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Customs Services

With a full range of standard and specialized DHL 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

 DescriptionHow We ChargeCost
Export DeclarationExporting 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 ShipmentNZD 18.5
Bonded TransitShipping 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 ShipmentNZD 85
Multiline EntryImporting shipments containing multiple commodities
Charges apply when more than 5 tariff lines are recorded on the customs clearance, regardless if the commodities or tariff are the same.
Per Tariff LineNZD 10.93
Temporary Import ExportHave 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 ShipmentNZD 97.75
Preferential OriginBenefit 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 shipment 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 ShipmentNZD 18.5

 DescriptionHow We ChargeCost
Non-Routine EntryGoods 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 cannot provide such clearance services or operate as a licensed broker.
Per ShipmentNZD 81
Bonded Storage

When the shipment cannot be released by customs
Storage charges apply when the shipment is not released through customs within three working days of arrival due to further information required for clearance.

The charge applies to the duty and tax payer.

Per Shipment

Per Day
After 3 Working Days

NZD 25.30 and NZD 0.52 per kg
Permits and LicensesWe facilitate the license filing process.
To accelerate import of selected controlled commodities, such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, computer monitors, laser devices, cosmetics, eyeglasses, food and food products, DHL is required to file specific information in order to obtain the required import permits or licenses.
Per ShipmentNZD 85
Clearance ProcessingA fee for shipment clearance processing
Applies where additional cost is incurred for importing shipments in alignment with government agency requirements.
Per ShipmentNZD 19.5
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 ShipmentNZD 36
Clearance Authorization

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 ShipmentNZD 19

 DescriptionHow We ChargeCost
Duty Tax ProcessingAccount Holders can accelerate clearance
DHL 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 ShipmentNZD 26.45 or 3% of fiscal charges, if higher
Duty Tax ProcessingImport Duties and Taxes for Non-Account receivers
An administrative charge applies when DHL processes import duties, taxes, or other regulatory charges on behalf of customers who do not hold a DHL account number.
Per ShipmentNZD 26.45 or 3% of fiscal charges, if higher
Broker Notification

Designate your preferred Broker
At the importer’s request, DHL 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 is subsequently not responsible for the timeliness of the submission to customs or for the release of the shipment.

Per ShipmentNZD 25.30
Release to BrokerShipment cleared and delivered by your broker of choice
At importers request, DHL will transfer the shipment and related customs documentation to the customer’s nominated broker for clearance and last mile delivery.
Per ShipmentNZD 97.75
Other Government AgencyWhen 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 ShipmentNZD 85
Post Clearance ModificationUpon request, shipment data (value, classification, etc.) can be modified after declaration
If requested by customs authorities or the importer/exporter, DHL 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 ShipmentNZD 172.5

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 Licenses
  • Bonded Storage
  • Multiline Entry
  • Clearance Processing
  • Post Clearance Modification


The following services are taxable which is included in the amount shown above:

  • Clearance Authorization
  • Duty Tax Processing
  • Bonded Storage
  • Multiline Entry
  • Broker Notification
  • Temporary Import Export
  • Release to Broker
  • Post Clearance Modification

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* 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.