AI-Powered duty engine transforms cross-border shipping

Indian logistics firm iThink Logistics (ITL) on Tuesday launched its AI-powered Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) platform, aimed at streamlining cross-border e-commerce for exporters. The platform provides all-inclusive international shipping rates upfront, covering freight, duties, and taxes, enabling exporters to manage costs effectively while ensuring compliance with global trade regulations.

According to ITL, the new solution delivers end-to-end predictability in cross-border shipping by combining enterprise-grade compliance infrastructure with SME-focused affordability. Exporters can access real-time, country-specific duty and tax estimates, dynamically updated to reflect regulatory changes across major markets such as the United States and European Union, including recent developments like the US tariff on Indian goods.

At the heart of the platform is an AI-powered Duty and Tax Classification Engine, built using generative AI trained on global customs data. The engine automatically classifies products according to the correct HSN (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) codes based on titles, descriptions, and images. This enables automated, accurate, and compliant international shipping, addressing the increasing regulatory requirements in global supply chains. The engine is designed to scale across millions of SKUs, supporting growing e-commerce catalogues efficiently.

Exporters using the platform can now provide customers with all-inclusive shipping rates upfront, eliminating the need for duties to be paid upon delivery and reducing post-purchase friction. The Delivered Duty Paid model is fully integrated into iThink Logistics’ booking dashboard and APIs, with support for major e-commerce platforms, including Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, Etsy, as well as custom storefronts.

Zaiba Sarang, Co-Founder of iThink Logistics, highlighted that Indian SMEs have long been underserved by solutions designed primarily for large enterprise exporters. She added that the platform and AI-powered duty engine equip SMEs with the tools to compete confidently on the global stage, eliminating cost unpredictability, reducing shipping friction, and mitigating compliance risks throughout their growth journey.

With the launch of this AI-powered DDP platform, iThink Logistics aims to empower Indian SMEs to navigate cross-border e-commerce efficiently, providing greater transparency, predictability, and compliance in international shipping while minimizing operational and financial risks.