Avalara enhances global trade with new compliance tools

Avalara has unveiled a new suite of cross-border solutions designed to help businesses navigate the increasingly complex global tariff landscape. The tools aim to simplify compliance, reduce operational friction, and support international expansion in a volatile trade environment.

The launch comes as businesses around the world face heightened challenges due to fluctuating de minimis thresholds, evolving trade restrictions, and rising tariffs. Avalara, a provider of tax compliance automation software, is positioning its cross-border tools as a comprehensive response to these mounting pressures.

According to the company, the new offering includes AvaTax Cross-Border, Tariff Code Classification, and Trade Restrictions Management. These tools are designed to work in tandem to manage the intricacies of international trade while improving compliance and efficiency.

"Automation is the golden ticket to scaling cross-border trade without getting buried in compliance headaches," said Craig Reed, GM, Cross Border, Avalara. "Avalara's suite of compliance services helps customers stay on top of this rapidly changing environment. Businesses that integrate real-time duty and tax solutions can classify goods instantly, calculate accurate costs, and clear customs all without slowing down operations."

The company says that relying on spreadsheets and manual processes is no longer viable for businesses seeking to expand globally while maintaining compliance. Instead, Avalara's cross-border tools automate key aspects of the import and export process to help organisations meet regulatory demands while improving the customer experience.

Avalara's solution suite offers several core capabilities. One of the principal features is real-time calculation of customs duties and import taxes, allowing businesses to present accurate and transparent costs to customers at checkout. This, the company claims, contributes to a smoother buying experience, with more accurate local tax information and fewer surprises on delivery.

Another major component is the automation of HS (Harmonised System) code classification, which Avalara says uses advanced artificial intelligence to assign correct codes for goods moving across borders. By automating this process, businesses can reduce human error, minimise compliance risks, and improve the speed at which goods clear customs.

The company also highlighted its Trade Restrictions Management feature, which helps ensure systems are kept up to date with the latest tariff schedules and regulatory changes. This proactive approach allows businesses to mitigate risks associated with non-compliance and maintain operations even as global trade rules shift.

Avalara notes that these tools can also be used to support strategic supply chain decisions. By providing a clearer understanding of the cost implications of regulatory or tariff changes, the solutions can help businesses make informed decisions about sourcing and logistics in a dynamic environment.

"Businesses that integrate real-time duty and tax solutions can classify goods instantly, calculate accurate costs, and clear customs all without slowing down operations," Reed said.

Beyond compliance, the solutions are intended to support global expansion efforts. With up-to-date regulatory information and AI-enhanced automation, Avalara believes businesses are better positioned to enter new markets confidently and with fewer barriers.

"As businesses continue to navigate the challenges of cross-border transactions and tariff unpredictability, Avalara remains at the forefront of providing scalable and reliable solutions to meet their compliance needs and manage their cross-border compliance obligations," the company said in its announcement.

Avalara's cross-border tools form part of its wider compliance ecosystem, which is used by more than 41,000 business and government customers across over 75 countries. The company's platform integrates with more than 1,200 systems, including leading ecommerce, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and billing applications, enabling clients to manage tax calculations, documentation, returns, and content access in one place.

The company maintains that the breadth and depth of its partner integrations contribute to a more seamless compliance process, reducing the burden on internal teams and enabling faster time to market for international sales.

Avalara believes its offering is particularly timely as global trade becomes more unpredictable. The need for reliable and adaptable compliance solutions has never been greater, and the company sees automation as key to meeting that demand.

"Automation is the golden ticket to scaling cross-border trade without getting buried in compliance headaches," Reed reiterated.

As trade landscapes evolve and new regulations are introduced, businesses will increasingly need tools that can adjust in real time. Avalara's latest cross-border solutions are presented as a step towards meeting those evolving needs while supporting broader commercial objectives such as supply chain resilience and international growth.

Avalara concludes that with these tools, companies are better equipped to manage their global trade obligations, reduce risk, and ensure a smoother path through the complexities of cross-border commerce.