The best customs declaration software provides real-time compliance updates, automation, and accuracy. iCustoms provides a powerful CDS-integrated platform tailored for UK exports/imports, helping businesses streamline declarations, reduce errors, and stay compliant with HMRC and international regulations.
Customs declaration software costs vary depending on the features, volume of declarations, and user licenses. iCustoms offers flexible pricing for SMEs and enterprises, with subscription-based plans that scale with your needs. Contact us for a personalised quote.
SMEs benefit most from tools that offer automation, easy integration, and real-time alerts. iCustoms provides solutions like HS code classification, denied-party screening, and automated document checks, all tailored for SMEs to ensure global trade compliance without high overheads.
Automated customs filing solutions use AI to streamline the submission of import/export declarations. With iCustoms, you can automate data input, classification, and electronic filing to reduce human error and improve processing times with HMRC and international customs.
Verify that you have received all required paperwork, including the packing list, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, and any licences or certificates that may be needed. Every document must correspond with the shipment information. Some platforms help with this process by providing automated document validation.
Common mistakes include using incorrect HS codes, missing key documents, undervaluing goods, and entering inconsistent data across forms. These errors can lead to delays, fines, or shipment rejections.
Several tools, such as iDPS by iCustoms, allow businesses to check trading partners against restricted and sanctioned entity lists (e.g., OFAC, UN, EU).
Common documents include:
Requirements can vary by product type and destination, so it’s advisable to check the latest country-specific regulations.
You can use automated screening tools that compare your business contacts against updated international watchlists. These tools typically support batch screening and integrate with customer or shipment databases for ongoing monitoring.
Certain chemicals fall under dual-use regulations or hazardous materials restrictions. Exporters should consult their national control list and verify whether the product needs an export license based on destination, concentration, and end use.
Sample export packing list template:
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) tools can read scanned shipping documents like Bills of Lading and invoices. Pair it with AI to structure the data, such as container numbers, consignee names, values, and HS codes, and validate it automatically. The key is using an OCR that’s trained specifically on logistics document formats to improve accuracy.
Some of the biggest trends include:
The industry is moving fast toward automation, accuracy, and proactive compliance.
At a minimum, it should extract:
If your OCR tool doesn’t capture these consistently, it’s time to upgrade.
Make sure to get:
Getting everything up front helps prevent customs delays later.
Use a global compliance platform that covers multiple countries. These systems typically come with built-in rulesets for different countries and let you configure logic based on destination, product type, and Incoterms.
When you integrate it with your shipping or ERP system, declarations based on purchase orders or sales orders can be generated automatically.
Start by using a platform that reads product data, classifies goods automatically, and fills out declarations using pre-set rules. AI tools can pull data from documents, validate fields, and submit declarations via APIs. It saves time, reduces errors, and ensures compliance.