CustomsLink vs SmartBorder ABI/ACE
CustomsLink
customs-link.comSmartBorder ABI/ACE
smartborder.comSide by side
| Figure | CustomsLink | SmartBorder ABI/ACE |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Spec score · Customs Management Software | 8.3 (#2) | 7.2 (#16) |
| Founded | 2019 | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom | Buffalo, New York, United States |
| Integrations | CustomsLink says software integration via API is available, and its Haulier Border Toolkit page specifies API integration for high-volume customers. | SmartBorder supports data integration through EDI, XML, FTP, Web Services, and other options. |
Plans
CustomsLink
- Haulier Border Toolkit — registrationFree
- Managed Customs — registration£100, paid once
- Self-Service Customs — registration£100, paid once
In their own words
CustomsLink
CustomsLink provides businesses with digital customs clearance and border documentation through self-service and managed services. Its declarations cover import and export, safety and security, and goods movement. Self-service customers can prepare import and export entries step by step on the online platform, with support available seven days a week. Managed Customs customers send commercial documents to the team, which handles the customs work and additional formalities. The Haulier Border Toolkit supports ENS and EXS declarations, port passes such as GMR, PBN, ELO and Portbase, and MUCRs. Platform tools include supply-chain collaboration with managed access rights, real-time declaration tracking, an audit trail, document archiving, reporting and declaration replication. API integration is available, specified for high-volume Haulier Border Toolkit customers. Self-service training includes a Microsoft Teams session for up to five people. CustomsLink says it serves businesses in the UK, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU, from sole traders to large enterprises. Export and import entry prices require an enquiry; TAD transit pricing includes TAD, and a trader guarantee is needed.
SmartBorder ABI/ACE
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.