Your Guide to International Customs and Clearance
Managing customs and tariffs can be complex. Get a clear overview of customs clearance processes, stay informed on the latest tariff updates, and discover solutions tailored to your import and export needs. Access DHL’s customs brokerage services, compare options for your business, and dive deeper into specialized topics like customs fees and clearance in air and ocean freight.
Are you a private shipper looking for help with customs processes around your shipping? Take a look at our FAQ for customs clearance & declaration
Latest Customs and Tariffs Updates for Global Trade
Global trade regulations and tariff measures change fast, creating challenges for businesses. Staying updated on customs clearance and tariff changes helps prevent costly delays and supply chain disruptions. At DHL we track current changes to help you stay ahead of all updates.
Customs Clearance, Tariffs and Shipping Terms Explained
No matter which size your business is you should know how customs restrictions work and what duties and tariffs are. Understanding all those terms around the topic is key to successfully manage your logistics customs processes.
DHL Customs Products & Services for Global Trade
We help you choose the right customs solution for your business. This table is designed to help you compare DHL’s customs products and services easily, so you can select the offering that best solves your challenges.
| Product | Business Type | Primary Function | Key features | Typical Use Case |
| DHL Trade Connect | Large international businesses | Integrated customs management for high-volume shippers with global set-ups | • Global transportation management system integration • Centralized SOP & KPI management | Complex, multi-country supply chains |
| Import & Export Clearance | Small, medium & large businesses | Customs declaration for global air, ocean or rail freight | • End-to-end compliance • Duty/tax outlay • Dynamic reporting | Standard import/export clearance |
| Consolidated Clearance Services | E-commerce businesses | E-commerce & retail customs clearance for high-volume shippers | • Smart order consolidation • API integration • Exception management | High-volume e-commerce imports |
| MyGTS | E-commerce businesses | Trade compliance planning for timely parcel shipping | • Tariff code search • Landed cost calculator • Customs requirement checker | Pre-shipment planning for cross-border sales |
| Duties & Tax Calculator | E-commerce businesses | API integration for instant duty/tax calculation for e-commerce checkout | • Real-time duty/tax calculation • DDP support • Shopify integration | Transparent pricing for international customers at checkout |
Take the Next Step: Choose Your Customs Solution
Specialized Services: Customs Brokerage Services for International Shipping
Customs brokerage is essential for smooth international trade, ensuring compliance and avoiding costly delays. DHL offers expert customs brokerage services through its specialized business units providing tailored solutions for import and export processes, customs clearance, and duty recovery.
