diff --git a/hermes_cli/tools_config.py b/hermes_cli/tools_config.py
index 0f5390c87..b92139039 100644
--- a/hermes_cli/tools_config.py
+++ b/hermes_cli/tools_config.py
@@ -108,7 +108,8 @@ def _get_effective_configurable_toolsets():
     """
     result = list(CONFIGURABLE_TOOLSETS)
     try:
-        from hermes_cli.plugins import get_plugin_toolsets
+        from hermes_cli.plugins import discover_plugins, get_plugin_toolsets
+        discover_plugins()  # idempotent — ensures plugins are loaded
         result.extend(get_plugin_toolsets())
     except Exception:
         pass
@@ -118,7 +119,8 @@ def _get_effective_configurable_toolsets():
 def _get_plugin_toolset_keys() -> set:
     """Return the set of toolset keys provided by plugins."""
     try:
-        from hermes_cli.plugins import get_plugin_toolsets
+        from hermes_cli.plugins import discover_plugins, get_plugin_toolsets
+        discover_plugins()  # idempotent — ensures plugins are loaded
         return {ts_key for ts_key, _, _ in get_plugin_toolsets()}
     except Exception:
         return set()