For shipments to countries outside the European Union using our export products, certain customs and shipping requirements must be observed. The key information is summarized here.
International parcels are shipped exclusively as individual consignments. The consolidation of multiple parcels into a single customs or shipping unit is not provided for in postal services.
The appropriate customs documents must be enclosed with each individual parcel. These typically include:
Commercial invoice (in duplicate)
Customs declaration (e.g. CN22 or CN23) – only for DHL Paket International and Warenpost International
If required: proof of preferential origin (in the form of a declaration of origin on the commercial invoice or as a separate document, e.g. EUR1)
In addition, electronic shipment and customs data must be transmitted prior to posting.
Customs-relevant information is required for customs clearance and must be provided in English or in the official language of the destination country. The requirements for customs data are summarized by product here.
Important:
The information provided in the customs declaration and the commercial invoice (or invoice for customs purposes) forms the basis for import clearance, including the assessment of country-specific import duties and taxes, which are generally collected from the recipient of the parcel. All information must be provided in English or in the official language of the destination country.
In addition to duties and taxes, service fees for customs clearance by the delivery operator may also be charged. DHL Paket has no influence on the amount of duties and taxes or on any applicable service fees.
For international shipments, a correct German sender address must always be provided, both on the shipping label and in the electronic shipment data.
If the value of the goods exceeds EUR 1,000, an additional export document is mandatory. The parcel must be clearly identified both physically and electronically as a shipment accompanied by an export accompanying document.
> For further information, please refer to "Important information on Export Declarations" below.
All required customs-relevant documents must be securely affixed to the outside of the parcel in a self-adhesive document envelope, placed next to the shipping label, to ensure accessibility for customs clearance.
Each country has its own customs and import regulations. The sender is responsible for complying with these requirements. It is therefore recommended to obtain information on the current regulations prior to shipment, for example via the chamber of commerce of the destination country or comparable institutions.
> Further information on relevant websites can be found under "Additional contacts for customs and export".
Certain goods (or categories of goods) are excluded from shipment in accordance with the applicable general terms and conditions. These typically include dangerous, prohibited or particularly sensitive goods, as well as goods with the customs status of non-Union goods (e.g. goods under the T1 procedure). Please check prior to shipment whether your goods are eligible for dispatch.
The sender bears the risk of all consequences arising from the inadmissible shipment of goods abroad, non-compliance with the import and customs regulations of foreign countries (including transit regulations), incorrect or incomplete preparation of the required customs documents, and failure to comply with applicable export regulations.
This also applies to any damage incurred by the sender due to loss of entitlement to compensation if the shipment is seized by the customs authorities of a foreign country. It is the responsibility of the sender to obtain information independently from the recipients of the shipments, the foreign representations of the destination or transit countries, foreign trade offices, chambers of industry and commerce, or other relevant authorities.
In certain cases, an Export Declaration is required when shipping with DHL Paket International to non-EU countries or special EU territories.
An individual Export Declaration is required if:
Important
In accordance with Section 9 (1) of the German Foreign Trade and Payments Ordinance (AWV), the exporter or their representative is required to electronically declare the goods to the competent export customs office prior to handing them over to Deutsche Post AG, for example via ATLAS (Automated Tariff and Local Customs Clearance System) or IAA Plus (ATLAS Export IT procedure – Internet Export Declaration Plus).
Attach a yellow label bearing the notice “Attention! Export Declaration” near the shipment address and mark the parcel in your shipping logistics system with the note “Shipment with Export Declaration.” These markings ensure that your DHL Paket International shipment is identified as a parcel with an export accompanying document, separated accordingly, and handled with special care.
The label can be downloaded further below on this page.
Please note…
Your DHL Paket International shipment cannot be properly exported and the export procedure cannot be electronically closed if the export accompanying document is placed inside the parcel or handed over separately from the parcel.
If, upon handover to Deutsche Post AG, it is determined that the required export accompanying document is missing despite the appropriate marking, Deutsche Post AG must refuse acceptance of the shipment and return it to the sender.
Since July 2009, only electronic Export Declarations have been permitted.
Your export shipment can only be properly cleared and the export procedure electronically completed if the instructions outlined in this guide are followed in full. The electronic “Exit Confirmation” message subsequently issued by customs via ATLAS serves as proof for VAT purposes.
