Receive online shopping orders how you want to | A complete guide to DHL On-Demand Delivery
Do you shop online from international stores or frequently use international shipping services? If so, you might have experienced one or more of the following situations:
- You missed the delivery because you were not at home
- You have had to request redelivery and make special arrangements to receive your package
- You wanted to use a parcel locker, but the option wasn’t available
You can avoid all of these issues and enjoy convenient international shipping by simply registering in advance for DHL On Demand Delivery.
Receive your package easily on your own terms with up to six customizable options for shipment receivers. Even better, the service is completely free of charge when shipping with DHL Express.
This guide explains everything you need to know—from how to register to important customs tips—so you can receive your international shipments smoothly and stress‑free.
What is DHL On Demand Delivery (ODD)?
DHL On Demand Delivery is a service that lets you choose how, where, and when you receive your shipment before it arrives.
When you ship with DHL Express, you can enjoy multiple flexible delivery options for international shipments, giving you full control over your package.
Available Delivery Options
With DHL On Demand Deliver, you can:
- Authorize us to leave your shipment in a safe location and complete delivery without a signature
- Collect from a DHL Service Point or parcel locker
- Change the delivery date
- Deliver to alternate address
- Leave with a neighbor, concierge or guard (authorized party)
- Request a vacation hold (postpone delivery by up to 30 days if you’re away)
Why You Should Register in Advance for DHL On Demand Delivery
You can customize your shipment with On Demand Delivery after receiving a delivery notification. However, registering in advance ensures you never miss important updates and makes the process even smoother.
Benefits of registering with DHL On Demand Delivery
- Receive delivery notifications via email or LINE
- Select your preferred delivery date or method as soon as possible (before delivery)
- Reduce missed deliveries and redelivery requests
Important tip: Make sure to use your mobile number for international shopping and shipping arrangements!
When shopping from overseas, always enter your mobile phone number, not a landline. Make sure you use the same mobile number that you used when placing your order during On Demand Delivery registration.
This allows your recipient information to be correctly linked and enables:
- Accurate delivery notifications
- Alerts and shipment management via LINE
Manage your DHL deliveries easily with LINE
In addition to email notifications, DHL Express supports delivery updates via LINE. Simply add the official DHL Japan LINE account to manage your shipments directly on your mobile. Scan the QR code on this page to add DHL Express on LINE!
What you can do through LINE:
By adding DHL Japan on LINE, you can make the following arrangements to your shipment.
- Track your shipment
- Change the delivery date
- Change the delivery method or location
No need to switch apps—everything can be managed directly within LINE, seamlessly and on-the-go. This is especially convenient for frequent international shippers and if you often buy from overseas stores.
⚠️ Important: Some delivery options could be unavailable before paying customs duties
Imported goods are often subject to customs duties and consumption tax, depending on the item and declared value. If customs duties are unpaid, certain delivery options will not appear. This is a common issue that shipment receivers might face.
Why can’t I arrange for my package to be left in a parcel locker? | Delivery options unavailable before payment
The following delivery options are limited to shipments with fully paid customs duties. If you wish to use these delivery options, complete payment of customs duties as soon as you receive the payment notification.
Once payment is confirmed, the options will become available. To avoid missing payment notifications, we strongly recommend pre‑registering for ODD.
- Leave‑in‑safe‑place delivery
- Parcel lockers (such as PUDO)
- Home delivery to parcel boxes
Over 4,000 Pickup Locations Nationwide!
DHL Service Points and parcel lockers are available at more than 4,000 locations across Japan. Checking nearby pickup points in advance makes international deliveries even more convenient.
Summary: Two Simple Steps That Make All the Difference
Many common international shipping issues—such as missed deliveries or unavailable lockers—can be avoided by following these two steps.
Step 1: Pre‑register! Make sure to use the same mobile phone number used at purchase to ensure you receive notifications.
Step 2: Pay customs duties promptly. This will help you to unlock options like parcel lockers and leave-in-safe-place delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will I still receive notifications if I don’t pre‑register for On-Demand Delivery?
Depending on the shipper’s settings, you may receive notifications. However, pre‑registration ensures reliable delivery notifications and enables LINE notifications, which is highly recommended for frequent international shoppers.
Q2: How do I register for On-Demand Delivery?
Register using the link below and make sure to use the same mobile phone number used when placing your order at the shopping sites:
https://delivery.dhl.com/on-demand-delivery.xhtml?ctrycode=JP
Q3: Can I change the delivery date of my shipment?
Yes. You can change the delivery date of your shipment by using the link in the delivery notification or directly via LINE.
Q4: I want to use a parcel locker, but I can’t select it.
If customs duties or consumption tax have not been paid, parcel lockers and leave‑in‑safe‑place delivery cannot be selected.
Please complete the payment first and try again.
Q5: What happens if my shipment is delivered when I’m not home?
A delivery notice will be left, and pre‑registered users will also receive notifications by email or LINE.
You can request redelivery using the QR code or link in the notification.
Q5: How much are customs duties?
Customs or import duties may vary depending on the contents of your shipment and its declared value.
Customs duties and taxes are the responsibility of the importer (receiver). Clearance and delivery will not proceed until payment is completed.
Please note that certain delivery options remain unavailable until payment is made, so complete the process as soon as you receive the notification.