MCP Server for Trade Data: Let Claude Query Your Import Costs Directly
Zentria Flow's MCP server lets Claude and other AI assistants query live tariff rates, HS codes, and landed cost calculations. Ask trade questions in natural language and get answers backed by real-time customs data — not training data that may be months old.
What You Can Do with the MCP Server
Ask Claude your import duty questions
Say "What's the landed cost of 500 cotton t-shirts from Bangladesh to the EU?" — Claude queries live tariff data and returns a detailed breakdown.
HS code classification in conversation
Describe your product naturally: "I sell ergonomic office chairs with mesh backs and adjustable armrests." Claude classifies it and returns the correct HTS code with confidence.
Supply chain scenario analysis
"If I switch my electronics sourcing from China to Vietnam, how much do I save on Section 301 tariffs per year given my current order volume?" — live data, instant answer.
Compliance document drafting
Ask Claude to draft a commercial invoice or packing list with all CBP-required fields, pre-filled with live HS codes and duty rates for your specific shipment.
5-Minute Setup
Get your Zentria Flow API key
Sign up at zentriaflow.com/api — the free tier includes 100 calls/month.
Add the MCP server to your Claude config
In Claude's MCP settings, add the Zentria Flow server with your API key. No custom code required.
Start asking trade questions
Claude now has live access to tariff rates, HS code lookups, landed cost calculations, and AD/CVD order checks.
Claude Desktop Configuration
// claude_desktop_config.json
{
"mcpServers": {
"zentria-flow": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@zentria-flow/mcp-server"],
"env": {
"ZENTRIA_API_KEY": "your_api_key_here"
}
}
}
}Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zentria Flow MCP server?
The Zentria Flow MCP (Model Context Protocol) server is an integration that connects Claude and other AI assistants directly to Zentria Flow's live trade data APIs. Instead of asking Claude general knowledge questions about tariffs (which may be outdated), the MCP server lets Claude query real-time tariff rates, HS codes, landed costs, and AD/CVD orders on your behalf. The server acts as a 'bridge' between the AI and live customs data.
What is the Model Context Protocol (MCP)?
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open protocol developed by Anthropic that allows AI assistants like Claude to securely connect to external data sources and tools. MCP servers expose specific capabilities (like 'look up tariff rate' or 'classify product to HS code') that the AI can call when relevant. This means Claude gives you accurate, current answers instead of hallucinating tariff rates from its training data.
Does the MCP server work with Claude.ai or only Claude API?
The MCP server works with Claude Desktop (the desktop application) and any Claude API integration that supports MCP. Claude.ai (the web interface) does not currently support external MCP servers. For web-based workflows, use the REST API directly or integrate via the Zapier/Make connector.
What trade data can Claude access through the MCP server?
Through the MCP server, Claude can: (1) look up current tariff rates for any HTS code + origin + destination combination, including Section 301, Section 232 and forced-labor tariff rates and exemptions; (2) classify product descriptions to HS codes; (3) calculate full landed cost including duty, VAT, and freight; (4) check AD/CVD order status for any product; (5) retrieve tariff rate history with Federal Register citations.
Is this secure? Can Claude see my business data?
The MCP server only sends the specific query to the API (e.g., product description + origin + destination). It does not give Claude access to your Zentria Flow account, historical shipments, or any other business data unless you explicitly provide that information in your conversation. Your API key is stored locally in your Claude Desktop config and is not transmitted to Anthropic.
Related Resources
Connect Claude to Live Trade Data
Get your API key and connect the MCP server in 5 minutes. Free tier available.