No. The Product Identifier requirement is an EU regulatory requirement and is not specific to DHL Express. All express carriers will require the necessary data to complete customs clearance.
Overview
Effective 1 November 2026, Product Identifiers (PIDs) become a mandatory customs data element for Business-to-Consumer (B2C) shipments with a value of up to EUR 150 imported into the European Union (EU27). Introduced under the EU Customs Reform, this requirement aims to enhance product traceability, strengthen consumer protection, and support customs authorities in identifying non-compliant products entering the EU.
Key Takeaways
- Product Identifiers (PIDs) will become mandatory for applicable B2C goods imported into the EU27 from 1 November 2026, for shipments valued up to EUR 150.
- The requirement is part of the EU Customs Reform (EUCR).
- Shippers must provide a Merchant PID and Non-Standardized Manufacturer PID at line-item level.
- A Standardized Manufacturer PID (such as GTIN, EAN or UPC) should be provided where available.
- Missing mandatory PID information may result in customs clearance delays, shipment holds, or return-to-origin (RTO).
What is a Product Identifier (PID)?
A Product Identifier (PID) is a unique alphanumeric code used to identify a specific product and improve traceability throughout the supply chain. Product Identifiers enable customs authorities to identify products more accurately and link them to manufacturers and merchants responsible for placing them on the market.
Mandatory Data Requirements
To support customs clearance for B2C shipments entering the EU27, the following Product Identifiers are required at line-item level:
Product Identifier Type | Requirement |
Merchant PID | Mandatory Required at line-item level for all B2C shipments entering the EU27. |
Non-Standardized Manufacturer PID | Mandatory Required at line-item level for all B2C shipments entering the EU27. |
Standardized Manufacturer PID | Optional (if available) May include a GTIN, EAN, or UPC and should be provided where available. |
Merchant PID: A product identifier assigned by the seller or merchant to distinguish a product within their catalogue.
Non-Standardized Manufacturer PID: A product identifier assigned by the manufacturer where no standardized identifier (such as GTIN, EAN, or UPC) is available.
Why It Matters
The PID requirement has been introduced as part of the EU Customs Reform programme to strengthen customs oversight, improve product traceability, and address compliance challenges associated with high-volume e-commerce imports. The additional data helps customs authorities identify products more efficiently and enhance supply chain transparency.
Impact on Shippers
Shippers sending B2C goods to the European Union will be required to submit the mandatory Product Identifiers as part of the electronic shipment data. If the required mandatory Product Identifier information is not provided, customs clearance may be delayed, rejected by customs authorities, or result in the shipment being returned to origin (RTO).
Frequently Asked Questions
The requirement becomes mandatory on 1 November 2026 for all applicable B2C imports into the EU27.
Shipments may be delayed, held by customs authorities, or returned to origin if the required PID information is missing
Ready to ship to the European Union?
Complying with the EU PID requirements is essential for smooth customs clearance of B2C shipments entering the EU27. DHL Express helps simplify the shipping process by providing customs expertise that support international trade compliance. Request a DHL Express Business Account today and enjoy up to 70% off international shipping rates while benefiting from our expert customs support.
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