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Pre-shipment Check

ActiveTradeMUSTFREE

What it does

Comprehensive pre-shipment screening combining cost calculation, compliance checks, sanctions screening, and document verification in a single call. Returns a checklist of PASS/FAIL/WARNING items with an overall risk score and recommendations.

Required Fields for 100% Accuracy

2 required / 7 total

Field	Type	Required	Description	Example
`hs_code`	string	!	HS code (digits only)	`8471.30`
`destination`	string	!	Destination country (ISO 2-letter code)	`US`
`origin`	string	opt	Origin country (ISO 2-letter code)	`CN`
`declared_value`	number	opt	Declared shipment value	`500`
`weight_kg`	number	opt	Weight in kg	`2.5`
`shipper_name`	string	opt	Shipper name for sanctions screeningInclude for sanctions screening — otherwise only embargo check runs.	`Shenzhen Tech Co`
`documents_provided`	string[]	opt	List of documents already preparedHelps identify missing required documents before shipping.	`["commercial_invoice", "packing_list"]`

Tips for Best Accuracy

✓hs_code + destination are the minimum required fields
✓Adding shipper_name enables sanctions screening of the exporter
✓documents_provided helps identify missing customs paperwork before shipping
✓US imports over $2,500 require a customs bond — declared_value triggers this check

Common Mistakes

✗Using HS codes with non-numeric characters — only digits are accepted
✗Not providing shipper_name — sanctions screening is skipped without it

How to use it

Prepare shipment details

Include HS code, origin, destination, value, weight, and shipper name.

Run the check

POST /api/v1/verify/pre-shipment runs all compliance and cost checks.

Review the checklist

Each check item shows PASS, FAIL, or WARNING status with detailed explanations.

Address failures

Fix any FAIL items before shipping. The recommendations field provides specific guidance.

API Reference

POST/api/v1/verify/pre-shipment

Request

{
  "hs_code": "8471.30",
  "origin": "CN",
  "destination": "US",
  "declared_value": 500,
  "weight_kg": 2.5,
  "shipper_name": "Shenzhen Tech Co"
}

Response

{
  "overallStatus": "PASS",
  "riskScore": 15,
  "checklist": [
    {
      "item": "HS Code Validity",
      "status": "PASS",
      "detail": "Valid 6-digit HS code"
    },
    {
      "item": "Sanctions Screening",
      "status": "PASS",
      "detail": "No matches found"
    },
    {
      "item": "Restrictions Check",
      "status": "PASS",
      "detail": "No restrictions"
    },
    {
      "item": "Embargo Check",
      "status": "PASS",
      "detail": "No embargo"
    }
  ],
  "recommendations": [],
  "missingDocs": []
}

cURL

curl -X POST https://potal.app/api/v1/verify/pre-shipment \
  -H "X-API-Key: pk_live_your_key" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"hs_code":"8471.30","origin":"CN","destination":"US","declared_value":500,"shipper_name":"Shenzhen Tech Co"}'

Related Features

🌐Sanctions Screening

Screen against OFAC SDN, BIS Entity List, and 19 global sources

⚙️Restricted Items

Screen products against import restrictions and prohibited item lists

🌐Customs Documentation

Generate commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates

⚙️Total Landed Cost

Get the full import cost including duties, taxes, fees, and shipping

🌐Dangerous Goods Flag

Flag hazardous materials and dangerous goods restrictions

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