DHL Express Customs Services Explained

Applies when shipments are subject to non-routine clearance procedures, due to their value, weight and/or commodity as defined by destination Customs Authorities. May also apply in selected countries where DHL is legally obliged to outsource formal clearance entries to a licensed third party broker

Applies where additional cost is incurred for importing shipments in alignment with government agency requirements.

To accelerate import of selected controlled commodities, such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, computer monitors, laser devices, cosmetics, eyeglasses, food and food products, DHL is required to file specific information in order to obtain the required import permits or licenses

Storage charges apply when the shipment is not released through customs within three working days of arrival due to further information required for clearance. The charge applies to the duty and taxes payer.

Charges apply when more than 5 lines are recorded on the customs clearance, for example with different commodities or different countries of manufacture.

On importer request, DHL will transfer the shipment and related customs documentation to the customer’s nominated broker for clearance and last mile delivery.

On importer request, DHL will provide the necessary paperwork to the customer’s designated broker to perform the import clearance and resume the delivery to the final destination once the clearance is completed. DHL is subsequently not responsible for the timeliness of the submission to customs or for the release of the shipment. 

At request, DHL will arrange the completion of Veterinary, Health or Phytosanitary controls at the First Point of Entry in a country or a Customs Union, typically required when importing animal products, plants, seeds, or pharmaceutical products.

Bonded Transit applies to both export and import shipments whenever DHL is required to open, manage or report any form of transfer under bond.

On customer request, DHL facilitates the temporary import/ export of goods by submitting required documents such as an ATA Carnet and adhering to required clearance procedures as specified by Customs.

On shipper request, the preparation or provision of a Certificate of Origin/Proof of Preference or other similar forms by DHL to certify the goods in a particular export shipment have been produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country allowing preferential rates of duty to be claimed at destination and/or compliance with trade barriers. Common examples are EUR1 and ATR.

Applies in countries where an export declaration is required for shipments containing controlled commodities or exceeding a certain value threshold or weight. Where automated export systems are available to the public, shippers may avoid the charge by submitting the export declaration online. In case of IMP billed shipments DHL will submit the export declaration in order to accelerate the export at origin and pass the charge to the payer’s account.

If requested by customs authorities or the importer/exporter, DHL may add or modify data declared to customs authorities for clearance purposes. This includes data such as declared values and classification of the goods and importer details, based on documentary evidence gathered from or confirmed by the importer or exporter.