Having a robust yet simple export process with strong automated systems is essential when you are looking to scale your business, but compliance must not be sacrificed for growth or speed; this is where export documentation software comes in. Here we outline some of the leading providers on the market, comparing documented features, testimonials and company history, offering the perfect introduction to those looking to begin their search for new software.
What are we basing this on?
- Features: We look at the documented features on the providers’ sites.
- Company background: We explore some of the online mentions of the software providers.
1. Descartes Visual Compliance
Descartes Visual Compliance’s Export Documentation Manager is positioned as an “export documentation + compliance” workflow rather than a standalone forms tool: it helps users find the right export documentation while performing essential compliance activities such as denied party screening, licence determination, EEI, AES filing/submissions, and reporting requirements (including for Canadian exporters). It explicitly emphasises reducing missing/incomplete/incorrect forms, with built-in checks designed to catch compliance errors before submission.
The software is also designated as an intelligent system that allows for easy onboarding and one step documentation creation that is easy to organise and comes with role based permissions. In addition to the robust features, Descartes Visual Compliance are also at the forefront of AI development within their software as recent coverage in FutureIOT showed.
2. Shipping Solutions
Shipping Solutions offer export document software that helps with speed and error-reduction: you enter shipment information once and the software formats and places it onto the correct export forms, aiming to make documentation “five-times faster” while reducing inconsistencies that can slow shipments and payments. It also pairs document production with built-in compliance, including restricted party screening, export licence determination, and “document determination” so teams know what paperwork is required for a given shipment.
It then extends that workflow into filing: the platform promotes easy electronic export information submission through AES with a click (avoiding redundant data entry), plus a broader operations toolkit.
3. JustTrade
Just Trade frames its Export Document System as a workflow that starts with checking trade rules, then creating export documents, then sending declarations—linking documentation and compliance steps together. It provides a database/guide covering 200+ destinations, supports document creation via templates or ERP integration, and positions “send declarations” as converting export documents into export declarations for submission to HMRC.
On the documentation side, it offers standard UN/SITPRO templates (e.g., Commercial Invoice, Packing List, CMR Note, plus DG notes and declarations), generated from a single master form into PDFs. Their marketing materials also call out time-saving controls like duplication for repeat transactions, pre-defined templates for common fields (incoterms, declarations, parties, etc.), a JSON API for third-party integration, and packing allocation that auto-calculates weights/volume.
4. Exportmaster
Exportmaster positions itself as “best-of-breed” export management software focused on improving documentation accuracy and operational efficiency across the entire export process, especially where teams are juggling multiple shipments with different market/customer requirements. It can integrate with ERP and warehouse management systems, or run as a standalone solution, so it’s designed to fit around existing operations rather than forcing a full system replacement.
Feature-wise, Exportmaster leans into practical shipment-processing wins: faster and easier shipment handling, simplified document production to improve accuracy, and less labour-intensive re-keying to boost productivity and confidence that shipments won’t be held up. It also highlights “export-team specific” needs that sit outside many ERPs—such as calculating accurate weights/dimensions and capturing detailed shipment information—so the paperwork reflects what’s actually shipping.
What do you need to consider when picking a vendor?
To summarise the above; make sure you check the reviews of the software and perhaps see if you can track down users of the actual system to see if they have any advice/thoughts (Reddit can be a good place to start here although verifying accuracy of the information can be challenging). Beyond that, ensuring you have engaging conversations with the professionals at the respective software companies where you go into detail and ask the right questions will put you on the right track to getting the perfect software for your requirements.
