Two more countries have joined the European Union (EU) from January 1st 2007: Bulgaria and Romania. This brings the total number of countries in the EU to 27.
From January 1st, customs clearance procedures for shipments travelling between these countries have been eliminated. Shipments coming from other regions will still be required to go through customs clearance.
DHL offers the broadest portfolio of products and the most extensive network in Europe. The expansion of the EU will allow DHL to deliver faster to even more destinations than before.
EU Expansion FAQ
What has changed with the European Union (EU)?
The following countries have joined the European Union from January 1st 2007: Bulgaria & Romania.
When did the new countries join the European Union (EU)?
They joined the EU on January 1st 2007.
What is the European Union (EU)?
The European Union is a group of countries which have agreed on a plan of economic cooperation. In particular for DHL, this is important as all customs clearance between these countries has been eliminated - it is possible to send a package from Paris to Rome without filling in customs documents. As of January 1st 2007, the two new countries are included in this agreement.
Will all these countries use the Euro currency?
No. These countries will continue to use local currencies until they meet other legal criteria set by the EU.
What is the full list of countries which are in the EU after January 1st 2007?
Austria Belgium Bulgaria* Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania* Slovenia Slovakia Spain Sweden United Kingdom
* joined EU on January 1st 2007.
What products can DHL now offer for the extended list of EU countries?
For customers shipping within this group of countries, they can now use European Community Express and our Day Definite services (Europack, Europlus). This is in addition to our standard products (Worldwide Document Express, Worldwide Parcel Express, StartDay Express, MidDay Express and Import Express).
For customers who are shipping to these regions from outside the EU, DHL will continue to offer: Worldwide Document Express, Worldwide Parcel/Priority Express, StartDay / MidDay Express (for some regions) and Import Express.
DHL offers Time Definite deliveries to more destinations than our competitors.
What are the countries / territories that are NOT going to be in the EU but which are nearby?
Channel Islands - Guernsey, Jersey (UK) Destinations with a postcode higher than 96000 (French islands)
What forms are required to ship within the new EU?
Shipments moving within the EU require a valid Transport Document (ie. a DHL air waybill) which must include a detailed commercial description of the content and a VAT number for your customers. Excise goods (finished tobacco products, alcohol and oil products) will remain subject to the EC Legislation 12/1992 and will still travel under specific regulations and restrictions.
All of my shipments come from outside Europe - what does this change mean for me?
DHL offers the broadest portfolio of products and the most extensive network in Europe. The expansion of the EU will allow DHL to deliver faster to even more destinations than before. In many of these countries, DHL was the first express carrier to offer services - shipping to these countries can be complex and DHL has the expertise and the experience in ensuring your shipments arrive when you want them - quickly and efficiently.
What are the advantages for customers who ship within the European Union?
Customers can expect to get even faster transit times for intra-EU shipments through DHL's extensive network and the elimination of customs clearance procedures. This means that they can get later pick-up time (DHL already provides some of the latest pick-up times possible) and earlier delivery for certain areas.
