On February 1, 2025, U.S. President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) to impose additional tariffs on products with Country of Origin (COO) China and Hong Kong (Made in China/Hong Kong), invoking emergency economic powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) with an effective date of 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on February 4, 2025.

Please click here for more information. 

New Data Requirements on Low-Value Shipments

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: October 15, 2024

What you need to know

The Revenue Agency of Mexico (SAT) and Customs, implemented additional data requirements for low-value shipments processed as informal/simplified entries (below 2,500 USD) by Express companies.

New mandatory data elements include the Importer/Consignee’s Name, Address and Tax ID.

DOF - Diario Oficial de la Federación 

HS Optional Requirements

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: October 15, 2024

What you need to know

For Low value shipments (of less than 2,000 USD and 50Kg) to Colombia that require the application of a specific Tariff Classification Code for tariff benefits, must include the 10-digit Import Tariff Classification Code in the air waybill. If not included, the tariff benefits cannot be applied, and the generic Express/Courier Tariff Classification Code 9807200000 (with 10% duty and 19% tax) will apply as per the standard express courier process.

Resolution 0039 of 2021/ Decree 360 of 2021  
Tariff–DIAN  
Modality-Postal traffic and urgent shipments 

Duty/Tax calculation for low-value shipments

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: August 1, 2024

New Import duty rates under “Programa Remessa Conforme” (PRC) – Compliant Shipment Program

What you need to know

• Value basis for duty/tax calculation for all Low-Value Shipments (shipments up to 3,000 USD) changes from the “value of the goods” (FOB) to the “purchase value of the goods” (CIF).
• New import customs duty rates for Business-to-Consumer (B2C) shipments under PRC:
  • Shipments with value up to 50 USD (CIF): 20% Duty/17% Tax
  • Shipments with value from 50.01 USD to 3,000 USD (CIF): 60% Duty with a 20 USD discount/17% Tax
• All shipments up to 3,000 USD (CIF) NOT eligible for PRC will continue to be subject to a 60% Duty/17% Tax.

Shippers:

• Provide complete and accurate Commercial Invoice data, ideally via one of the DHL Express Electronic Shipping Solutions. This will help to categorize and process the shipments adequately, including those qualifying for the PRC preferential treatment.
• PRC-registered e-commerce companies must consider the new applicable import customs duty rates to calculate and collect accurate duties and taxes from their clients in Brazil.

Explanation of New Rules  
Compliant Shipment Program (PRC) and How to Register  
List of PRC-registered companies  
Provisional Measure N 1,236 

Import Permit Exemptions

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: June 28, 2024

What you need to know

Per El Salvador customs authorities, personal (non-commercial) shipments, not exceeding US$300 (declared value of the goods) sent by private individual shippers to private individuals in El Salvador, are exempt from import permit requirements.

El Salvador Customs   

International Online Seller Duty Exemption

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: August 1, 2023

What you need to know

Import shipments up to $50 USD are exempt from duty as part of Brazil’s Compliant Shipment Program (Programa Remessa Conforme).

Learn about Brazil Federal Revenue Service (RFB) Compliant Shipment Program  

Customs Regulations Requirements for Importers

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: January 1, 2011

What you need to know

• All importers and exporters in China must register with Customs authorities for a Customs Registration code (CR Code) or work with an agent who has one. This CR Code must be included on customs declaration forms for all shipments except documents and personal effects.
• All non-document shipments to/from China require a Harmonized System code (HS Code) on customs declaration forms. Providing the HS Code and a detailed goods description will expedite HS classification and clearance.
• The duty exemption threshold for samples and advertising materials has changed from RMB 400 (approx. $71 US) to a new threshold based on duty and VAT liability, with shipments having a liability of less than RMB 50 (approx. $7 US) being exempt.
• Personal effects shipments must be unaccompanied baggage or commodities/gifts sent to a private individual in reasonable quantities for personal use. The value threshold is less than CNY 1,000 (USD 153), indivisible single item without any value threshold( one handbag, a pair of shoes).

Shippers:

• Ensure that all customs declaration forms include the CR Code and HS Code to avoid shipment delays.
• For unaccompanied baggage, the necessary clearance paperwork includes a passport with a valid visa and immigration entry/exit stamp, and a Baggage Declaration Form stamped by border Customs.
• For commodities/gifts sent to a private individual, provide a copy of the consignee’s ID, a detailed list of the items, and a proforma invoice.

View Baggage Declaration Form  
Read more about General Administration of Customs for China  
View China Customs Service official information regarding HS codes 

De Minimis and VAT Changes for Personal Imports

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: June 28, 2024

What you need to know

• Import Duty De Minimis Value for Personal Imports (Business to Consumer/B2C) duty free will be reduced from FJD 2,000 to FJD 1,000
• Import VAT (Value Added Tax) of 15% will now be collected on all Personal Imports (Business to Consumer/B2C) into Fiji for full value of the shipment.

In order to avoid delays, shippers sending shipments to Fiji should:

• Provide complete and accurate Commercial/Proforma Invoice data electronically via DHL Express Electronic Shipping Solutions, including goods descriptions, itemized values, country of origin, etc.
• Provide the Fiji receiver’s mobile phone number and email address when creating the shipment, so DHL Express can contact the consignee when/if required.

Customs Regulatory Fees

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: June 10, 2024

What you need to know

The Bureau of Customs of the Philippines has implemented the Customs Administrative Order 02-2024 whereby:

• All de-minimis shipments to the Philippines with a dutiable value of PHP 10,000 and below are subject to additional Regulatory Charges of PHP 430 per waybill

Customs Administrative Order 02-2024  

Import VAT Added Tax

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: July 5, 2024

What you need to know

Effective July 5, 2024 until December 31, 2024, goods shipped to Thailand with a value equal to or less than THB 1,500 will be subject to 7% Value Added Tax (VAT) upon import into Thailand.

Official Thai Customs Website    

Duty Threshold Changes

For: Shippers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: August 21, 2024

What you need to know

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has changed the import duty threshold from €150 to €30 for Business-to-Consumer (B2C) shipments entering Turkey.

Additionally, the import duty rate has changed for shipments coming from:

• European Union*: the duty rate will increase from 20% to 30%
• Rest of the World: the duty rate will increase from 30% to 60%

*European Union Countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Shipments To and Transiting Through European Union and Common Transit Convention Countries

For: Shippers
Shipping: Packages
Varies by country, transition period ends Effective: December 2, 2024

The New Computerized Transit System (NCTS) is the electronic system for transit declarations for the movement of goods by road destined or transiting the European Union and the Common Transit Convention (CTC ) countries.

What you need to know

The Union Customs Code (UCC) introduced requirements for NCTS.

For shipments to (or transiting through) the European Union and CTC countries, customs invoices must include:

• Detailed item descriptions
• Harmonized System (HS) code

What this means to you

One of the most important things you can do to help your shipment through the customs security screening and clearance process is to ensure you accurately describe your shipment items (goods/commodities) when creating shipments in MyDHL+

Learn About Customs Clearance

De Minimis for Duty and Import VAT

For: Shippers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: April 1, 2024

What you need to know

• For personal shipments, Kazakhstan customs authorities have decreased the de minimis value for duty and import VAT to €200 per shipment
• Does not apply to business-to-business (B2B) shipments
• Does not apply to shipments from: Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Russia

Change of Tariff Classification Structure

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: January 1, 2025

What you need to know

The Royal Oman Police Directorate General of Customs is transitioning from an 8-digit Tariff Classification Code to a 12-digit Tariff Classification Code. When preparing shipments for Oman ensure you use valid 12-digit Tariff Classification Codes. Failure to provide these may result in shipment clearance delays.

View More 

Change of Tariff Classification Structure

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: January 1, 2025

What you need to know

The Qatar General Customs Authority (QGCA) is transitioning from an 8-digit Tariff Classification Code to a 12-digit Tariff Classification Code. When preparing shipments for Qatar ensure you use valid 12-digit Tariff Classification Codes. Failure to provide these may result in shipment clearance delays.

View More 

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: January 1, 2025

What you need to know

The Kuwait Customs Authority (KCA) is transitioning from an 8-digit Tariff Classification Code to a 12-digit Tariff Classification Code. When preparing shipments for Kuwait ensure you use valid 12-digit Tariff Classification Codes. Failure to provide these may result in shipment clearance delays.

Learn more: https://www.ecustoms.gov.qa/qccswui/#/home

De Minimis Values

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: January 1, 2024

Changes in Customs clearance regulations in Saudi Arabia have mandated new requirements for express shipments.

What you need to know

All Shipments:

• 15% VAT applies regardless of shipment value

B2B shipments:

• Air waybill address clarification:
  • Consignee name is considered the Importer of Record (IOR) otherwise,
  • If different, address to Importer of Record in care of the Consignee
• Subject to Customs Duties
• Importer of Record (IOR) Commercial Registration Number on the Commercial Invoice is required
• Commercial Invoice should include the Certificate of Origin
• Companies are required to register DHL Express as a nominal clearing agent

C2C and B2C shipments only:

• Shipments with values below SAR 1,000.00:
  • Cleared on a consolidated customs entry
• Shipments with values exceeding SAR 1,000.00:
  • Cleared on an individual customs entry
  • Require the Importer’s National Identification Number (10-digits) in the VAT number field

Saber Standards Organization  
SFDA Food & Drug Authority  
MOCI Ministry of Commerce & Industry  
CST Communications, Space & Technology Commission  
Fasah Simplified Guide to Import & Export Controls  
Zatca - Customs Authority 

Import and Export Regulations Update

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: July 1, 2024

What you need to know

A permit is required for importing and exporting all agricultural and mining products.

Imports
All goods shipped to Botswana must be accompanied by an original commercial invoice from the supplier. Medicines, cosmetics, and supplements are subject to port health inspection to determine entry into the country.

Exports
All shipments must be accompanied by a complete commercial invoice.

• For Medicine: Doctor’s prescription must be provided

For mining products Export Permit must be provided 

For Agricultural products Permit/Phytosanitary Certificate must be provided 

Commercial Invoice Requirements

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: August 5, 2024

What you need to know

The Namibian Revenue Authority (NamRA) is enforcing the Customs and Excise Act, 20 of 1998.

For all B2B (Business to Business) and all B2C (Business to Consumer) shipments Imported to or Exported from Namibia:

• Will require a formal, company-generated invoice (i.e., Original Commercial Invoice including the Supplier's Company logo or letterhead, provided either in electronic or hardcopy format)
• Will be possible only if the formal, company-generated invoice is provided to DHL Express when creating the shipment using the DHL Shipping Applications.

De Minimis and Formal Entry Changes

For: Shippers, Receivers
Shipping: Packages
Effective: June 1, 2024

What you need to know

Angolan Customs Authorities have changed import regulations for all shipments valued at 1,500,000 AOA or less

• A Formal Customs Declaration is required
• Duties and Taxes will be applied

Pickup or Delivery Request, Check Shipment Status, Get Shipping Rates or Order Shipping Supplies

Mon-Sun and Public Holidays: 24 Hours

Phone: +852 2400 3388

Email: hkgwebcust@dhl.com

MyDHL+, Online, Advanced and Integrated Solutions

Mon-Fri: 0900 - 1740; Sat, Sun, PH: Closed

Phone: +852 2400 3308

Email: hkgwebmaster@dhl.com

Billing and Invoicing Enquiries

Mon - Fri: 0900 - 1740; Sat, Sun, PH:  Closed

Phone: +852 2400 3377

Email: hkbillinghotline@dhl.com

Chat with our Digital Assistant

• Track and trace shipment by waybill number
• Direction to MyDHL+ for calculation of rates and transit times
• Get shipping updates and information
• Live chat integration 

Our WhatsApp Digital Assistant is available 24/7 to track your shipments and answer your questions. Simply add the DHL Express WhatsApp number +852 5745 4517 to your phone contacts and start a WhatsApp chat!