The best software for customs filing depends on the size and scope of your brokerage. CargoWise is the top choice for large, enterprise-level global trade operations. For small to mid-sized brokers, SmartBorder and CustomsNow are highly favored for their user-friendly interfaces, speed, and reliability. Additionally, Magaya serves as a strong, comprehensive contender for those seeking integrated compliance and entry management workflows.
3SmartBorderBest for mid-sized brokerages focused on accuracy and speed. It offers a highly automated, web-based platform with efficient validation checks and built-in filing for partner government agencies.42%
4CargoWiseIdeal for large-scale operations and global freight forwarders. It provides a robust, enterprise-grade, cloud-based platform covering end-to-end logistics and complex customs compliance requirements.41%
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Mentioned in · Oct 14 – Oct 18, 2026
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Best software for filing U.S. customs entries with CBP
For a licensed U.S. customs broker, my recommendation is to start by comparing NetCHB, Descartes, and CargoWise. If you want a simpler, web-based entry-filing system, also evaluate CustomsCity and CustomsNow.
The best choice depends on your entry volume, the types of imports you clear, and whether you want software dedicated to customs entries or a complete freight-forwarding and brokerage platform. These systems support electronic filing through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) into U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).
My shortlist
Practical recommendations for U.S. customs brokers · October 2026
A strong option to investigate if your primary job is preparing and transmitting import entries rather than managing an entire logistics operation. Its platform covers customs filing and related functions such as ISF, in-bond transactions, and accounting.
Best for: Small to midsize brokerages that want a dedicated, cloud-based filing workflow.
Website:
2. Descartes
A broad customs and trade-compliance offering with entry filing, logistics connectivity, and additional capabilities for organizations with more complex operations.
Best for: Established brokerages that need compliance workflows, integrations, and room to scale.
Website:
3. CargoWise
A comprehensive logistics platform that connects customs operations with freight forwarding, shipment management, warehousing, and financial workflows.
Best for: Larger or growing brokerages that also operate as freight forwarders.
Trade-off: It may be more platform than you need if you only want to file U.S. import entries.
Website:
4. CustomsCity
A cloud-based option for ABI entries, ISF, in-bond filings, manifests, and selected partner-government-agency requirements. It is worth considering if you prefer transaction-oriented pricing and online access.
Best for: Brokers seeking a focused filing service with a relatively straightforward setup.
Website:
5. CustomsNow
A web-based filing system with entry processing, item management, related filing capabilities, and accounting or billing features.
Best for: Brokers looking for an entry-focused platform that also supports operational billing.
Website:
These are a use-case-based shortlist, not a benchmark-tested ranking. The capabilities summarized above are based on published product descriptions and a recent industry comparison. Confirm the exact modules and commercial terms directly with each provider.
Which one would I choose?
If your priority is…
Start with
Filing import entries efficiently
NetCHB
A broader customs and compliance system
Descartes
Customs plus freight forwarding
CargoWise
Cloud-based filing with transaction-oriented pricing
CustomsCity
Entry filing plus billing workflows
CustomsNow
What matters most before you buy
I would evaluate each system against these six requirements:
ABI/ACE entry filing: Consumption entries, entry summaries, warehouse entries, and any special entry types you handle.
HTS classification and duty calculations: Ability to maintain product data and review applicable duty rates.
Partner government agencies: Support for applicable FDA, EPA, USDA, and other agency data requirements.
Post-entry work: Post-summary corrections, reconciliation, document submission, and audit trails, as applicable.
Automation: Invoice uploads, item databases, EDI integrations, and reduced manual data entry.
Total cost: Setup, monthly subscription, per-entry fees, additional modules, training, and support.
Verify the vendor's specific capabilities against the official CBP ABI software vendor information. CBP notes that appearing on its vendor list is not an endorsement, and capabilities vary by vendor.
Let me narrow this down to the best fit for your brokerage
One question will help me make a much more useful recommendation: Are you starting a new customs brokerage or replacing software you already use?
For example, if you're starting a small brokerage and primarily need to file U.S. import entries, I would prioritize ease of use, cost per entry, and fast onboarding rather than paying for a full enterprise logistics platform.
To file directly with CBP, any chosen platform must be fully ACE-certified and integrated via ABI. The top software options on the market are categorized below by their primary strengths:[](https://gofreight.com/blog/best-customs-brokerage-software)
CargoWise: Widely considered the global standard for large-to-midsize freight forwarders and high-volume customs brokerages. It offers deep, native integration across international operations, accounting, warehousing, and robust direct ABI compliance in a single database. Best for global operations that want to eliminate data silos.[](https://www.stablesoftware.com/alternatives/best-customs-broker-software)
GoFreight: Rapidly growing in popularity for its modern user interface and operational efficiency. It blends ocean/air forwarding with U.S. customs entry execution, making it a favorite for mid-market brokerages wanting to move away from legacy, clunky systems.[](https://gofreight.com/blog/best-customs-brokerage-software)
: A robust operational and warehouse management platform that integrates tightly with custom compliance and ACE filing modules. Excellent if your brokerage handles heavy physical cargo, CFS (Container Freight Station), or bonded warehousing.[]()
2. Dedicated Compliance & Power-Filer Platforms
Descartes Customs Compliance: A heavyweight, deeply tenured CBP-certified ABI vendor. Descartes offers immense depth in global trade management, compliance screening, Partner Government Agency (PGA) integration, and classification tools. Best for enterprise operations or compliance-heavy environments.[](https://gofreight.com/blog/best-customs-brokerage-software)
NetCHB: A popular, web-centric choice known for speed and user-friendly web interfaces tailored specifically for customs brokers looking for reliable, dedicated entry filing without the bloat of an entire freight forwarding suite.[](https://www.stablesoftware.com/alternatives/best-customs-broker-software)
CustomsNow / : Agile, web-based ABI filing platforms designed for fast data intake, automation, and ease of use, appealing to both traditional brokers and high-volume e-commerce entry environments.[]()
3. AI and Document Automation Enhancers
KlearNow: Focuses heavily on automating the data-entry bottleneck through AI-driven document intake, turning unstructured commercial invoices and packing lists into structured ACE-ready data streams. Many brokerages use tools like this alongside or integrated into their core filing systems to cut down manual keying.[](https://www.stablesoftware.com/alternatives/best-customs-broker-software)
To help narrow down which platform fits your workflow best, could you tell me:
What is your monthly entry volume?
Do you need freight forwarding and warehouse management bundled in, or just a pure compliance/filing engine?
Are you handling specialized entries (e.g., heavy PGA involvement like FDA/EPA, or high-volume Type 86 e-commerce)?
For a U.S. customs broker filing import entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), I would prioritize software built specifically for customs brokerage and ABI entry filing, rather than a general freight-forwarding or logistics platform.
The best choice depends on your entry volume, the types of imports you handle, and whether you need a complete brokerage operating system or just a reliable way to transmit entries through the Automated Broker Interface (ABI).
The key is to compare more than the filing screen: look at entry preparation, ACE integration, customs messaging, post-entry corrections, reconciliation, document management, and how much manual work the software eliminates.
My top customs-entry software picks
1. Descartes NetCHB
(Best starting point for a small brokerage)
A cloud-based, customs-focused system for brokers and freight forwarders. Supports ABI filing, in-bonds, Importer Security Filing (ISF), and Section 321 Type 86 workflows. Its vendor advertises getting started in days.
Best for: Independent brokers who want online entry filing without implementing a large enterprise platform.
A broad logistics platform that combines customs operations with freight forwarding, shipment management, documentation, and financial workflows. It is worth considering if you want one connected operating system.
Best for: Growing brokerages, larger teams, and businesses handling both customs and freight forwarding.
Pricing: Quote-based; evaluate implementation and training costs too.
A portfolio of customs and trade-compliance capabilities, with options for classification, screening, and customs workflows. Make sure the specific product you're quoted includes U.S. import-entry filing and the modules you require.
Best for: Brokerages with broader compliance requirements or complex trading-partner integrations.
An option for businesses wanting customs compliance connected to freight forwarding and supply-chain operations. Compare its customs product separately from the broader Magaya platform.
Best for: Small and midsize logistics businesses that want integrated operations.
CBP's U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirms that ABI supports electronic entry and entry-summary transmission, validation messages, corrections, and electronic payment workflows. The ACE Portal alone does not provide the full entry-filing capabilities of an ABI interface.
Use this checklist when evaluating vendors:
ABI/ACE entry and entry-summary filing for your entry types
Fast handling of CBP rejects, warnings, and responses
HTS classification and duty/tariff calculation support
ISF, in-bond, reconciliation, and post-summary corrections where needed
Commercial invoice and packing-list import to minimize rekeying
Document retention, audit trails, and customer reporting
Total cost per entry, onboarding fees, training, and support
Also verify the vendor's current capabilities against the official CBP ABI software vendor list. CBP explicitly notes that appearing on its list is not an endorsement.
Let me narrow it down to the best fit
The most useful deciding factor is the size and workflow of your brokerage.
When choosing the best Automated Broker Interface (ABI) and Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) software for filing import entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), "the best" depends heavily on the scale of your operations, whether you handle end-to-end freight forwarding or pure customs brokerage, and your technology budget.
The top-tier software platforms used by customs brokers break down by operational fit:
CargoWise (by WiseTech Global)
Best for: Large, global, or rapidly scaling freight forwarding and customs brokerage enterprises.
Why it’s a top choice: It is a deeply integrated, single-database global logistics platform. Its customs compliance engine natively handles complex entry types, PGA (Partner Government Agency) messages, and multi-country clearance. It eliminates double-data entry if you run your forwarding and customs operations together.
Downside: Steep learning curve and expensive, enterprise-level implementation costs.
Descartes Customs Compliance (including NetCHB)
Best for: Dedicated customs brokers and mixed operations wanting robust, modular flexibility.
Best for: Small-to-midsize customs brokers, Free Trade Zone (FTZ) operators, and mid-market self-filers.
Why it’s a top choice: Known for a very user-friendly interface and modern cloud infrastructure. Magaya incorporates handy automation features—like AI-assisted data extraction from commercial invoices—and handles full PGA record sets, entry summaries, and cargo release smoothly. It can operate standalone for customs or plug into a wider warehouse/supply chain ecosystem.[](https://www.stablesoftware.com/alternatives/best-customs-broker-software)
SmartBorder ABI/ACE
Best for: High-volume land, sea, and air filers looking for speed and dedicated support.
Why it’s a top choice: Widely praised in the broker community for system stability, fast processing speeds with CBP, and a specialized focus on compliance execution and error reduction before transmission.[](https://www.smartborder.com/products/compliance/abi-ace/)
Key Evaluation Factors
When deciding, evaluate how each system handles:
PGA Integration: Seamless data transmission and error-checking for FDA, EPA, NHTSA, etc.
ACE Processing Speed & Uptime: Real-time status updates and robust EDI/ABI connectivity.
The industry standard options break down into distinct categories based on brokerage needs:
Enterprise & All-in-One Platforms (Forwarding, Warehousing, and Accounting)
CargoWise: Widely regarded as the dominant global enterprise platform for large-to-midsize forwarders and brokers. It features deeply integrated compliance, accounting, and end-to-end operational workflows, though it has a steep learning curve and higher cost.
Magaya (via Magaya Supply Chain ): Excellent for mid-sized forwarders and brokers looking for robust warehouse management bundled with native customs compliance and ABI connectivity.
Heavy-Duty Logistics & Regulatory Compliance Line
Descartes : A massive industry heavyweight providing extensive global trade compliance, security filings, and robust ABI connectivity. Well-suited for high-volume operations and complex regulatory needs (PGA integration, foreign trade zones, etc.).[](https://www.stablesoftware.com/alternatives/best-customs-broker-software)
Agile, Web-Based, & Focused Filers
NetCHB: Popular for being a dedicated, user-friendly, web-based ABI filing system that doesn't force you into a bloated freight forwarding suite. Highly favored by independent or boutique customs brokers.
CustomsNow: Known for compliance-focused, web-based entry filing with strong educational resources and automated error-checking features to reduce CBP rejections.
For a U.S. customs broker filing import entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), I would prioritize software that supports ACE entry filing, automated data validation, entry summary processing, and integration with your customs brokerage workflow.
There isn't one best platform for every brokerage. The right choice depends on your entry volume, whether you handle ocean, air, or truck freight, and how much you want to automate billing, document processing, and client communication.
One important distinction: CBP's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is the government's system for processing trade data, while commercial customs brokerage software provides the interface and workflow you use to submit entries and manage your business.
My top software choices for customs brokers
1. Descartes customs brokerage software
(Best for established brokerages)
A strong option to evaluate if you need customs entry processing combined with trade-compliance tools, electronic connectivity, and broader logistics workflows. Ask which specific U.S. ABI product and modules fit your operation.
Website:
2. NetCHB
(Best to evaluate for entry-focused filing)
Worth considering if your main job is preparing and transmitting U.S. import entries rather than running an entire international freight-forwarding operation. Compare its entry workflow, correction handling, and transaction pricing.
Website:
3. CargoWise
(Best for integrated logistics)
A good candidate for a larger brokerage or freight forwarder that wants customs clearance connected to shipment management, operations, and other logistics processes. It may be more system than a small entry-only brokerage needs.
Website:
4. Magaya
A candidate for brokers that also manage freight forwarding, warehouse operations, and shipment documentation. Verify the specific U.S. customs compliance product and its supported entry types.
Website:
5. CustomsCity
Worth shortlisting if you want a more focused, web-based filing service. Ask about entry-summary capabilities, supported transaction types, pricing tiers, and how it handles amendments and rejected transmissions.
Website:
These are a practical shortlist, not a verified performance ranking. CBP publishes an ABI vendor list covering services such as entry, in-bond, drawback, Foreign-Trade Zone, and Importer Security Filing. Check the current listing and each vendor's actual supported services before purchasing; CBP explicitly says inclusion is not an endorsement.
What I would compare before buying
Requirement
What to look for
Entry filing
Cargo release and ACE Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501 data)
Error prevention
HTS validation, required-field checks, and CBP rejection handling
Other filings
ISF, in-bond, reconciliation, post-summary corrections, and drawback as applicable
Productivity
Commercial invoice import, bulk uploads, templates, and EDI/API integrations
Operations
Entry status tracking, document storage, audit trail, and duty reporting
Cost
CBP explains that ABI supports electronic entry and entry-summary filing, validation messages, and electronic duty payments. The ACE portal itself is not a substitute for an ABI filing system.
My recommendation
For a brokerage focused primarily on U.S. import entries: Start by comparing NetCHB and Descartes.
For a brokerage needing a broad range of customs filings: Include Magaya Customs Compliance in the evaluation; its published capabilities include entry summaries, cargo release, in-bond, ISF, and reconciliation.
For a larger operation combining brokerage and freight forwarding: Evaluate CargoWise alongside Descartes.
Let me narrow it down to the best fit
The single most useful detail is how your brokerage operates.
1. Approximately how many import entries do you file monthly?
CargoWise — Best for Global Enterprise & End-to-End Operations . CargoWise is an industry heavyweight that unifies customs compliance, freight forwarding, warehousing, and comprehensive accounting into a single database. It is exceptionally powerful for high-volume, multinational brokerages, though it has a steep learning curve and a robust implementation footprint.[](https://www.stablesoftware.com/alternatives/best-customs-broker-software)
Descartes Customs Compliance — Best for Deep Logistics & Compliance Ecosystems . Descartes is a deeply established infrastructure provider with decades of CBP filing experience. It handles native ISF filings, PGA (Partner Government Agency) data checks, and massive enterprise data feeds. It’s ideal if you want reliable, high-uptime enterprise performance tied into a broader global trade intelligence network.[](https://gofreight.com/blog/best-customs-brokerage-software)
GoFreight — Best for Mid-Market & Integrated Forwarder-Brokerages . has grown rapidly by offering an intuitive, modern user interface that combines ocean/air operations, tracking, accounting, and US customs entry execution without the clunkiness of older legacy portals.[]()
To help narrow down the ideal platform for your workflow, let me know:
What is your monthly entry volume?
Do you need an all-in-one freight forwarding and accounting system , or strictly a dedicated customs entry/ABI filing tool?
Are you dealing with complex PGA requirements (FDA, EPA, NHTSA, etc.)?
For a U.S. customs broker filing import entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), I would start by comparing Magaya Customs Compliance, Descartes, CargoWise, and NetCHB. The best choice depends on your monthly entry volume, how much automation you need, and whether you also handle freight forwarding.
The key requirement is an Automated Broker Interface (ABI) system that transmits entry data through CBP's Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). ABI supports electronic cargo-release and entry-summary filings, among other functions.
My shortlist of customs entry software
1. Magaya Customs Compliance
(Best starting point for small to midsize brokers)
Strong choice for brokers who want entry filing, duty and fee visibility, automated data entry, and other customs workflows. It supports entry summaries, cargo release, in-bond, ISF, and other filings.
Best for established brokerages and complex compliance
Offers electronic ABI entry preparation and filing, validation checks, duty calculations, product records, and integrations. A good candidate if you need more sophisticated compliance workflows or room to scale.
Connects customs declarations with forwarding, shipment data, documentation, and broader logistics operations. Particularly worth evaluating if you file entries across multiple countries. Implementation and configuration can be more involved.
A cloud-based ABI platform designed for customs brokers and freight forwarders. It supports several customs workflows, including in-bond and ISF, and offers high-volume processing for eligible e-commerce entries.
These are use-case-based recommendations, not the results of independent hands-on product testing. Vendor pricing and capabilities should be confirmed directly.
What to verify before signing a contract
Ask each vendor to demonstrate these functions using a realistic entry from your own workflow:
Entry types: 01 consumption entries, 03 AD/CVD entries where applicable, 11 informal entries, and any other types you regularly file.
ACE transmission: Entry release, CBP Form 7501/entry summary, responses, rejections, corrections, and post-summary corrections.
Duty calculations: HTS classification, country of origin, customs valuation, additional duties, and applicable government-agency requirements.
Operations: ACH and statement processing, client billing, reporting, audit trails, and customer support.
Total cost: Setup, training, monthly subscription, per-entry transmission fees, integrations, and support.
CBP publishes information about ABI and ACE filing capabilities. Verify the vendor and its supported filing services against the current CBP ABI resources before purchasing; being listed is not itself a guarantee of software quality.
Let me narrow this down to the best fit
The most important factor is the size and workflow of your brokerage.
1. How many import entries do you file monthly?
Under 100
100–500
500–2,000
Over 2,000
2. What type of operation do you run?
Customs brokerage only
Customs brokerage and freight forwarding
Importer self-filing
3. What matters most?
Easy and fast entry filing
Lowest total cost
Automation and bulk filing
Advanced compliance and reporting
4. What's your approximate monthly software budget?
For a U.S. customs broker filing import entries with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), I would prioritize software built for ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) entry filing, rather than a general freight-forwarding or logistics platform.
The best choice depends on your brokerage's entry volume, the types of imports you handle, how much automation you need, and whether you want a standalone customs-entry system or an integrated brokerage platform.
What I would look for
ACE entry filing: Supports the entry types and workflows your brokerage handles.
ABI connectivity: Electronic transmission through an approved Automated Broker Interface (ABI) connection.
Compliance controls: HTS classification, duty calculations, PGA requirements, and validation before submission.
Post-entry workflow: Entry summaries, corrections, reconciliation where applicable, liquidation tracking, and reporting.
Automation: Reusable templates, bulk entry processing, document extraction, and integrations with customer systems.
Total cost: Software subscription, per-entry charges, implementation, training, and support.
Best customs-entry software to evaluate
These are the platforms I would put on a brokerage's shortlist. The recommendations are based on their intended use cases and the available vendor/CBP information, not on a hands-on performance test.
1. Descartes Customs & Compliance
(Best starting point for a dedicated brokerage)
A strong first option if your core business is customs brokerage and you want entry processing, compliance workflows, and electronic customs filing in a dedicated platform.
Best for: Independent brokers and established brokerage teams.
Website:
2. CargoWise
(Best all-in-one logistics platform)
Worth considering if your brokerage also handles freight forwarding, shipment operations, warehousing, and billing, and you want those workflows connected.
Best for: Growing or larger brokerages with integrated logistics operations.
Website:
3. Magaya Customs Compliance
A candidate for businesses that want customs compliance and entry processing connected to broader freight-forwarding and supply-chain operations.
Best for: Small and midsize logistics businesses seeking an integrated system.
Website:
4. NetCHB
Worth investigating if you want a more customs-focused entry-writing system rather than a large, general-purpose logistics platform.
Best for: Brokers prioritizing import-entry workflows and filing productivity.
Website:
5. SmartBorder
Another specialized option to compare for entry preparation, electronic filing, and customs workflow management.
Best for: Brokers seeking a focused alternative to a broader forwarding platform.
Website:
CBP publishes an official ABI software-vendor list. Verify the current vendor and product listing, exact entry types supported, and your required filing capabilities before buying. CBP explicitly notes that inclusion on its list is not an endorsement of software quality.
One important distinction: ACE Portal vs. entry-filing software
CBP's ACE Portal is useful for account management and reports, but entry and entry-summary filing requires an ACE electronic data interchange (EDI) interface. A brokerage software platform or service provider supplies that filing capability.
Before signing a contract, ask each vendor to demonstrate a real workflow covering:
Entry creation from commercial invoices and packing lists.
HTS classification and duty/tax calculation.
Cargo release and entry-summary transmission.
PGA data and document submissions where applicable.
CBP rejection handling, corrections, and post-summary corrections.
Audit trails, reporting, and entry-status tracking.
My recommendation for your brokerage
I'd start by comparing Descartes, NetCHB, and CargoWise if you want three different approaches to evaluating a customs-entry system. Include Magaya if freight forwarding is part of your operation.
To narrow this down to the best fit, one question: How many import entries do you file per month?
NetCHB — Best for Web-Based / Remote Filing Flexibility . NetCHB provides robust, cloud/web-based ABI filing tools that appeal strongly to independent or mid-sized customs brokers looking for straightforward, cost-effective, and responsive entry processing without a massive enterprise software bloat.[](https://www.stablesoftware.com/alternatives/best-customs-broker-software)
Magaya — Best for Supply Chain & Warehouse Integration . Magaya Supply Chain integrates customs compliance directly with robust warehouse management, inventory tracking, and logistics execution, making it a strong fit if your brokerage operations are heavily tied to physical cargo handling.[](https://www.stablesoftware.com/alternatives/best-customs-broker-software)
KlearNow — Best for AI-Powered Document Intake & Automation . KlearNow uses modern AI automation to streamline document processing and data ingestion, aiming to minimize manual data entry and cut down processing time per entry.[](https://www.stablesoftware.com/alternatives/best-customs-broker-software)
Strengths: A long-tenured, highly reliable CBP-certified backbone with robust PGA (Participating Government Agency) integration, trade content, and robust data management.
GoFreight — Best for Mid-Market & Unified Forwarding/Brokerage Operations
Strengths: Cloud-native, highly visual, and praised for user experience. It integrates customs entry, ISF, and PGA data directly into the same operational shipment record as your ocean/air freight and accounting.
NetCHB / CustomsNow / CustomsCity — Best for Dedicated, Agile Web-Based Filing
Strengths: Streamlined, lighter-weight web portals explicitly built for rapid entry processing and direct ACE/ABI transmission without the bloat of a massive enterprise forwarding system.
