Customs Declarations UK vs SmartBorder ABI/ACE

Customs Declarations UK is a cloud platform for filing Great Britain import and export declarations directly with HMRC’s Customs Declaration Service. It supports GB CDS imports and exports, GB ENS, EU ICS2 entry summary declarations, and NCTS6 T1/T2 transit movements. Guided filing wizards adapt to shipment requirements, while real-time validation flags inconsistencies before submission. Its document-processing system uses OCR and AI to read invoices, packing lists, and transport documents, then drafts supported declarations for human review. API connections can link it with TMS, ERP, and freight software for document intake and drafting. The platform also integrates with CSPs MCP, CNS, and CCS-UK and includes GVMS management. The company offers onboarding, training, and assistance with complex customs scenarios. Pay-as-you-go has no monthly fee, although onboarding charges may apply; subscriptions require at least six months’ notice to cancel. Filing prices vary: EU ICS2 is £4 per declaration, GB CDS is £25, and NCTS6 departures are £15. NCTS6 filings require the customer’s own transit guarantee.

SmartBorder ABI/ACE is U.S. import entry software for land, sea, and air brokers and self-filing importers. Its editions cover Northern Border, Air & Sea Broker, and Importer workflows. Entry processing includes PGA filing, automatic validation checks, special-program recommendations, and transmission results. Customer profiles can store contacts, notes, bond and product details, transaction parties, billing information, manufacturer IDs, and 5106s. Trade tools include electronic 7512 in-bonds, tariff searching, FDA and other PGA filing, delivery orders, review flags, bonds, Excel line-item imports, billing, and statement queries. Data integration is available through EDI, XML, FTP, Web Services, and other options; engineers can add custom fields, reports, and integrations with proprietary accounting systems. The SaaS-based and PC-based applications need an internet connection but no dedicated hardware or added IT resources. Training is included, and licensed brokers provide support. Pricing is on request. As of February 1, 2025, sales to new brokerage firms were discontinued; support continues for non-brokerage customers through designated Livingston groups.