If you get the message " ERROR: The COMMERCIAL_INVOICE requires an electronic LETTER_HEAD." when trying to book a FedEx international shipment, follow the steps below to resolve.
First, you will need to enable paperless clearance in your FedEx Account.
Log into your account on www.fedex.com and go to the FedEx Ship Manager page.
Next, click on Preferences.
Under "Customs Clearances Preferences", check the box next to "Always Create" and select Commerical Invoice from the dropdown.
Check the box next to "Always print Commerical Invoice/Pro Forma Invoice on uploaded company letterhead". Then select "Upload".
This will prompt a separate pop-up window and allow you to select the file to upload your company letterhead to FedEx. After choosing the file select "Upload".
Check the box next to "Always include uploaded signature on the applicable customs documents". Click Upload to upload your signature to FedEx.
Check the box next to "Enable Electronic Trade Document (ETD)" *Note after clicking the box a pop-up window will appear with the FedEx ETD terms and conditions, you need to scroll to the bottom and click "Agree" to continue.
Select "Save changes" at the bottom.
If you have an issue with the steps above you will want to contact FedEx and ask for assistance enabling paperless clearance for international shipments.
After paperless clearance has been enabled in FedEx, you will want to ensure you have a company logo uploaded to the system. If you have not previously uploaded a logo, follow the instructions in the Help Center article: Add a Logo to your Commercial Invoices
Last, you will want to ensure you have a signature uploaded per the instructions in the Help Center article: Paperless Clearance for International Shipments
You can also skip the paperless clearance if you need to process your shipment faster by selecting "No" in the option for paperless and completing a commercial invoice to print.