How to ship via DHL Express from the Philippines

For Filipino businesses, whether you are an established SME or a budding e-commerce seller, navigating the complexities of international shipping might seem daunting. Yet, with the right expertise, it becomes a streamlined pathway to reach customers worldwide. This is precisely where DHL Express excels, offering unparalleled speed, unwavering reliability, and an extensive global network that connects the Philippines to any corner of the world. 

Understanding how to ship with DHL Express empowers your business to transcend geographical boundaries, transforming local aspirations into global successes.

Effective shipment preparation is the first step in ensuring your goods embark on a seamless international journey. This initial phase sets the stage for smooth customs clearance and fast delivery, directly impacting your customer's experience and your business's efficiency.

Shipment weight

Every parcel must be weighed using a reliable scale to ascertain its actual weight. However, it's crucial to understand DHL Express' chargeable weight policy, which dictates that the cost of your shipping service is based on either the actual weight or the volumetric (dimensional) weight, whichever is greater. 

For shipments that are large but comparatively lightweight, volumetric weight often becomes the deciding factor. To calculate this, simply multiply the length by height by width in centimeters, then divide the total sum by 5,000 for each piece in the shipment. This ensures fairness and accounts for the space your consignment occupies within the aircraft, a standard International Air Transport Association (IATA) method.

To get precise estimates and plan your budget effectively when preparing for shipment, you can utilize the volumetric weight calculator available on our website. Also, any piece in the shipment may be re-weighed and/or re-measured by DHL Express to confirm this calculation.

Prepare your waybill

Your waybill is arguably the most important piece of document when you are shipping internationally. It contains all the instructions and information about the contents and characteristics of your shipment that is necessary for transportation and tracking. But more importantly, your DHL waybill is the document that proves the ownership of the shipment, based on the details of the sender and recipient.

Generating your waybill is a straightforward process using MyDHL+, our intuitive online tool where you simply input your shipment and recipient details to issue your ready-to-use waybill. And properly furnishing the correct details and following the instructed format to your waybill can play a big part in facilitating a smooth journey for your shipment.

Below we will discuss the various fields of the DHL waybill, and how you can go about creating one in a few minutes!

The waybill is usually attached to the exterior of the shipment for anyone handling the shipment to easily access important details.

A look at a DHL Express waybill example:

Shipper details & details

Receiver’s address & details

Payer account number

Shipment details

Barcode

Some useful information when filling in your waybill:

• Unless the duties & taxes paid (DTP) service is selected, they will be borne by the consignee. If nothing is indicated, duties & taxes unpaid (DTU) is the default.
• The weight and dimensions of your shipment that you have declared will be subject to re-weigh and you will be billed accordingly, if applicable.
• The shipper’s address and details on your waybill should reflect you or your company’s name, telephone or mobile number, email address and your complete mailing address including postal code.
• The receiver’s address and details on your waybill must include the company or individual’s name, a valid contact person, contact number, email address, as well as complete mailing address including postal code.
• The shipment information on your waybill will be used for customs clearance to ensure that the details tally with the actual contents and the shipping invoice.
• DHL waybills have an expiration date and will be invalid beyond that.

Your new DHL waybill will be identified by a unique 10-digit code known as your AWB number. It acts as the reference for your shipment in the event that you need to communicate with us for anything about your shipment! Now you’ve learnt how to prepare and create your own waybill, open a business account to ship today!

Fill in your shipping invoice

Unlike document-only shipments, every package moving through shipping requires either a commercial or proforma invoice. The invoice is used to clear customs and should contain accurate information that corresponds to the contents of the shipment, and what is indicated on your DHL waybill. That’s because misrepresenting contents or values can lead to significant delays, fines, or even seizure of your shipment.

Your shipping invoice should include several key fields to ensure export compliance and prevent customs delays:

• Bank details: Include the banking information used for the payment of the goods. If creating a proforma invoice and a non-commercial invoice, there’s no need to do so.
• Detailed description of goods: Provide a specific and thorough description of each item, including its material, function, and any unique identifiers.
• Quantity: Clearly state the exact quantity of each item in the shipment.
• Harmonized System (HS) code: Include the correct HS or commodity code for each product. This international classification system is vital for customs officials to quickly identify and process your goods, ensuring appropriate duties and taxes are applied.
• Country of origin: Indicate the country where the goods were manufactured.
• Declared value: State the accurate monetary value of each item and the total value of the shipment. This value is used for customs valuation and insurance purposes.
• Type of export: Specify the nature of the export (e.g., permanent, temporary, and repair). This clarifies the customs treatment of the goods and ensures compliance with specific trade regulations.
• Incoterms: These globally recognized rules clearly define the responsibilities and risks assumed by both the seller and the buyer at various points throughout the international trade transaction. Hence, choose the Incoterm that best suits the terms of sales.
• Reason for export: Clearly specify why the shipment is being sent (e.g., sale, gift, sample, return).

To help you prepare and have a clearer understanding, here's a closer look at the details required in your shipping invoice:

Bank details

Description

Commodity code

Country of manufacture/origin

Total declared value

Type of export

Incoterm

Reason for export

Some useful information filling for your invoice:

• The invoice is mainly used as a supporting document for the value declared on your DHL waybill.
• You can create an invoice on MyDHL+ or you can fill in this template.
• Make sure your invoice is accessible on the shipment—do not seal the invoice within the box.
• If you are shipping multiple items, your invoice should give a breakdown of each item.
• If you are shipping a used or personal item, you should still declare the original value of the item, but indicate clearly on your invoice and waybill that it is a used or personal item.
• It is important to understand that the creation of your DHL waybill and shipment invoice is your responsibility, meaning the details of these documents act as your declaration. DHL Express will assist to guide you by offering advice and tips, but we will not be able to create it on your behalf.

Now that you’re orientated to the necessary paperwork for sending an international shipment, you’re almost ready to hand over your shipment to us!

Pack your shipment

Proper packaging helps ensure your shipments travel safely and securely throughout the extensive DHL Express global network. As such, investing in packaging protects your items from potential damage during transit, ensuring they arrive at their destination in pristine condition.

Packaging guidelines

When you prepare for shipment, investing in the right materials, such as sturdy corrugated boxes and ample cushioning, and securing all seams with strong tape helps protect your items during transit. Moreover, securely fix a waybill to each piece in your shipment. The waybill can be thought of as your shipment's airline ticket, and if it becomes separated, it will inevitably delay delivery. Therefore, when placing the waybill on the top or side of each piece in your shipment, ensure it doesn't overlap the corners or edges of boxes.

Crucially, the barcodes on the waybill are scanned at numerous points throughout your shipment’s journey, so always make sure the barcode remains flat and isn't covered by tape, shrinkwrap, or strapping for optimal readability and smooth processing.

Furthermore, DHL Express provides specific packaging recommendations for different item types:

• Fragile or delicate items: Wrap each item individually with protective layers like bubble wrap. Position them centrally within the box, ensuring all sides are well-cushioned to prevent movement and absorb shocks.
• Electronics: Use anti-static packaging materials to protect against electrostatic discharge. Ensure devices are powered off and batteries secured, placing items centrally with robust cushioning.
• Sharp items: Package sharp contents with extreme care, using puncture-resistant materials. This prevents any possibility of the contents piercing the packaging, protecting both your goods and our employees.
• Heavy and multi-piece shipments: Individual pieces weighing over 70kg must be placed on a pallet for safe handling. While not necessary for individual pieces under 70kg in a multi-piece shipment, each piece still requires individual packaging for smooth international logistics.

Common restricted or prohibited items

Both the Philippines and destination countries enforce strict regulations on certain items to ensure national security, public safety, and adherence to international conventions. As such, businesses need to be aware of these regulations to avoid severe penalties, fines, or confiscation. In the Philippines, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) categorizes goods as either "restricted" or "prohibited" for import and export.

Restricted Imports/Exports are goods that may be sent or received only when authorized by law or specific regulation. Examples from the country’s regulations include:

• Explosives and firearms: This covers dynamite, gunpowder, ammunition, weapons of war, and parts thereof.
• Gambling equipment: Items like roulette wheels, loaded dice, marked cards, and gambling machines.
• Certain drugs: Opium, marijuana, heroin, other narcotics, or synthetic habit-forming drugs are restricted, generally permitted only for medicinal purposes with explicit government authorization.
• Other goods: Any other items whose import and export are restricted by law or administrative regulations also fall into this category.

Prohibited Imports/Exports are goods that are, by their very nature, unlawful to import or export under any circumstances, often referred to as "contrabands." These typically include:

• Subversive materials: Written or printed materials advocating treason, rebellion, sedition against the Philippine government, or inciting harm to any person in the country.
• Abortion-related items: Goods, instruments, drugs, or substances designed for unlawful abortion, or any related advertising material.
• Obscene materials: Any printed goods, films, photographs, or other representations of an obscene or immoral character.
• Counterfeit goods: Products that infringe upon intellectual property rights are explicitly prohibited.
• Adulterated/misbranded goods: Food or drugs that are adulterated or misbranded in violation of relevant laws and regulations.
• Undeclared precious metals: Goods made of precious metals (gold, silver, etc.) without proper indication of fineness or quality.
• Other explicitly prohibited goods: Any other items explicitly prohibited by Philippine law or rules and regulations issued by competent authorities.

DHL Express adheres to all international shipping guidelines, laws, and regulations, whether imposed by local, national, or international authorities, or by countries through which a shipment may transit. Our policy on these items is clear: prohibited items are strictly forbidden and will not be accepted for carriage. Shipping these can lead to severe consequences, including no insurance coverage and refusal of pickup from us, and destruction of goods or return to sender if discovered via normal or customs checks during transit.

For more information, or if you have specific "grey-area goods" you wish to ship, you can read through international shipping guides, such as our guide to shipping to the UAE, exporting to the USA, and more. And it is always advisable to clarify beforehand. Our DHL Customer Service is always available to provide expert guidance and answer your questions.

Pay your shipment

Once shipment preparation is complete, the final step before dispatch is settling the payment. DHL Express understands that for busy entrepreneurs engaged in international shipping, speed and ease are paramount. We offer flexible, efficient payment solutions designed to streamline this crucial step, allowing you to focus on your core business.

For those new to shipping with DHL Express or for infrequent senders, you can easily get a one-time quotation and manage your entire international logistics process directly on your MyDHL+ account.

Here's a direct guide to settling your invoices:

On Desktop:

1. Access MyBill: Visit https://mybill.dhl.com and log in using your registered email and password.
2. Select invoice: Your dashboard will display all outstanding invoices; simply select the one you wish to pay.
3. Initiate payment: Click the "Pay" option for your chosen invoice, then confirm your selection.
4. Choose channel: Select "One-Time Payment" and proceed with your preferred payment channel.

Via Mobile (DHL Express Mobile App):

1. Login to MyBill app:  

• Open the DHL Express Mobile App, tap the hamburger menu (☰), and navigate to "MyBill." Log in using your registered credentials.

2. Set up auto-pay (optional for recurring payments):

• Go to "My Account" and select "Go to My Wallet."
• Add your card details and submit them.
• Scroll down in "My Account," choose the specific account for auto-pay, and assign it as "Auto-Pay Admin."
• Select the linked credit card and click "Confirm" to activate your auto-pay service for future invoices, ensuring uninterrupted service.

Use MyDHL+ to calculate rates

With MyDHL+, obtaining instant quotes is a straightforward process, empowering you to compare costs based on your shipment's weight, dimensions, and its international destination. This transparency allows for precise budget planning within your logistics.

Here’s how to get an instant quote when shipping with DHL Express:

1. Visit MyDHL.express.dhl: Begin by navigating to the DHL Express homepage and clicking on "Get a Quote."
2. Enter addresses: Provide both your origin and destination addresses accurately.
3. Specify address type: Indicate whether the shipment is destined for a residential or business address, as this can affect delivery options and costs.
4. Categorize shipment: Classify your shipment as either a document or a package.
5. Input details: For documents, enter the shipment value. For packages, provide the quantity of items, their precise weight, and dimensions.
6. Receive your quote: Instantly receive your calculated shipping quote, allowing you to quickly assess costs and make informed decisions on how to ship with DHL Express.

Understand available payment methods

DHL Express offers diverse payment options for customers from the Philippines:

• DHL MyBill: Online platform to manage and pay invoices via credit card or bank transfer; pay multiple invoices at once.
• Advanced duty collection: Secure online portal for paying duties and VAT via credit/debit cards or GCash for e-commerce deliveries.
• GrabPay: Secure, hassle-free payments via Grab app, with no extra charges and GrabRewards points.
• Direct debit: Automatic monthly bill deductions for registered account users.
• Electronic fund transfers: Secure e-payments via bank transfer.

For more information, please reach out to us.

Export safely with DHL Express

Once your shipment preparation is complete, trusting your valuable goods to a reliable partner is the next step. DHL Express offers secure and efficient international shipping, while providing real-time tracking and customs support, with optional shipment protection for added security. For your convenience, we can directly pick up your parcel from your business address, seamlessly integrating into your operations.

Our renowned speed and reliability make us ideal for time-sensitive exports like fashion, electronics, or food supplements. Choosing DHL Express’s shipping services means your products arrive quickly and securely, making us the preferred choice for businesses looking to ship to international markets with confidence.

Ready to streamline your global exports? Open a DHL Express business account today and empower your business with world-class logistics.

Frequently asked questions about exporting from the Philippines with DHL Express