diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index 0b6d256..9bfc1f3 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -2,6 +2,19 @@
 
 This file provides context and rules for AI agents working on `odoo_ocr`, a local-first invoice OCR pipeline that reads scanned, printed, handwritten, and native-PDF invoices and produces Odoo Enterprise-ready XML.
 
+## Mandatory First Step for Agents
+
+Before starting any work on this project, inspect `.agents/skills/` and load every skill whose description applies to the task at hand. The skills contain project-specific rules, prompts, templates, and checklists that take precedence over general instructions.
+
+Available project skills:
+
+- `odoo-ocr-pipeline` — when implementing classifier, branches, OCR, extraction, or review.
+- `odoo-xml-import` — when generating or validating Odoo XML.
+- `local-vlm-client` — when writing model clients or prompts.
+- `review` — when reviewing code, tests, or design decisions before approving changes.
+
+If the requested change touches more than one skill, load all of them. If a task is ambiguous or conflicts with the local-only / privacy constraint, stop and consult the user before proceeding.
+
 ## Project Goal
 
 Build a Python application that:
@@ -109,12 +122,4 @@ Ask for clarification when:
 - The change affects the Odoo target schema or import method.
 - You are unsure whether a file should be committed or a dependency added.
 - A requested feature conflicts with the local-only / privacy constraint.
-
-## Skills Reference
-
-Agents should load the relevant project skills from `.agents/skills/`:
-
-- `odoo-ocr-pipeline` — when implementing classifier, branches, OCR, extraction, or review.
-- `odoo-xml-import` — when generating or validating Odoo XML.
-- `local-vlm-client` — when writing model clients or prompts.
-- `review` — when reviewing code, tests, or design decisions before approving changes.
+- Any project rule, skill instruction, or requirement is unclear or ambiguous.