Open source compliance tools are essential for businesses using open source code. From license detection to SBOM generation, these tools reduce legal risk and help pass audits. In this guide, we highlight 5 powerful tools and how to choose the right one whether you’re in the UAE, US, or scaling globally.
What Are Open Source Compliance Tools?
Open source compliance tools help businesses detect license violations, generate SBOMs, and maintain documentation needed to meet regulatory, security, and investor standards.
They typically offer:
- License risk scanning
- Dependency tracking
- SBOM generation (SPDX, CycloneDX)
- CI/CD integration for continuous compliance
✅ These tools are especially important if you’re scaling, working in sensitive sectors (finance, health), or expanding globally.
Tool #1: FOSSA
Best for: Growing dev teams or enterprises with dedicated DevOps pipelines.
FOSSA automates license scanning, generates audit-ready SBOMs, and enforces open source policies in real-time.
Key Features:
- License detection
- Real-time policy alerts
- CI/CD + GitHub integrations
Pricing: Free tier available. Enterprise plans are quote-based.
Region: Fully supported in UAE and US.
Learn more about FOSSA
Tool #2: Snyk
Best for: Security-first teams who want compliance + vulnerability scanning in one tool.
Snyk covers open source risk, including license conflicts, deprecated packages, and security patches.
Key Features:
- OSS vulnerability + license scanning
- SBOM export
- Git-based policy enforcement
Pricing: Free for small teams. Paid plans start at $25/user/month.
Region: Supported in UAE/US, with dedicated region-based infrastructure options.
Explore Snyk’s platform
Tool #3: ScanCode Toolkit
Best for: Technical teams and open-source projects who want free and deep scans.
ScanCode is an open-source tool that scans files and directories for license and copyright data.
Key Features:
- Full offline use
- 1,000+ license types
- Generates SPDX, CycloneDX SBOMs
Pricing: 100% free and open source
Region: Works globally — ideal for UAE startups with privacy-sensitive use cases.
Download ScanCode Toolkit
Tool #4: Mend (formerly WhiteSource)
Best for: Large-scale orgs with complex OSS usage across teams.
Mend (WhiteSource) combines license detection with smart remediation and policy enforcement.
Key Features:
- Real-time alerts on risky components
- License conflict auto-resolution
- Enterprise dashboard
Pricing: Quote-based only
Region: UAE/US enterprise clients supported.
See Mend’s enterprise solutions
Tool #5: OSS Review Toolkit (ORT)
Best for: Engineering teams that want full control and custom pipeline automation.
ORT integrates into CI/CD and auto-generates policy reports based on SPDX and license metadata.
Key Features:
- Custom license policy support
- CI integrations (Jenkins, GitLab, GitHub Actions)
- Supports multiple formats (SPDX, JSON)
Pricing: Free and open source
Region: Used across UAE and US engineering teams with local DevOps infra
View OSS Review Toolkit on GitHub
How to Choose the Right OSS Compliance Tool
Start by asking:
- Do you need SBOMs or license alerts only?
- Will it be used by devs or compliance/legal?
- Do you need offline, open source, or cloud-based tools?
Quick Matching Guide:
- ✅ Use Snyk if you want license + security combo
- ✅ Use ScanCode for a free lightweight scanner
- ✅ Use Mend or FOSSA for audit-heavy workflows
🔶 Compare Tools with Our Expert Help
Quick Comparison: Top Tools
| Tool | Free Plan | SBOM | License Scan | UAE/US Ready |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOSSA | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Snyk | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ScanCode | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mend | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| ORT | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Why OSS Compliance Tools Matter in 2025
— Yahyou Compliance Expert
From Dubai’s SCA regulations to U.S. SaaS investor due diligence, software compliance is no longer optional. Choosing the right tool early gives your business a clear edge.
Who Should Use These Tools?
Whether you’re a CTO at a high-growth SaaS startup or a compliance officer in a regulated industry like healthcare or fintech, these tools are designed to scale with your needs. Startups in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and California increasingly face open source audits as part of funding or M&A. Investing in compliance now can prevent painful delays later.
Need help picking the right OSS tool?
Book a free consultation — let Yahyou guide you toward secure, scalable compliance.