep, native ACE/ABI integration alongside a unified global database. If you handle massive volumes, multi-country compliance, and integrated freight forwarding/transportation management under one roof, CargoWise is an industry heavyweight.
   • Considerations: It has a steep learning curve and can be cost-prohibitive or overly complex for smaller, boutique brokerages.
2. Descartes (OneView / QuestaWeb) — Best for workflow automation and mid-to-large operations
   • Strengths: Highly regarded for streamlined entry writing, robust job management, and efficient product database/classification building. Backed by the Descartes Global Logistics Network , it offers stellar connectivity for declarations, Post Summary Corrections (PSCs), and compliance screening.
   • Considerations: Certain legacy modules within their broader portfolio can feel rigid or heavily mouse-dependent.
3. CustomsNow — Best for dedicated, compliance-focused customs brokers
   • Strengths: Purpose-built specifically around trade filing and item management. It is praised by brokers for being a nimble, reliable web-based architecture where you can update database files or make inline adjustments mid-filing without backing out entirely. It also excels at accepting varied importer data formats and offering granular part-level reporting.
   • Considerations: Less of an all-in-one physical freight/warehouse management suite compared to enterprise ERPs.
4. Magaya Customs Compliance — Best for mid-market brokers tied to warehousing and 3PL operations
   • Strengths: Offers a great balance of customs compliance embedded right into a broader supply-chain, inventory, and transportation stack. It is generally faster to implement and easier to onboard than enterprise giants.
   • Considerations: Interface and layout updates can sometimes lag behind purely cloud-native competitors.
5. Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE Global Trade — Best for enterprise multinational self-filing importers and large corporate compliance teams
   • Strengths: Elite-tier regulatory content, automated classification assistance, and a government connectivity module supporting direct ACE ABI filing.

To help narrow down the ideal platform for your workflow, let me know:

• How many entries do you or your team file per month?
• Do you need integrated freight forwarding and warehouse management (WMS) , or strictly pure customs brokerage filing?
• Are you transitioning from an existing software?