Unless you specifically select the Duties & Taxes Paid (DTP) service, the receiver will be responsible for paying duties and taxes. By default, if no indication is provided, the shipment will be considered as Duties & Taxes Unpaid (DTU).
The weight and dimensions you have declared for your DHL Express package are subject to verification through re-weighing. If necessary, any discrepancies may result in adjustments to your billing.
It is important to provide accurate and complete information when specifying the shipper's address and details. This should include your or your company's name, telephone or mobile number, email address, and a comprehensive mailing address, including the postal code.
When providing the receiver's address and details, it is essential to include complete and accurate information. This should consist of the company or individual's name, a valid contact person, contact number, email address, and a comprehensive mailing address, including the postal code.
The shipment information you provide plays a vital role in customs clearance to ensure alignment between the declared details and the actual contents of your DHL box or package, as well as the shipping invoice. Please be aware that air waybills have an expiration date and will be considered invalid after that point.
Packing your DHL shipments is as easy as following these simple steps. Download our detailed guide if you have non-standard goods or want to know more.
Step 1: Choose
Choose a suitable packaging type based on your shipment's size, regulations, and packaging cost. Order free supplies from DHL or use your own.
Step 2: Pack
If using a box, place your items in the center, at least 6cm away from the external walls or corners. Fill empty space with bubble wrap, crumpled paper, or other suitable material. If using envelopes or flyer bags for small items like CDs, make sure they are cushioned or padded.
Step 3: Seal
Use pressure-sensitive tape, such as brown plastic, electrical, or duct tape of at least 48mm width. Seal your box along the center seam and then along the edges.
Step 4: Label
Fix the shipment label securely on the top surface of the box, envelope, or flyer bag. When you print a label, two copies are produced - a transport one and an archive one. Put the transport one on your packaging and the archive one inside - this will help us identify your shipment if the transport label is detached or damaged.
When you need to ship internationally, you’ll need to create a shipment, which will involve the generation of an air waybill (AWB). Your air waybill is arguably the most important piece of documentation associated with your shipment. It contains all the instructions and information about the contents and characteristics of your shipment that is necessary for transportation. But more importantly, the AWB is the document that proves the ownership of any DHL package – based on the details of the sender and recipient. The waybill is usually attached to the exterior of the shipment package, whether it’s a DHL Express box or DHL envelope. This allows for anyone handling the shipment to easily access important details.
What are prohibited items?
Prohibited items are never accepted for carriage. See the full list here
A fur coat
A pack of cigarettes
Plant seeds
What are restricted items?
Restricted items are accepted for carriage only upon prior written agreement between you and DHL. See the full list here
Art of any value
An electronic cigarette
Jewelry over EUR 5,000
What are dangerous goods?
A type of restricted items, dangerous goods are any substances or materials that can pose an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property. Dangerous goods are accepted for carriage upon prior approval by DHL and with additional precautions. Learn more about dangerous goods here
A bottle of perfume
Fireworks
Dry ice
BROWSE SHIPPING GUIDES
Unsure or curious about other aspects of shipping with DHL? Browse more shipping guides.