Customs Questions

When you ship goods internationally, customs clearance is the process where customs authorities require you to declare the goods entering or leaving a country.

The customs declaration is a group of documents, often in digital form, that gives customs important information about the shipment, including the:

• Type of goods
• Value
• Quantity
• Classification
• Country of origin
• Shipper and receiver details

Customs authorities review this information to make sure the shipment complies with local law and import or export requirements. They then assess duties and taxes before releasing the shipment.

If you do not comply with customs requirements, your goods may be:

• Delayed
• Inspected further
• Held for more information
• Returned
• Seized
• Subject to fines or additional charges


Understanding customs requirements helps keep shipments moving and reduces the risk of delays.

Customs clearance can begin while the shipment is moving through the DHL Express network and continue when the shipment arrives in the destination country.

Yes. DHL Express works with customs authorities to help expedite clearance and offers tools and services that can help you prepare shipments more accurately.

You can also use MyGTS tools via your DHL Express account website to help with:

• Harmonized Systems (HS) code lookups - find the right globally standardized tariff code to classify your goods
• Landed cost estimates - includes the products' cost, duties and taxes applicable, and freight charges
• Country import and export requirements - every country has a different set of regulations
• Denied party checks - international sanctions lists that prevent transactions with restricted individuals or entities

Common reasons for customs delays include:

• Inaccurate or incomplete documentation
• Incorrect HS code
• Undervaluation of goods
• Non-compliance with import or export regulations
• Failure to pay duties and taxes on time
• Improper labeling or packaging

• Lack of response to customs or DHL Express requests for more information

This tracking status indicates customs processing activity from the destination side. It can be an early sign that customs may need additional information for clearance. You may be able to see more detail by opening the additional tracking information, where available.

Respond as quickly as possible. Customs authorities or DHL Express may need clarification about the shipment, its value, its contents, or the supporting documents. Delays in responding can delay the release of the shipment.

Yes. Missing or incomplete information is one of the most common causes of customs delay.

In particular, you should pay close attention to the:

• Commercial invoice
• Waybill or shipping label
• Thorough and complete description of goods
• Declared value - this must be the true market value of the goods
• Tariff or HS code


Also ensure all shipper and receiver contact details are complete and accurate.

In most countries, duties are calculated based on the assessable value of a dutiable shipment.

For this purpose, the goods are assigned a classification code, such as a Harmonized System code, which helps determine the applicable duty rate. The shipment is then cleared through customs based on factors such as the:

• Type of goods
• Country of origin
• Value and quantity

Duties and taxes are typically the responsibility of the receiver.

DHL Express usually pays duties and taxes to customs authorities on the receiver’s behalf, then collects payment from the receiver before or on delivery.

If the shipper chooses to pay all DHL Express charges, including duties and taxes, when creating the shipment, we will charge these costs back to the shipper instead. This helps avoid charges to the receiver.

Duties and taxes are levied by customs in the destination country, and the receiver is usually responsible for paying them.

In most cases, DHL Express cannot deliver the parcel until these charges have been paid.

Depending on the shipment and destination, duties and taxes may be paid online, through OnDemand Delivery, or when collecting the shipment at a DHL ServicePoint location. Payment methods may vary by case.

A zero-duty or duty-free rate does not always mean there are no import-related charges.

Other charges may still apply, including:

• Import customs tax
• Advance payment charges
• Customs clearance surcharges
• Regulatory charges, where applicable

Duties and taxes are often not included in the purchase price of goods bought online.

If the goods are shipped internationally and are not moving domestically or within a single customs union, import duties and taxes may apply. DHL Express may pay these charges to customs on your behalf so the shipment can continue, then collect the amount from you before delivery.

All types of shipments, including gifts, go through an import clearance process. Duties and taxes may apply if the value of the gift is above the local threshold set by the destination country.

HS stands for Harmonized System. An HS code is a stamdardized classification code used by customs authorities around the world to identify goods and determine duties and taxes.

Classification codes can include:

• Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes
• Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN)
• Schedule B numbers

You can use your country’s government resources or DHL Express' MyGTS tool to help find the right classification code for your goods. The more detail you have about the product, the easier it is to identify the correct code.

Without the correct code, customs may not be able to identify the goods properly or calculate the correct duties. Incorrect classification can lead to delays, changes in duty owed, or additional review.

Goods are not classified by their use, stage of manufacture, or place of origin. They are classified by the category under which they fall.

Examples include:

• Mineral products
• Plastics and rubber
• Raw hides, skins, and leather
• Wood and straw
• Textile
• Stone, plaster, and cement

An ECCN is an Export Control Classification Number. It is used for goods that may have dual-use applications, meaning they can have both commercial and military uses. The US controls these items to support national security and foreign policy.

Some exports with an ECCN may require export controls or a license. ECCNs are different from HS or Schedule B codes.

A denied party is an individual or entity that has been denied shipping privileges by government agencies. Trading with a denied party is prohibited.

If customs identifies a shipper, receiver, or other party involved in the transaction as appearing on a denied parties list, the shipment may be stopped for further review.

Yes. DHL Trade Automation Services, available through MyGTS, can be used to research denied parties. The tool is updated daily and can show potential matches and risk levels for further review.

If you are temporarily importing or exporting goods to be reviewed, repaired, altered, or processed within one year and then returned, you may be able to use an ATA Carnet or Temporary Importation Under Bond (TIB) to avoid paying duties.

An ATA Carnet is an international customs document, sometimes called a merchandise passport, that simplifies customs procedures for the temporary export or import of certain goods. It can help avoid customs duties, excise taxes, and temporary import bonds in countries that accept it.

Benefits can include:

• One application and one document
• Validity for one year
• Acceptance in many countries and territories
• Use for commercial samples, professional equipment, and exhibition goods
• Removal of duties, taxes, and temporary importation bonds in qualifying cases

No. An ATA Carnet does not remove the need for any licenses or permits that may still be required. Goods shipped on an ATA Carnet also cannot be sold until the carnet has been closed and the goods have returned to origin.

If a country does not support ATA Carnets, a Temporary Importation Under Bond may be needed instead. DHL Express can assist with that process.

Yes. To clear customs in the Euopean Union you will need an Economic Operators Registration Identifier or EORI number. It is a special identfied that helps customs officials track goods and you will need it if you are regularly shipping to or from the EU.

An EORI number is essential for filing customs declarations. Without it your shipments might not be processed, causing delays and additional costs. The number allows customs authorities to track shipments and ensure that businesses adhere to EU regulations.

For businesses engaged in frequent international trade, an EORI number simplifies the process. Whether operating an e-commerce store or using a fulfillment center, having the number is a legal requirement for trading with EU countries, helping you avoid legal penalties.

You’ll need to provide business details, such as VAT number (if applicable), business name, and registered address. If you are based outside of the EU you have two options:

• Apply for an EORI number through any EU country’s customs office, which gives you access to ship across the entire EU.
• Appoint an EU-based intermediary who can obtain an EORI number on your behalf.
• Once approved, your business will receive its unique EORI number, which should be used in all customs documentation. Some US businesses choose to work with an EU-based customs broker or tax representative to simplify the process.

MyGTS (My Global Trade Services) is DHL’s free, self-service online platform that helps businesses navigate international trade. It provides instant access to essential trade information in one place, including:

• Country-specific import/export regulations
• Landed cost calculator
• Required customs documentation
• Product classification (HS codes)

It will help you avoid delays, reduce costs, and ship across borders with confidence. It is intuitive and accessible, making it perfect for SMEs and growing e-commerce businesses.

It simplifies cross-border trade by giving you accurate, up-to-date information on duties, taxes, regulations, and required documentation. This helps you reduce delays at borders and plan more efficiently.

You can access the tools through the DHL Express website by logging in with your DHL Express account or registering for a new MyGTS account. Once logged in, you can search by product, destination and shipment type to access all relevant trade information.