What is Fedex Electronic Trade documents and how to use in Magento 2 fedex shipping extensions.

By | March 19, 2025
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What is FedEx Electronic Trade Documents (ETD)?

FedEx ETD (Electronic Trade Documents) allows shippers to electronically submit international shipping paperwork — like Commercial Invoices, Certificates of Origin, and other required customs documents — rather than printing and attaching them to shipments. This streamlines international shipping, reduces errors, speeds up customs clearance, and helps avoid document loss.

Benefits of FedEx ETD in Magento 2:

  • No more manual document printing and attaching.
  • Faster customs processing and reduced paperwork errors.
  • Environmentally friendly and more efficient international shipping.
  • Keeps all shipping and customs documentation stored digitally.

How to Use FedEx ETD in Magento 2 FedEx Shipping Extensions:

  1. Check if Your FedEx Extension Supports ETD:
    Most advanced FedEx shipping extensions for Magento 2 (like those by Amasty, ShipperHQ, or Temando) support ETD.

    • Confirm in the extension documentation or settings that ETD or Electronic Trade Documents is supported and enabled.
  2. Enable ETD in Your FedEx Account:

    • Log into your FedEx account.
    • Ensure ETD is enabled in your FedEx account settings.
    • You may need to agree to the terms and conditions and upload company letterhead or digital signatures.
  3. Configure FedEx in Magento 2 Admin:

    • Go to Stores > Configuration > Sales > Shipping Methods > FedEx.
    • Enter your FedEx Account Number, Meter Number, Key, and Password (if not already configured).
    • Look for the Enable Electronic Trade Documents (ETD) option (varies by extension).
    • Set Enable ETD to Yes.
  4. Uploading Documents Automatically:

    • Magento 2 extensions that support ETD will automatically generate and send documents like the Commercial Invoice based on your order and product data.
    • Make sure your products have required attributes filled out (like country of origin, HS code, weight, and price), as these are used to generate customs documents.
  5. Testing in Sandbox Mode:

    • Before going live, use the FedEx sandbox environment to test international shipments and confirm that ETD documents are generated and transmitted correctly.
  6. Order Processing:

    • When creating international FedEx shipments via Magento, the extension will automatically submit required trade documents electronically along with the shipment request.

Tips for Smooth ETD Usage in Magento 2:

  • Ensure your products have:
    • HS Tariff Code
    • Country of Manufacture
    • Accurate weight & declared value
  • Some extensions allow you to attach PDF templates for commercial invoices or certificates of origin — set these up in the extension settings.
  • Periodically test international shipments in the FedEx sandbox to confirm document transmission.
  • Always keep your FedEx credentials updated in Magento.