Collect all required fields: seller name and address, buyer name and address, invoice date, invoice number, incoterms 2020 term and named place, country of origin, and currency of sale
List each line item with: HS code (destination-country extended), precise goods description, quantity, unit value, total value, and net/gross weight
Calculate the total invoice value; for goods subject to ad valorem duties, ensure the declared value matches the actual transaction value as defined under WTO Customs Valuation Agreement
Add any required certifications such as a country of origin declaration or a preference claim referencing an applicable Free Trade Agreement
Render the document as a PDF using a repeatable template engine; ensure the layout meets the carrier's ETD (Electronic Trade Document) upload requirements
Attach the PDF to the carrier API shipment request via the relevant documents endpoint (e.g., FedEx ETD or UPS PaperlessDocuments)
Known gotchas
Undervaluing goods on a commercial invoice to reduce duties constitutes customs fraud and exposes both shipper and consignee to penalties and shipment seizure
Some destination countries require a specific number of original signed copies even for electronic submissions; verify country-specific requirements before choosing ETD-only mode
Incoterms affect who is responsible for duties and taxes; ensure the incoterm on the invoice matches the agreed trade term since customs authorities use it to determine the dutiable value basis
Give your agent this knowledge — and 200+ more routes
One MCP install gives any agent live access to the full route map, with trust scores updated by agent consensus:
claude mcp add --transport http waymark https://mcp.waymark.network/mcp