Customs Services
With a full range of standard and specialised customs services, we help your international shipments navigate customs efficiently and reach their destination on time.
Explore the tabs below to see our customs services and how each supports your shipment.
Updated: December 1, 2025
Effective: January 1, 2026
Get your customs clearance documents ready – from export declarations to bonded transit and tariff‑preference certificates.
| Description | How We Charge | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export Declaration | Exporting goods being subject to additional controls. An export declaration is required for shipments exceeding a value threshold. May also apply for shipments containing controlled commodities or exceeding a specific weight threshold. | Per Shipment | 14.00 GBP |
| Bonded Transit | Shipping under customs bond. Bonded Transit applies to both export and import shipments whenever DHL is required to open, manage or report any form of transfer under bond. | Per Shipment | 40.00 GBP |
| Multiline Entry | Importing shipments containing multiple commodities. Charges apply when more than 5 lines are recorded on the customs clearance, for example with different commodities or different countries of manufacture. | Per Line After 5 lines | 5.00 GBP |
| Temporary Import Export | Have DHL Express arrange a temporary import or export. At Customer’s request, DHL Express facilitates the temporary export and subsequent re-import of goods from the origin country, or the temporary import and later re-export of goods at the destination. These services are typically provided for purposes such as repairs, testing, exhibitions, or similar activities, and are carried out in compliance with customs regulations through the submission of all required documentation and adherence to the relevant clearance procedures. | Per Shipment | 40.00 GBP |
| Preferential Origin | Benefit from preferential duty. At shipper’s request, the preparation or provision of a Certificate of Origin/Proof of Preference or other similar forms by DHL Express to certify the goods in a particular export consignment 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, ATR. | Per Shipment | 8.50 GBP |
Expert handling of complex clearance steps like non‑routine entries, permits, bonded storage, and official inspections.
| Description | How We Charge | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Routine Entry | Goods excluded from standard clearance. Applies when goods are excluded from routine clearance procedures, due to value or weight exceeding the formal entry threshold set by destination Customs Authorities or due to other regulatory requirements such as tariff codes. Applies also to formal clearance performed by DHL contracted third party brokers in countries where DHL Express cannot provide such clearance services or operate as a licensed broker. | Per Shipment | 40.00 GBP |
| Bonded Storage | When the shipment cannot be released by customs. Storage charges apply when the shipment cannot be released by customs. Charges take effect three calendar days after the freight arrival date. The charge applies to the duty and tax payer. | Per Shipment Per Day After 3 Calendar Days | 9.50 GBP and 0.40 GBP per KG |
| Permits and Licences | We facilitate the licence filing process. To accelerate import of selected controlled commodities, such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, computer monitors, laser devices, cosmetics, spectacles, food and food products, DHL is required to file specific information in order to obtain the required import permits or licences. | Per Shipment | 40.00 GBP |
| Clearance Processing | A fee for shipment clearance processing. Applies where additional cost is incurred for importing shipments in alignment with government agency requirements. | Per Shipment | 12.00 GBP |
| Customs Physical Intervention | Shipments subject to Customs inspection. The arrangement of a non-routine physical Customs inspection of a shipment involving either a full or partial unload. To include the marking or mutilation of samples. | Per Shipment | 18.00 GBP |
| Clearance Authorisation | Hold and notify me. Applies when the designated importer has specifically requested to be contacted by DHL before customs clearance is initiated. Contractual agreement required. | Per Shipment | 25.00 GBP |
Smooth duty, tax, and broker support to accelerate clearance and keep your shipment moving.
| Description | How We Charge | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duty Tax Processing | Account Holders can speed up clearance. DHL Express will accelerate the customs clearance initiating the payment process of duty and tax charges relating to a shipment. The receiver is invoiced for the duty and tax amount, allowing payment to be deferred until a mutually agreed date. | Per Shipment | 12.00 GBP or 2.5% of the fiscal charge, if higher |
| Duty Tax Processing | Import Duties and Taxes for Non-Account receivers. An administrative charge applies when DHL Express processes import duties, taxes, or other regulatory charges on behalf of customers who do not hold a DHL Express account number. | Per Shipment | 11.00 GBP or 2.5% of the fiscal charge, if higher |
| Broker Notification | Designate your preferred Broker. At the importer’s request, DHL Express 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 Express is subsequently not responsible for the timeliness of the submission to customs or for the release of the shipment. | Per Shipment | 25.00 GBP |
| Other Government Agency | When importing goods being subject to additional controls 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. | Per Shipment | 40.00 GBP |
| Post Clearance Modification | Upon request, shipment data (value, classification, etc.) can be modified after declaration. If requested by customs authorities or the importer/exporter, DHL Express may add or modify data declared to customs authorities for clearance purposes. This includes data such as declared values, classification of the goods and importer details, based on documentary evidence gathered from or confirmed by the importer or exporter. | Per Shipment | 68.00 GBP |
DHL Express will prepay and charge back for government required certificate fees.
Shipments booked with Duty Tax Paid (DTP) service may be subject to additional clearance charges. Where applicable these will be billed to the DTP shipper. These charges may include but are not limited to:
- Non-Routine Entry
- Customs Physical Intervention
- Permits and Licences
- Bonded Storage
- Multiline Entry
- Clearance Processing
- Post Clearance Modification
Choose the Best DHL Express Solution for You
* All discounts are based on shipment volume and profile information provided. DHL may adjust this discount upon thirty (30) days written notice. Terms and conditions apply.