license-comply
license-comply: A focused open-source CLI for Python license discovery, policy checks, and compliance reporting. Ranked #18 of 28 in Open Source License Compliance Software by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for python projects needing license policy checks.
At a glance
- Editor score7.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPython projects needing license policy checks
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Policy enforcementBoth
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Finds direct and transitive Python dependency licenses
- Supports custom allow, deny, and review policies
- Produces terminal, Markdown, HTML, and JSON reports
Where it doesn't
- Coverage centers on Python projects
- Uses a local CLI rather than a hosted service
- SBOM export is planned, so workflows center on reports
Our verdict on license-comply
license-comply is an open-source command-line tool for developers, lawyers, and compliance professionals who need to assess Python dependency license risks. It discovers dependencies from pyproject.toml and requirements.txt, scans installed virtual-environment packages for transitive dependencies, retrieves license metadata through the PyPI JSON API, and classifies licenses with SPDX identifiers. The tool also handles dual-license scenarios and evaluates compatibility according to the project type.
Policy enforcement is a central strength. Teams can define custom allow, deny, and review rules, then run compliance checks in CI mode with exit codes based on the results. Obligation rollups provide a view across dependencies, while reports can be generated in terminal, Markdown, HTML, or JSON formats. GitHub Actions is listed as an integration, making the tool suitable for repository-based workflows where license checks need to participate in automated builds.
The product’s focus is narrow and clear: local Python license compliance analysis rather than a hosted, multi-language governance platform. Optional executive summaries can use Claude or OpenAI, adding a higher-level explanation layer alongside the underlying reports. SBOM export is planned, so the current workflow is centered on dependency discovery, compatibility analysis, policy decisions, obligation tracking, and report generation. Choose license-comply when a Python project needs open-source, on-premise policy checks with CI integration. Teams seeking broader language coverage or an established SBOM exchange workflow should consider a different category fit.
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license-comply pricing
license-comply fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Policy enforcement | Both |
| Obligation tracking | Yes |
| Attribution reports | Not verified |
| SBOM import formats | Not verified |
| Deployment options | On-premise |
| Source scan methods | Repository |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: PyPI, Claude, OpenAI, GitHub Actions |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
license-comply integrations
license-comply lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- PyPI
- Claude
- OpenAI
- GitHub Actions
Alternatives to license-comply
- FOSSABroad open-source compliance coverage with free access, CI/CD controls, and SBOM workflows.9.4
- OSS Review ToolkitA flexible, self-hosted toolkit with broad ecosystem coverage and policy automation.9.0
- FossID WorkbenchA deep governance platform for teams managing open-source risk across the software lifecycle.8.8
See all license-comply alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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