Navigating customs clearance is one of the most complex aspects of international trade, involving extensive documentation, compliance checks, and constantly changing regulations. Any delay or error in this process can disrupt supply chains and increase costs for businesses. That’s where DHL Express steps in. We combine global expertise, advanced digital tools, and a deep understanding of trade regulations to streamline the entire clearance journey.
With innovative platforms like My Global Trade Services (MyGTS), DHL Express empowers shippers to prepare accurate documentation, estimate duties and taxes, and ensure their shipments move swiftly across borders.
Why is customs clearance important for businesses?
Customs clearance is important for maintaining the smooth operation of international trade, as even minor delays can result in significant consequences, including increased operational costs, shipment hold-ups, and potential compliance penalties.
For businesses managing cross-border logistics, these disruptions can strain customer relationships and slow overall growth. However, by leveraging DHL Express customs clearance services, companies can avoid the burden of complex paperwork and regulatory hurdles.
Through our experienced customs specialists and efficient digital solutions, businesses gain greater visibility, accuracy, and speed in their shipping process. This allows them to focus their time and resources on driving expansion, improving customer satisfaction, and achieving long-term growth.
DHL Express customs services you can leverage
Customs clearance involves several intricate steps, and each shipment may require a different level of attention. This is based on the accurate shipment value, its nature and destination. To simplify this process, DHL Express provides a suite of customs services that cater to diverse clearance needs.
This ensures your goods comply with regulations, avoid unnecessary delays, and reach their destination seamlessly. These tailored services allow businesses to operate with greater efficiency and peace of mind.
Non-routine entry
Some shipments are flagged for additional verification due to their high value, weight, or specific commodity type. DHL Express manages these non-routine entries by ensuring all compliance requirements are met swiftly and accurately.
In certain regions, we partner with licensed third-party brokers to streamline the process, ensuring transparency, consistency, and minimizing delays at customs checkpoints.
Clearance processing
For goods that require additional approval from government agencies, DHL Express provides customs clearance processing services that cover the necessary coordination and administrative fees. This ensures compliance for sensitive or controlled imports, while helping businesses avoid penalty charges and keep shipments on track for timely delivery.
Permits and licenses
Specific products, including medical devices, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food items, require import permits or licenses before they can be cleared.
DHL Express streamlines this by filing the necessary information with relevant authorities on your behalf, ensuring faster approval and a smoother import process. This approach helps minimize disruptions and maintain compliance with stringent trade regulations.
Bonded storage
Occasionally, missing or inaccurate paperwork can lead to delays in customs clearance. In such instances, DHL Express offers bonded storage facilities where goods are securely held until the necessary documents are provided. Storage charges begin after three days of arrival and are billed to the duty or taxpayer. This service provides flexibility while ensuring compliance with customs requirements during documentation review.
Multiline entry
When shipments contain more than five lines of different commodities or countries of origin, DHL Express applies a multiline entry service to manage the complex customs documentation. This helps ensure each product line is correctly declared, reducing the risk of compliance issues and expediting overall clearance for diversified or large-scale shipments.
Release to broker and broker notification
For businesses that prefer to manage customs clearance through their own broker, DHL Express offers a release to broker and broker notification service. Once the necessary paperwork is prepared, we transfer clearance responsibility to the customer-nominated broker. While we no longer oversee the clearance processafter the handover, this option provides flexibility for companies with established customs partnerships.
Other Government Agency (OGA) requirements
Certain shipments, such as plants, seeds, pharmaceuticals, and animal products, require inspection and approval from OGA. DHL Express assists in managing Veterinary, Health, and Phytosanitary controls at entry points, ensuring that all agency requirements are met and that shipments are cleared in full compliance with international import standards.
Bonded transit
When goods are transported under customs bond, either for imports or exports, DHL Express offers bonded transit services to oversee the necessary documentation, reporting, and compliance requirements. This ensures that shipments remain secure and legally compliant throughout their journey until they reach their final customs destination.
Temporary import/export
For shipments intended for temporary use, such as trade shows, exhibitions, or equipment testing, DHL provides expert assistance with documentation like the Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission (ATA) Carnet. This enables import and export of goods without incurring full duties or taxes, streamlining temporary international operations.
Export declaration
When shipments exceed specific value or weight thresholds or involve restricted goods, DHL Express handles the export declaration process on behalf of shippers. By submitting accurate documentation directly to customs authorities, we reduce how long it takes for clearance, prevent unnecessary delays, and help exporters stay compliant with international trade regulations.
Post clearance modification
After customs clearance, businesses may need to adjust declared data such as values, classifications, or importer details. DHL Express facilitates post-clearance modifications based on the supporting evidence provided by importers or exporters. This service ensures that records remain accurate and compliant, safeguarding businesses against potential discrepancies or regulatory penalties.
Digital support with My Global Trade Services (MyGTS)
DHL Express offers MyGTS, an intuitive online platform designed to simplify customs and trade compliance for businesses of all sizes.
By using MyGTS, companies can calculate duties and taxes, identify restricted or prohibited goods, and prepare correct shipping documentation, all from a single platform. This not only accelerates the clearance process but also reduces the risk of errors that could result in delays or penalties.
Key Benefits of Using MyGTS:
- Saves time: Automates calculations and documentation preparation, reducing manual effort and processing delays.
- Improves compliance: Helps businesses adhere to international trade regulations, avoiding potential fines or shipment holds.
- Reduces clearance risks: Provides visibility into restricted or controlled items, ensuring shipments are properly classified and approved before departure.
Why partner with DHL Express for customs clearance
Partnering with DHL Express ensures that your international shipments are handled by experienced risk and compliance specialists who understand the complexities of customs regulations across the globe.
With end-to-end support for both routine and non-routine clearance processes, DHL Express combines local expertise with a global network to deliver fast, reliable, and fully compliant customs solutions. By using our knowledge, digital tools, and seamless coordination with government authorities, businesses can minimize delays, reduce risks, and maintain smooth supply chain operations.
Get started with DHL Express today and experience hassle-free customs clearance for your international couriers.
Share
