Shipping Education Archives

All
Commodity Restrictions
General Shipping Questions
Procedures
Trade Agreements

India Goods & Service Tax

Be advised that The Indian Government has announced a Goods and Services Tax (GST) that will impact import and export clearance, effective July 1, 2017.

What are the most common delays in customs?

To avoid customs holdups it's important to understand the causes of the majority of customers delays. Learn what this DHL study uncovered as the most common causes.

What is the USMCA?

The United States, Mexico, and Canada updated NAFTA to create the new USMCA. The new agreement went into effect July 1, 2020.

Neutral Delivery Service (NDS)

Also known as Blind Shipping, NDS is a service DHL offers that keeps the declared value of the shipment hidden from the receiver.

Hong Kong: Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 2021 Update

Updates have been made to the Export Administration Regulations for exports to Hong Kong. Learn how this effects your shipments and more.

European Union Customs, VAT Collection, Export Information

The European Union requires a formal customs clearance for all inbound EU shipments and levying VAT. Our article includes information about VAT Collection, customs declaration requirements, and more!

How do you tell customs who is responsible for paying the duties and taxes on a shipment?

Terms of trade are generally indicating when shipping by using Incoterms®. “Incoterms” is a trademark of the International Chamber of Commerce. These rules and trade terms are recognized and accepted as the standard for negotiating international trading between buyers and sellers. There are a wide variety of shipping terms, but with DHL there are only […]

Shipping to Canada

To most countries around the world, DHL can act as the customs broker for the receiver. They can often clear the shipment through customs before it even arrives in the country. That is why DHL can be as fast or faster than any other air-express carrier internationally.

Using Carnets When Shipping with DHL

A Carnet allows you to ship something to another country temporarily without paying duty or tax to customs and have it return to the origin country so that it is handled properly by customs on both ends. You can think of it as a passport for the item you are shipping. Just as you should […]

Shipping Dangerous Goods With DHL Express

There are many regulations when it comes to shipping Dangerous Goods (also called Hazardous Material or Haz Mat). This is to ensure the safety of those transporting it and is especially important for international shipping since that involves air travel and many items become more dangerous at altitude. Depending on what you want to ship […]

Tips for Shipping Oversized Items Internationally

There is a lot to know about international shipping for small business if you hope to use it effectively. Take shipping oversized items. Shippers have different processes, policies, and rates for shipping oversized items. In general, when it comes to international shipping, small businesses can run more efficiently if they take the time to learn […]

How we are helping you meet new EU customs requirements

Beginning January 4th, 2023, the European Union will require any non-document shipment going to or that may transit through the EU to have the commercial invoice line-item details be transmitted to customs electronically.

Taiwan Imports: Shipping Pre-Clearance Authentication

Effective July 1, 2022, Taiwan customs authorities updated the pre-clearance authentication process that affects shippers and receivers of packages. What you need to know Taiwan customs authorities require shipment pre-clearance authentication for shipments into Taiwan (Business-to-Consumer and Consumer-to-Consumer shipments) via the Taiwan Real-Name Authentication (EZWay) application. Receivers must download the EZWay application and register their […]

Indonesian Tax ID Number Required for All Shipments

Effective: August 1, 2021, Indonesian customs authorities require a Tax ID number for all international shipments (imports to Indonesia and exports from Indonesia). What you need to know Businesses must provide Indonesian Tax ID Number (NPWP – Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak) Non-business must provide one of the following identification numbers: Indonesian Tax ID Number (NPWP) (preferred option) […]

New Requirement for Imports from China or Hong Kong

As of April 9, 2025, China and Hong Kong manufactured products continue to be subject to the 20% additional tariff when applicable to the HTS codes involved and all products unless exempt are subject to the 125% duty tariff. To access the HTSUS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States) go to the U.S. International […]

U.S.-Chile & Colombia Free Trade Agreements

The United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) began on January 1, 2004. The United States-Chile FTA eliminates tariffs and opens markets, reduces barriers for trade in services, provides protection for intellectual property, ensures regulatory transparency, guarantees nondiscrimination in the trade of digital products, commits the Parties to maintain competition laws that prohibit anticompetitive business conduct, […]

Mexico Regulatory Changes to Informal (Low Value) Shipments

On October 14, 2024, the Revenue Agency of Mexico (SAT) and Customs issued regulatory changes impacting the clearance of low-value shipments process as informal entries (below USD 2,500) by Express Air Carriers like DHL Express. A grace period was implemented for staggered enforcement which ended on January 1, 2025. The regulatory change is happening because […]

Shipping Alcohol

There are many rules and regulations when it comes to shipping alcohol internationally. Also, each state has its own rules regarding who is licensed to produce as well as to ship alcoholic beverages in and out of its borders. In order to ship alcohol internationally with DHL, a company must first be licensed by the […]

What Is the Fastest Way to Ship a Package Internationally?

The introduction of commercial air travel almost a hundred years ago had a profound impact on the world. For starters, it made the world a much smaller place. Today, it is so small that we don’t even think twice about shipping packages internationally and having them arrive in a day or so. We’ve just come […]

Portugal Updates VAT Rules: New Optative Regulatory Charge

Effective January 1, 2026, Portuguese Customs updated the fixed “Optative Regulatory Charge,” which is an extra cost they add when imported goods stay in a customs warehouse for more than 3 days. This charge must be included in the VAT calculation, along with the value of the goods, transport costs, insurance, and any duties. The […]

MENA Region Updates

This page provides shippers with updates on DHL Express operations in the MENA Region regarding the impact of the Iran conflict. Given the current security situation in the MENA region, DHL Express services in the affected countries have been impacted. Below is a table listing the operational restrictions in the affected countries: As you review […]

India Customs Requirement

All shipments sent from India, or received in India need KYC documents (Government recognized Identity and Address proof). These documents will be presented to Customs during shipment clearance.

Dubai Customs Regulations

This outlines the mandatory information needed for all Dubai shipments.

When do I need a Certificate of Origin?

In many cases, a chamberized Certificate of Origin is required when you ship to a country the U.S. has a trade agreement with, and you wish to get reduced or be exempt from duty.

Can I ship live animals, hatchlings or eggs?

DHL Express prohibits shipments with any kind of live animals including: insects, pupae, worms, tortoises, frogs, crabs, lobster, crawfish, fish, hatchling eggs or birds.

China Customs Regulations

When shipping to China, you must include the CR Number and the HS Code.

What is the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)?

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) is an internationally standardized system of names and number for classifying traded products.

How do I calculate dimensional weight for DHL?

Dimensional weight (commonly called “dim weight”) is used in shipping to determine the cubic space a package occupies in a plane.

What is the difference between a commercial and pro forma invoice?

A commercial invoice is the most common part of your shipping documentation, and is required for most shipments.

Regulatory Forms for International Shipments

Whether you are shipping exports or imports internationally, there are a variety of documents you may need.

Are medical samples allowed on DHL Express?

Medical shipments vary by country. This article includes many of the forms you will need based on local regualtions.

How to Become IATA-Certified in Handling Dangerous Goods

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), working with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), has set regulations for shipping Dangerous Goods (DG) on airplanes.

What is an EEI, and when do I need to file one?

The Electronic Export Identifier, or EEI, is the replacement for the no-longer-accepted manual filing process known as the shipper’s export declaration or SED form.

What commodities are prohibited on DHL Express?

There are some things DHL Express won't transport in general, though individual countries may have stricter policies.

How do I estimate my duties & taxes and check for Restricted Parties?

DHL's Trade Automation Services tool provides the information you need to ensure complete and accurate customs paperwork, landed cost estimates including customs duty and taxes, and efficient transit of your goods.

Can I ship weapons or ammunitions internationally?

Using DHL Express, the shipment of arms, weapons and/or ammunition is prohibited. This includes antique firearms.

What is the DHL Capabilities Tool?

DHL's Capability Tool is used to determine origin pickup ready time availability, as well as to calculate the shipment's estimated transit time.

When do I need a USMCA Certificate of Origin?

When shipping between Mexico, Canada and the United States, companies seeking the benefit of reduced or eliminated rates of customs duty through USMCA, can do so with the proper paperwork.

These 5 Packing Tips Can Save Money on Shipping

Packing your goods correctly minimizes waste, save money, and protects your shipment. Here are 5 tips to help you streamline your packaging.

When do I need to chamberize my shipping documents?

Any shipment that requires a Certificates of Origin, or if your consignee requests one, must be chamberized by a U.S. chapter of the Chamber of Commerce to be valid.

How to Ship Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries need to be properly labeled and require certain paperwork. We walk through all the steps in depth to make sure your shipment goes smoothly.

How do I chamberize my shipping documents?

When making shipments to countries the U.S. has trade agreements with, or when the shipment's consignee requests it, you may need to provide a chamberized Certificate of Origin with your shipping documents.

Australia U.S. Free Trade Agreement

Whether you ship to and from Australia exclusively – or to other regions, as well – Preferred Shipping and DHL Express have you covered with speed, support and unparalleled international expertise.

How to avoid customs duties and taxes on repair, replacement, & warranty returns

Many return, repairs, and warranty shipments do not require customs and duties. Here's an overview to make sure you file your paperwork correctly.

When do I need to legalize my shipping documents?

Legalization of your Certificate of Origin, and other paperwork, is required when sending to some countries such as Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, the United Kingdom and Singapore, or when your consignee requests it.

How do I legalize my shipping documents?

Legalized Paperwork is a special type of process that is done for certain types of shipments traveling to specific destinations.

20 US Free Trade Agreements

Consider these 20 Free Trade Agreements when you are looking at where to export your product.