Integrate the Avalara Cross-Border Restrictions API to screen products for import prohibitions and licensing requirements before checkout

Steps

1. Authenticate to the Avalara REST v2 API using HTTP Basic Authentication with your account number and license key encoded in Base64.
2. Call the ListCrossBorderSections definition endpoint to retrieve the current list of restriction categories supported by the API (e.g., prohibited goods, quota items, items requiring import licenses).
3. For each product at checkout, POST a restriction check request with the destination country, HS code, and declared value; parse the response for restriction flags and any required documentation.
4. If a restriction flag is returned, surface a clear message to the shopper before completing the order; for license-required items, collect the importer license number or redirect the shopper to a compliance workflow.
5. Combine the restriction check with the landedCost calculation in a single checkout flow; perform restriction screening first to avoid calculating duties for a shipment that will ultimately be blocked.
6. Log all restriction check responses per order for compliance audit purposes; regulators may request evidence that restricted item screening was performed at point of sale.