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DHL eCommerce Tracking and Shipment Status FAQ


Do you have a question regarding tracking or delivery of a shipment send using DHL eCommerce? Here you will find our answers to frequently asked questions.

Track and Trace


What Is a Tracking Number & Where Can I Find It?

A tracking number or ID is a combination of numbers and possibly letters that uniquely identifies your shipment for national or international tracking.

Usually, the shipper or online shop is able to provide the tracking number or ID. If you have ordered a product in an online shop, the confirmation email or shipment tracking notification often contains the tracking number or ID.

If not, please contact your shipper or online shop.

Explore examples of the tracking numbers used on DHL shipments

When will my tracking information appear?

Tracking events usually appear 24–48 hours after receiving the Track and Trace ID. In general, once the shipment has reached our facility, a tracking event will appear.

Why is my tracking number/ID not working?

Please make sure you entered the correct tracking number in the correct format (explanations and examples of national and international tracking numbers are further up this site). If your tracking ID is not working, please contact your shipper or online shop.

If I do not have my tracking number, is it still possible to track my shipment?

If you do not have a tracking number, we advise you to contact your shipper. However, if you have other shipping reference numbers, they may work using shipment tracking systems of the specific business unit in charge of the shipment (for example: DHL Express or DHL Freight).

Delivery


Which provider will deliver my parcel?

DHL has a partnership with An Post. International shipments will be collected from the sender and brought into Ireland by DHL. The delivery is then handled by An Post.

When will my shipment be delivered?

Once your shipment has been handed over to us by the sender, delivery time is based on the service selected. The sender, merchant or online shop usually indicates the delivery time on its website.

Please keep in mind that delivery times can vary depending on the product/service chosen and origin/destination relation; from 2–3 days for neighbouring countries and up to 20 days for countries with long distances.

Delivery delays can result from factors such as weather incidents, customs or backlogs.

In case your international shipment has not arrived within 10 days after the expected delivery time, please contact your shipper or online shop to start an investigation with DHL for lost items. Please understand that only the shipper can start an investigation as they are the contract partner of DHL.

Can I change my delivery address?

If a change in delivery address is possible for your shipment, you will automatically receive an e-mail or text message from An Post prior to delivery, with instructions on how to arrange the change.

Can I change the delivery day or delivery time?

If a change in delivery day or time is possible for your shipment, you will automatically receive an e-mail or text message from An Post prior to delivery, with instructions on how to arrange the change.

Complaints


My shipment is damaged or the content is missing. What can I do?

All DHL parcels in Ireland are delivered by our exclusive partner An Post. In case of a damaged shipment or missing content, please follow the instructions on An Post's Website.

My shipment has not been delivered within the expected delivery time. What can I do?

In case your shipment has not arrived within 10 days after the expected delivery time, please contact your shipper or online shop. The shipper can claim the lost parcel with DHL.

Please understand that only the shipper can file a claim as they are the contract partner of DHL.

Delays of up to 10 days are unfortunately possible due to weather incidents, customs or operational backlogs, for example.

Customs


Why is customs holding my shipment?

Most probably your shipment must be customs cleared. Customs clearance processing times differ from country to country and cannot be influenced by DHL. For some countries, duties and taxes may be due. Customs may hold your shipment because they require more information. In this case, they will contact you.

What are duties and taxes?

Duties and taxes are consumption taxes. Customs duties are levied on certain goods purchased abroad. Value added taxes (VAT) are usually levied in the country where the purchased goods are consumed. Duties and taxes differ per country. Depending on the country, duties and taxes are settled with the post office or the customs office. You can find more information about customs on the website of your local customs authority.