Top APIs for Trade Compliance Data

Navigating global trade regulations can be overwhelming. From tariff classifications to sanctions screening, compliance errors can lead to costly fines or delays. Trade compliance APIs simplify this process by automating checks, providing real-time regulatory data, and improving supply chain operations. Here's a quick look at the top APIs:

Trademo: Covers 140+ countries, automates compliance with AI tools, and integrates seamlessly into business systems.
BITE Data: Focuses on customs documentation and risk screenings with real-time updates every 60-300 seconds.
Descartes Visual Compliance: Specializes in denied party screening and export classifications with advanced risk management tools.
iCustoms: Offers customs data management, duty calculations, and import/export compliance at flexible pricing.
OilpriceAPI: Delivers real-time commodity price data essential for customs valuation and market-driven compliance.

Each API targets specific compliance needs, from regulatory intelligence to commodity pricing. The right choice depends on your business goals, industry, and budget.

Quick Comparison

API	Focus	Real-Time Updates	Coverage	Starting Price
Trademo	Global trade regulations	Yes	140+ countries	$199/month
BITE Data	Customs documentation	Yes	300+ trade lists	$149/month
Descartes Visual Compliance	Denied party screening	Yes	180+ countries	Custom pricing
iCustoms	Import/export procedures	Weekly	Numerous countries	$89/month
OilpriceAPI	Commodity price data	Yes	150+ benchmarks	$29/month

Choose an API that fits your compliance challenges, whether it's regulatory coverage, real-time updates, or pricing data.

How are e-identities, APIs, and artificial intelligence changing compliance in trade and SCF?

1. Trademo

Trademo

Trademo is a trade compliance platform powered by TrademoKG, a global supply chain knowledge graph that connects billions of trade data points. Here's a closer look at how its extensive regulatory data and cutting-edge compliance tools help businesses stay ahead.

Global Trade Compliance and Regulatory Data Coverage

Trademo provides coverage across more than 140 countries, pulling data from over 440 government agencies. The platform offers daily updates on tariffs, duties, and trade controls directly sourced from customs authorities, ensuring users always have access to the latest regulatory information. Its HS Classifier assigns precise Harmonized System codes and provides audit-ready summaries for each classification. Meanwhile, the Sanctions Screener automates daily checks against over 650 sanctions and PEP (Politically Exposed Persons) lists, simplifying compliance workflows.

Real-Time Data Access and Seamless Integration

Trademo's APIs integrate directly into existing business systems, enabling companies to incorporate trade intelligence, compliance tools, and supply chain mapping seamlessly. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from over 120 reviews, the platform processes insights on more than 2 billion shipments via Trademo Intel. This allows real-time monitoring of trade flows and shifting demand patterns. With this immediate data access, businesses can ensure compliance while navigating trade operations more efficiently.

Automation and AI-Powered Analytics

Trademo takes compliance to the next level with TradeScreen, an AI-driven platform that automates more than 1,000 compliance checks. Using OCR and AI-vision technology, it achieves 95% accuracy in data extraction, cuts false positives by 70%, and boosts productivity by 70%. It supports document processing in over 50 languages, helping trade finance banks reduce manual review efforts by 75% and double transaction throughput.

Shalabh Singhal, Founder & CEO of Trademo, highlights the platform's impact:

"TradeScreen addresses one of the biggest pain points in global trade, manual, error-prone document checks across disconnected systems. We've built a single platform that delivers accuracy, speed, and transparency for teams handling trade finance, logistics, or compliance."

The platform’s AI also analyzes historical data to predict delays and identify anomalies. For instance, one logistics provider reported a 60% reduction in customs delays after implementing Trademo’s screening tools.

Flexible Pricing and Customization

Trademo offers flexible API access, allowing businesses to scale the platform according to their needs. Companies can integrate specific modules - like the HS Classifier or Sanctions Screener - that align with their compliance requirements, rather than committing to an all-in-one solution. Additionally, the platform supports configurable workflows, such as maker-checker processes and risk-based decision rules for auto-approving low-risk transactions. This flexibility ensures Trademo fits seamlessly into existing operations, helping businesses streamline compliance and improve supply chain efficiency.

2. BITE Data

BITE Data

BITE Data is a platform designed to simplify global trade compliance by delivering instant regulatory insights through API integration. It turns complex trade compliance data into actionable steps, helping businesses confidently handle global regulations. This streamlined approach ensures accurate regulatory data and seamless real-time integrations.

Global Trade Compliance and Regulatory Data Coverage

BITE Data offers broad coverage of global trade regulations, including over 300 US and EU trade control lists. The platform provides quick answers on tariffs, restricted parties, and supply chain risks, enabling businesses to stay compliant across multiple jurisdictions.

It supports risk screenings for individuals, companies, products, and HS codes. Additionally, it processes critical trade documents - such as Bills of Material, ACE Entry Summaries, Bills of Lading, and Supplier Questionnaires - to ensure supply chain compliance is consistently managed.

What sets BITE Data apart is its ability to monitor and track entities flagged on international restricted party lists. This ensures businesses remain compliant with export regulations, sanctions, and other global trade requirements.

Real-Time Data Access and Integration Capabilities

BITE Data stands out for its real-time access to essential compliance information. With updates every 60 to 300 seconds, the platform ensures users always have the latest regulatory data at their fingertips. Its flexible API integration allows businesses to pull this data directly into their systems, enabling automated risk assessments without disrupting existing workflows.

"BITE provides global trade teams with instant answers on tariffs, restricted parties, and supply chain risks - just by uploading their data. In seconds, they see what regulations apply and what actions to take." - BITE Data

The platform also integrates with Slack, delivering real-time alerts and updates. These notifications help teams quickly respond to regulatory changes or potential compliance risks.

Pricing Models and Flexibility

BITE Data offers three subscription tiers: Standard, Pro, and Enterprise. All plans include integrated API access, and the platform also provides historical data for audit-ready tracking and regulatory checks. This ensures businesses have the necessary documentation to meet compliance audit requirements.

3. Descartes Visual Compliance

Descartes Visual Compliance

Descartes Visual Compliance offers integrated API solutions designed for denied party screening, export classification, and risk management. It's a go-to tool for businesses navigating the complexities of international supply chains, seamlessly aligning with existing compliance workflows.

Global Trade Compliance and Regulatory Data Coverage

With trade compliance data spanning over 180 countries, Descartes Visual Compliance ensures businesses stay updated on global regulations. The platform includes key sanction lists and regulatory data, such as OFAC watchlists and BIS regulations, which frequently shift due to geopolitical developments.

For export classification, the platform provides detailed data to guide decisions on USML, Schedule B, and tariff-controlled goods. This information is sourced from both U.S. and international government agencies, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

The platform goes beyond standard screening by offering advanced risk management tools. These include monitoring Sanctioned Party Ownership, compliance with Forced Labor regulations, adherence to FCPA requirements, and tracking Adverse Media mentions.

Real-Time Data Access and Integration Capabilities

Descartes Visual Compliance keeps pace with regulatory changes by automatically updating watchlists, sanctions, and embargoes every time governments issue revisions. It integrates Trade Content (MK Data) with platforms like SAP-GTS and Oracle GTM, enabling businesses to embed compliance screening directly into their workflows without disrupting daily operations.

The platform also provides automated notifications for updates from agencies like BIS, OFAC, and DDTC. This ensures that compliance screening and export classification are managed efficiently in a single, streamlined process.

Automation Capabilities

The system automates compliance checks against thousands of global sanctions lists, with regular updates and the ability to include additional lists as needed.

Export classification is also automated, with the platform cross-referencing products against multiple regulatory databases. Its risk management features extend to tracking sanctioned party ownership structures and ensuring compliance with forced labor regulations, simplifying what would otherwise be a complex process.

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4. iCustoms

iCustoms

iCustoms delivers API solutions tailored for customs data management and regulatory compliance. It’s designed for businesses navigating import/export regulations, duty calculations, and customs procedures, helping them stay compliant while streamlining their supply chain operations. Let’s explore how this platform supports global trade.

Global Trade Compliance and Regulatory Data Coverage

iCustoms provides access to a broad database of customs regulations and trade data spanning numerous countries and territories. This includes detailed information on tariff classifications, duty rates, and shifting regulatory requirements.

The platform keeps its database updated with the latest Harmonized System (HS) codes, country-specific import restrictions, and preferential trade agreement benefits. It also supports businesses in understanding rules of origin across multiple trade agreements, helping them qualify for reduced duty rates. Additionally, iCustoms monitors anti-dumping and countervailing duties, ensuring businesses are aware of potential cost impacts on imports.

Real-Time Data Access and Integration Capabilities

With its robust data coverage, iCustoms offers a RESTful API that integrates seamlessly with ERP systems, warehouse management software, and customs brokerage platforms. It supports real-time queries and bulk data transfers in both JSON and XML formats.

The platform ensures users stay ahead of regulatory changes by providing automated updates shortly after new customs information becomes available. These integration features also extend to major logistics and customs management systems, strengthening compliance strategies across the supply chain.

Automation and AI-Driven Analytics

iCustoms leverages machine learning to simplify and improve the accuracy of HS code classification based on product data. This significantly reduces manual errors that could lead to customs delays or fines.

The platform also uses predictive analytics to identify potential compliance risks by analyzing historical data and emerging regulatory trends. Automation in duty calculations helps businesses account for variables like country of origin, trade agreement benefits, and applicable exemptions, making compliance more efficient and less error-prone.

Pricing Models and Flexibility

To accommodate businesses of all sizes, iCustoms offers tiered pricing plans. For companies with irregular compliance needs, pay-per-use options are available. Larger enterprises can benefit from volume discounts and customizable pricing plans, ensuring both small importers and global corporations can access the data they need. All plans include dedicated customer support and regular updates to keep businesses informed and compliant.

5. OilpriceAPI

OilpriceAPI

OilpriceAPI focuses on delivering crucial market data for commodities like Brent Crude, WTI, Natural Gas, and Gold - key information that plays a vital role in trade compliance calculations and supply chain decisions. While other APIs might center on regulatory frameworks or customs procedures, OilpriceAPI zeroes in on providing market-driven intelligence tailored to commodity-based compliance needs. This distinct specialization highlights its technical strengths.

Real-Time Commodity Data for Compliance

OilpriceAPI delivers minute-by-minute price updates for over 150 global commodity price indices, including both spot and futures prices. For U.S. companies, this real-time data is indispensable when declaring values to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), minimizing the risk of penalties due to misdeclarations.

For example, supply chain managers importing crude oil can track daily Brent Crude prices in USD through seamless integration with their ERP systems. This automation ensures real-time customs value calculations and allows businesses to adjust procurement strategies during price fluctuations. By doing so, compliance reports remain accurate and aligned with U.S. regulations for valuation and tariff assessments.

Technical Integration and Features

OilpriceAPI uses a RESTful endpoint structure with JSON-formatted outputs, ensuring compatibility with popular ERP, TMS, and compliance systems. The integration process includes secure API key authentication and HTTPS requests, with outputs formatted specifically for U.S. standards - USD pricing, MM/DD/YYYY dates, and number formatting with commas for thousands and periods for decimals.

The platform also provides historical data access, which is particularly useful during compliance audits. U.S. authorities often require detailed proof of declared commodity values, and OilpriceAPI's historical pricing data helps maintain accurate records and defend against audit challenges.

Automating Compliance and Managing Risks

What sets OilpriceAPI apart is its specialization in market-driven pricing intelligence, which allows businesses to adapt quickly to regulatory changes, such as new tariffs on imported goods. For instance, when the U.S. government imposes additional tariffs on oil imports, companies can use OilpriceAPI to recalculate landed costs and update compliance documentation instantly, reducing the likelihood of compliance errors. This approach bridges market dynamics with regulatory requirements, ensuring smoother trade operations.

The API also supports customizable endpoints, enabling users to tailor data for specific commodities, date ranges, or levels of detail. This flexibility makes it an excellent tool for automating tasks like customs filings, tariff calculations, and risk assessments - all while adhering to U.S. data privacy and security standards.

Subscription Plans and Business Use

OilpriceAPI offers tiered subscription plans starting at around $29 per month for basic access. Higher-tier options, like Business and Enterprise plans, provide additional request limits and advanced features for users with greater data needs. These plans cater to businesses of all sizes, from small operations to large enterprises.

Users frequently praise the platform for its reliable data, ease of integration, and responsive customer support. Its accurate and timely pricing information proves especially valuable for compliance and financial reporting in volatile commodity markets.

Feature Comparison Table

Explore the key features, pricing, and compliance capabilities of each API in the table below. These comparisons complement the detailed reviews provided earlier, offering a quick reference for decision-making.

Feature	Trademo	BITE Data	Descartes Visual Compliance	iCustoms	OilpriceAPI
Primary Focus	Global trade regulations	Customs documentation	Visual compliance screening	Import/export procedures	Commodity price data
Real-Time Data	Regulatory updates	Document processing	Screening results	Customs rates	Real-time pricing
Data Coverage	190+ countries	50+ document types	Global watch lists	180+ countries	Key commodity benchmarks
Integration Type	REST API, SOAP	REST API	REST API, SDK	REST API, XML	JSON REST API
Authentication	API key, OAuth	API key	Token-based	API key, SSL	API key, HTTPS
Starting Price	$199/month	$149/month	Custom pricing	$89/month	Plan-specific pricing
Historical Data	5+ years	2+ years	10+ years	3+ years	Historical data available
Update Frequency	Daily	Real-time	Real-time	Weekly	Real-time
U.S. Compliance	CBP, BIS, OFAC	CBP documentation	OFAC, BIS screening	CBP, FDA	N/A
Data Format	JSON, XML	JSON	JSON, XML	JSON, XML, CSV	JSON
Support Level	Business hours	24/7	Dedicated account manager	Email support	Responsive support

Key Differences in Specialization

Each API brings unique strengths to the table:

Trademo: Ideal for businesses managing complex international trade, offering regulatory intelligence across multiple jurisdictions.
BITE Data: Simplifies customs documentation, helping businesses cut through paperwork and streamline supply chains.
Descartes Visual Compliance: Known for its robust screening capabilities, it ensures trading partners comply with government watch lists, a critical feature for audits and due diligence.
iCustoms: Provides an affordable solution for smaller operations, focusing on import/export procedures.
OilpriceAPI: Specializes in delivering real-time and historical commodity pricing data, essential for market analysis and strategic decisions.

Pricing and Value Considerations

The pricing structure of each API reflects its focus and audience:

OilpriceAPI offers flexible, plan-based pricing, making it appealing for businesses focused on commodity trading where timely data is crucial.
Descartes Visual Compliance justifies its custom pricing with extensive screening features and dedicated support.

While cost is important, the ease of technical integration is equally critical. Efficient integration can significantly enhance operational workflows.

Technical Integration Factors

APIs like BITE Data, Descartes, and OilpriceAPI provide real-time updates, catering to industries where immediate data access is essential. On the other hand, iCustoms offers weekly updates, which may suffice for organizations with less urgent needs.

Compliance Scope and Coverage

Each API addresses specific compliance requirements:

OilpriceAPI provides dependable pricing data for market analysis and valuation.
Trademo stands out with its extensive geographical coverage, spanning over 190 countries, making it a strong choice for businesses operating in diverse trade corridors.

Ultimately, your decision should align with your organization's specific needs, whether that's real-time data, compliance coverage, or cost-effective solutions.

Conclusion

When selecting an API for trade compliance automation, focus on your specific needs, budget, and the complexity of your operations. Tools like Trademo, BITE Data, Descartes Visual Compliance, iCustoms, and OilpriceAPI each cater to different aspects of compliance, offering a variety of solutions to explore.

The speed of implementation will depend on the API's complexity and your team's technical capabilities. Evaluate your team's resources and the urgency of deployment to determine how quickly you can integrate the API. Pay close attention to data accuracy and how frequently the information is updated - these factors directly influence operational efficiency and overall costs. Make sure these align with your long-term business goals.

Additionally, pick an API that fits your compliance risk level. For highly regulated industries, platforms offering broad regulatory coverage may be the best choice. Meanwhile, businesses focused on commodity markets might benefit more from APIs that provide specialized market data.

Lastly, think ahead. Opt for a solution that can scale with your business, handling increased API calls and adapting to a broader regulatory landscape as you grow. Planning for scalability now can save you from expensive migrations down the road.

FAQs

How can I choose the right trade compliance API for my business?

To choose the best trade compliance API for your business, start by pinpointing your specific requirements. Do you need to automate compliance tasks, access up-to-the-minute data, or ensure smooth integration with your current systems? Focus on APIs that provide accurate data, adaptability, and easy integration to simplify your processes.

It’s also worth evaluating features like real-time monitoring, access to historical data, and support for managing intricate compliance needs. Selecting an API that aligns with your operational goals can improve your supply chain efficiency and help minimize compliance risks.

What are the advantages of using a trade compliance API in your business systems?

Integrating a trade compliance API into your business systems can greatly improve how efficiently and accurately your operations run. By automating key processes, it minimizes the chances of manual errors, keeps your business aligned with regulations, and adds an extra layer of security to trade transactions.

These APIs also simplify workflows by delivering real-time data and insights. This not only helps reduce risks but also supports smarter decision-making. The result? Lower costs, a smoother supply chain, and a business that's more reliable and better equipped to perform at its best.

How does access to real-time data improve trade compliance efficiency?

Access to real-time data is a game-changer for simplifying trade compliance. Having the latest information at your fingertips means businesses can efficiently calculate duties, handle tariffs, and stay aligned with shifting regulations. This not only cuts down on delays but also helps reduce costs and avoid costly mistakes or penalties.

It also opens the door for automating repetitive tasks like analyzing documents and entering data. These automated processes can dramatically speed up customs clearance, making operations both faster and more accurate. The result? Companies can quickly adjust to new compliance demands and stay ahead in the fast-paced world of global trade.