South African businesses know that going global is the way to grow. Whether you’re a Cape Town artisan sending bespoke jewelery abroad or a seasoned exporter shipping electronics up to Europe, every international delivery is a journey—and not without its risks.
Each border crossed, each airport tarmac—there’s always the question: what if something goes wrong? If your goods are lost, damaged, or stolen, it’s more than a headache—it’s your reputation and bottom line on the line.
That’s why understanding and taking advantage of DHL Express’s Shipment Value Protection isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a smart move for real peace of mind. As your logistics partner, DHL Express South Africa is here to help ensure your goods get where they need to go, safe and sound—with the right protection every step of the way.
Beyond Basic Cover: Why Value Protection Matters
Here’s the thing—standard carrier liability only goes so far. By law, most freight forwarders are limited in what they can pay out if things go wrong, often basing compensation on weight or the number of packages, rather than what your shipment is actually worth. Imagine sending a designer watch or a rare collectible, only to have the payout calculated by the kilo. It doesn’t make sense.
That’s where DHL Express Shipment Value Protection comes in. It’s an optional, affordable service that gives you proper cover for physical loss or damage from almost any external cause, right up to the full value you declare on your invoice. If the unexpected happens, your business can recover the full amount—so you’re not left out of pocket or explaining to clients why you can’t make things right.
How to Protect Your Shipment with DHL Express
Adding Shipment Value Protection is quick and easy:
- Choose “Protect Your Shipment” when you book with MyDHL+ or any DHL shipping tool.
- Declare the real value of your goods—this must match your commercial invoice. Customs are strict about under-declaring value; it can cause delays, fines, and serious problems. Always declare the true sales value.
If You Need to Claim, DHL Keeps it Simple
- Contact customer service within 30 days of shipment acceptance—online, via email, or by phone. You’ll need your Air Waybill (AWB) number and shipment details.
- Provide supporting documents: clear photos of any damage, purchase or sales invoices, and the weight of the affected items. If you’re claiming online, you may need to fill out a claims form.
- Submit your claim. DHL Express aims to resolve claims quickly—often within 30 days.
Clearing Customs Without the Stress
For international shipping, smooth customs clearance is just as important as insurance. DHL Express offers expert customs services to make it easier:
Your commercial or proforma invoice must be complete and accurate: shipper/receiver info, ID numbers (VAT/GST), clear goods descriptions (with HS Codes), origin, value, currency, weight, quantity, INCOTERMS, and export reason. Any mistakes here slow things down.
DHL’s specialists can help with export declarations, bonded transit, temporary import/export (for trade shows, repairs, etc.), multiline entries for complex shipments, and even upfront payment of duties and taxes to speed up delivery.
MyGTS (My Global Trade Services)—a free platform—helps you classify goods, check country-specific rules, and avoid costly mistakes.
Why Partner with DHL Express South Africa?
At DHL Express South Africa, we get that your business’s growth is our priority. Open a business account and unlock these benefits:
- Preferential rates based on your shipping needs.
Access to digital tools like MyDHL+ for booking and tracking, On-Demand Delivery for customer flexibility, MyBill for straightforward invoicing, and DHL Express Commerce for seamless e-commerce integration.
Global reach—DHL moves packages to over 220 countries and territories, so you can ship nearly anywhere.
Fast, reliable express delivery with flexible pick-up options—even same-day services in some cases.
Dedicated support from our Certified International Specialists and account managers who understand South Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Free pickups and packaging supplies, so you save time and money.
The Bottom Line
International trade is full of opportunities—and risks. Protecting your shipments isn’t just about ticking a box for insurance. It’s about thinking ahead, preparing well, and choosing a logistics partner that’s got your back. With DHL Express’s Shipment Value Protection, accurate customs declarations, and a full suite of shipping services, South African businesses can ship smarter, secure their finances, and keep customers happy.
Don’t let the unknowns of global shipping slow your growth. Open a business account with DHL Express South Africa and discover how our world-class support, speed, and reliability can help you reach new markets with confidence. Let us handle the logistics, so you can focus on what you do best—building your brand and breaking new ground.
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