Login nicht sichtbar?

Mit der folgenden Schaltfläche können Sie die Login-Anmeldemaske anzeigen und die sichere Anmeldung abschließen.

Private Customers
Business Customer
Your session is about to expire

To protect your personal data, the current content is being hidden because you have been inactive for a while. Please click "Next" to return to it.

Your session is about to expire.

To protect your personal data, the current content is being hidden because you have been inactive for a while. After 15 minutes of inactivity, you will be automatically logged out. Please click "Next" to return to it.

You have been automatically logged out.

To protect your personal data, you will be automatically logged out after 15 minutes of inactivity. Please log in again if you wish to return to your DHL customer account.

You have been automatically logged out.

To protect your personal data, you will be automatically logged out after 15 minutes of inactivity. Please log in again if you wish to return to your DHL customer account.

Your session is about to expire

To protect your personal data, the current content is being hidden because you have been inactive for a while. Please click "Next" to return to it.

  1. Private Customers
  2. Shipping parcels
  3. Dropping off parcels
  4. Packaging correctly

Package securely and properly: how to ensure your shipments arrive safely

To ensure your parcels and packages arrive safely with their recipient, stable and secure packaging - both outside and inside - is essential. We'd like to show you a few tips and tricks for packaging your shipments correctly.

Topics at a glance

Checklist for secure shipping
 

Respect the size
  • Be aware of the size specifications and weight classes (max. 31.5 kg)
  • Keep to the specified cube shape. Shipments should not have any protruding parts and have a flat support surface (exceptions: roll-shaped objects, folder packaging, etc.). Shipments with an unusual shape can be sent with DHL as bulky goods.
     
Well packaged inside and out
  • Always use stable and intact, ideally unused shipping boxes made from corrugated cardboard
  • Completely fill hollow spaces and pad on all six sides
  • Do not attach any loose bindings
Proper sticking
  • Remove any old address labels or bar codes that may be present on the packaging
  • Only shipments that are clearly franked as returns may be packaged in the sender's film packaging. Otherwise, a bulky goods surcharge will be levied.

Tips for proper outer and inner packaging

The packaging should protect your shipment and its contents. The larger, heavier and more sensitive the contents, the more robust the packaging must be.

The right outer packaging

Always use stable shipping boxes made from corrugated cardboard. For sensitive, heavy or large contents, we recommend using outer packaging made from multi-corrugated cardboard. Choose the packaging size so that there is enough room for adequate padding. If in doubt, choose the next size of outer packaging up to ensure there is enough space for the filler material. 

Shoe boxes, sales packaging, packaging with gift wrap or boxes with slits or handles are not suitable for shipping.  

Please note the maximum dimensions and weight classes of the individual products.

Small, non-sensitive items can be sent in a conventional, dimensionally stable cardboard or paper padded envelope (max. up to C4 format) if this is only slightly different from a cube shape. Please do not use simple letter envelopes, but rather use padded envelopes or envelopes made from sturdy cardboard in order to protect your shipment.

Film packaging is only permitted if you are using the online retailer's original packaging as a return. Otherwise, we will charge a bulky goods fee for film packaging. Further information on special packaging formats and contents.

Bottles may only be sent in certified bottle boxes. Only then will liability be assumed in the event of damage during transport. Glass or other sensitive products should always be packaged with plenty of padding and protected against leaks. Please be aware that there should not be any gaps in the packaging since otherwise the contents may rattle back and forth. A warning about the contents (Fragile Glass) will help with the transportation process, although this is not a liability prerequisite during shipping.

The right inner packaging

The right inner packaging fixes and cushions the contents and thus protects it from damage during shipping. The heavier and more sensitive the contents, the greater the padding effect must be!

Cushion the goods to be shipped on all sides and fill all cavities to prevent the packaging from being pressed in. Suitable materials (filling material) for padding include, for example, several layers of bubble wrap, packaging chips or also crumpled paper (e.g., compressed kitchen paper/newspaper) in sufficient quantities.

Note the order: place heavy contents at the bottom, light at the top and delicate objects inside. Avoid direct contact of the shipping goods with the outer packaging (approx. 5cm distance, padded with filling material) and with each other, and also ensure there is no slipping of the material in the package. Cavities increase the risk of damage to your package.

The right closure

Just as important as the packaging is the secure closing of the package. It is best to always use wide (at least 5 cm), tear-resistant adhesive tape, e.g. made of plastic or thread-reinforced paper. Always stick the tape sufficiently over the closure and the edge sides. For heavy parcels, seal the edges with reinforced tape (along the length and width as well as at the top and bottom). Do not attach any loose strapping (e.g., gift ribbon or parcel string) to your shipment. Please be sure to remove old labels, barcodes and shipping tags.

With DHL Packsets and Pluspäckchen, you are always on the safe side when it comes to the right packaging. In our shop and of course in our branches, you will find a wide range of products for the right packaging.

Information about special formats and shipments

Shape

A standard package or parcel always has a cube shape, no protruding parts and a flat support surface. (Exceptions: roll-shaped objects, folder packaging)

Not all shoe boxes may be used for shipping. Please make sure it is sturdy, has no protruding parts and is not sales packaging.

Always use stable shipping boxes made from corrugated cardboard. For sensitive, heavy or large contents, we recommend using outer packaging made from multi-corrugated cardboard. Always choose the packaging size so that enough padding fits inside and, if in doubt, choose the next size of outer packaging up to have enough space for the filling material. With DHL Packsets, you always have the right boxes for your shipments.

Information on Packsets in the Deutsche Post shop.

If you wish to send your shipment in a roll format, a roll surcharge of EUR 1.99 is required. To do this, also select the Roll service in DHL Online Franking. 

In this instance,

  • a length of 5 cm to 120 cm,
  • a diameter of 5 cm to 15 cm
  • and a maximum weight of 5 kg are permitted.

If your roll-shaped shipment exceeds the maximum dimensions and/or weight stated, it will be deemed to be bulky goods subject to a charge and the roll surcharge stated here will not apply. 

For further information

Small, non-sensitive items can also be sent in a conventional, dimensionally stable cardboard or paper shipping envelope up to C4 format if the shipment is only slightly different from a cube shape. It is always important that the padded envelope is well padded and protects your goods.

All shipments that are not cube-shaped, contain protruding parts or contain other packaging are special formats. Additional prices apply for these. Your shipment is considered to be bulky goods subject to a charge if it:

  • exceeds the maximum dimensions for parcels in at least one dimension (DHL Paket 120 x 60 x 60 cm; roll* up to 5 kg, length 120 cm or diameter 15 cm)
  • is neither cube nor roll-shaped (up to 5 kg)
  • has protruding parts
  • has packaging made of material other than cardboard or paper and therefore cannot be processed by machine.

Excluded from this are folder packaging and returns in their original packaging.
Your package must not be enclosed in straps or bows.

Bulky goods are shipments for which one or more of the following characteristics apply:

  • The maximum dimensions for parcels are exceeded in at least one dimension (DHL Paket 120 x 60 x 60 cm; roll up to 5 kg, length 120 cm or diameter 15 cm)
  • Neither cube nor roll-shaped (up to 5 kg)
  • Protruding parts
  • Packaging made of material other than cardboard or paper
  • Unpacked luggage such as suitcases and travel bags

Excluded from this are folder packaging and mail order company returns in their (checked) original packaging.
Your package must not be secured with straps or bows.

Bicycles can only be sent as packaged bulky goods. Use the appropriate shipping boxes for bicycles for this purpose.

For your urn shipment, we recommend our special urn box. The cardboard box is designed exclusively for standard ash capsules and/or standard decorative urns (incl. ashes) in vase and cone shapes.

For further information

Tyres must be shipped well-packaged in boxes provided for this purpose or securely sealed as bulky goods. 

Golf clubs must be shipped well-packaged in boxes provided for this purpose or securely sealed as bulky goods. 

For the shipment of bottles only certified bottle boxes may be used. Otherwise, no liability be assumed in the event of damage during transport. Glass or other fragile goods should always be well packaged with plenty of padding and protected against leaks. Please be aware that there should not be any gaps in the packaging since otherwise the goods will rattle back and forth. A warning about the contents (Caution glass) will help with the transportation process, although this is not a basis for liability during shipping.

Fishing rods must be shipped well-packaged in boxes provided for this purpose or securely sealed as bulky goods. 

Permissible content

Must be identified as hazardous goods, with secure inner and outer packaging.

For the shipment of bottles only certified bottle boxes may be used. Otherwise no liability be assumed in the event of damage during transport. Glass or other fragile goods should always be well packaged with plenty of padding and protected against leaks. Please be aware that there should not be any gaps in the packaging since otherwise the goods will rattle back and forth. A warning about the contents (Caution glass) will help with the transportation process, although this is not a basis for liability during shipping.

Must be securely packaged, with good internal padding on all sides and sturdy outer packaging.

In general, no live animals may be sent by letter, shipment, DHL Päckchen or DHL Paket.

However, shipping is permitted for the following exceptions:

  • Letter, Päckchen, Paket: Invertebrates such as queen bees and foraging insects, provided that the sender takes all precautions to ensure safe, animal-friendly transport without special handling.

Please take into account that we cannot give guaranteed lead times for food. Shipments are also exposed to different temperatures. We therefore do not accept any guarantee for shipping with perishable food.

When shipping, please always bear in mind that external temperatures also have an impact on the contents of your parcels and packages.

Hazardous goods are substances and objects which, due to their nature, properties, or condition, may pose a risk to people, animals, the environment or public safety or order during transport. 

Examples: Perfume, nail varnish, weapons, gas cylinders, lithium batteries and much more. 

For further information

Since February 2012, there have been new administrative regulations regarding weapons law. These mean that, when a weapon is delivered, an identity check of the recipient must be carried out.

As far as we are aware, the sender can fulfil this requirement as follows:

  • As a branch customer: by adding the service Personal Delivery to the express parcel
    However, the assessment of the relevant weapons authority responsible for the sender is decisive.

The shipment of weapons is only possible nationally - not internationally.

Ignorance and deliberate non-compliance with hazardous goods regulations as well as the use of unsuitable packaging with hazardous goods contents means a danger for:

  • DHL Paket employees, possibly also third parties
  • Environment (if a substance seeps into the soil and endangers the groundwater)
  • Contents of other shipments (e.g., if a liquid substance leaks into a package containing a measuring device costing several thousand euros)
  • DHL Paket distribution facilities
  • Operating equipment
  • Vehicles

Each customer may ship hazardous goods nationally under the conditions of Part 2 of the "Regulations for the Carriage of Dangerous Substances and Objects". This does not require the conclusion of a supplementary agreement for the shipment of hazardous goods.

The "Regulation on Dangerous Goods" can be found in our GTCs and legal "general conditions" under "GTC and GTC-related documents".

The shipment of perfume belongs to the category of hazardous goods. Please read about the regulations for hazardous goods.

Ignorance and deliberate non-compliance with hazardous goods regulations as well as the use of unsuitable packaging with hazardous goods contents means a danger for:

  • DHL Paket employees, possibly also third parties
  • Environment (if a substance seeps into the soil and endangers the groundwater)
  • Contents of other shipments (e.g., if a liquid substance leaks into a package containing a measuring device costing several thousand euros)
  • DHL Paket distribution facilities
  • Operating equipment
  • Vehicles

Each customer may ship hazardous goods nationally under the conditions of Part 2 of the "Regulations for the Carriage of Dangerous Substances and Objects". This does not require the conclusion of a supplementary agreement for the shipment of hazardous goods.

The "Regulation on Dangerous Goods" can be found in our GTCs and legal "general conditions" under "GTC and GTC-related documents".

Liquids in glass must be packed stably and very securely. Pay particular attention to good inner padding on all sides and stable outer packaging.

For the shipment of bottles only certified bottle boxes may be used. Otherwise, no liability be assumed in the event of damage during transport. Glass or other fragile goods should always be well packaged with plenty of padding and protected against leaks. Please be aware that there should not be any gaps in the packaging since otherwise the goods will rattle back and forth. A warning about the contents (Caution glass) will help with the transportation process, although this is not a basis for liability during shipping.

Send sustainable* and in DHL-approved quality: DHL Packsets and DHL Pluspäckchen

With the handy sustainable DHL Packsets, you’ll always find the right packaging for your packages and parcels. Also use our colourful special editions in sizes S and M - not only for shipping, but also as gift packaging.

Alongside DHL special editions and the DHL Pluspäckchen, with effect from 1.1.2022, DHL standard Packsets are now also produced in a sustainable way. This applies to all DHL Packsets, Pluspäckchen (Packset incl. postage for Christmas) and special editions: We determine the CO2 emissions from the entire production chain and offset these through the GoGreen scheme with investments in selected worldwide climate protection projects.

The benefits for you

  • DHL Packsets available in 5 sizes in DHL-approved packaging quality
  • All DHL Packsets are produced in a completely sustainable* way
  • Our colourful and seasonal special editions are ideal for many gift-giving occasions, for sending, giving and keeping
  • Standard Packsets are made from 100% recycled material (except F: 70%)
  • Carefully selected locations in Germany to avoid long transport chains

DHL Packset and Pluspäckchen prices

Size and dimensions Price in EUR¹ Suitable items
Packset XS
22,5 x 14,5 x 3 cm		 EUR 1.59 For up to two books
Packset S
25,0 x 17,5 x 10,0 cm		 EUR 1.89 For smaller electronic items
Packset M
37,5 x 30,0 x 13,5 cm		 EUR 2.19 For file folders, shoes or textiles
Packset L
45,0 x 35,0 x 20,0 cm		 EUR 2.69 For ski boots or household appliances
Packset F
38,0 x 12,0 x 12,0 cm		 EUR 2.69 Certified for common sparkling wine or wine bottles
Packset special editions
Size S and M		 From EUR 1.99  
Pluspäckchen
Size S and M		 EUR 6.99  


1 Final price incl. VAT, plus shipping costs if applicable.


Important accessories for shipping such as shipping labels, adhesive rollers, cardboard boxes, Packsets and many other cardboard boxes can be found in our shop. In the Deutsche Post shop, you will also find more information about DHL Packsets.

More information about shipment dimensions and weights

Any questions?

FAQ

The role of the inner packaging is to hold the contents of your package inside the parcel and protect it against knocks and shocks.

  • The padding used must be appropriate for the sensitivity of the contents.
  • Objects that are sensitive to pressure and breakages, such as glass or electronic items, should never be placed directly next to the outer packaging or against other items inside the parcel.
  • They must be placed with at least 5 cm between them and the outer packaging, i.e. the padding must be of appropriate thickness.
Is this answer helpful?
Yes
No

Thank you for your feedback.

The role of the outer packaging is to protect the contents of your shipment. It also conveys important information, such as the address of the sender and recipient, shipment number, etc.

It should not give any indication as to the content and must be designed so that neither it nor the contents can be damaged or damage other shipments.

Please do not use commercial packaging or cardboard boxes that have already been used and damaged.

The cardboard box must be of the right size (contents + 5 cm padding). The way you seal the packaging is equally important. Plastic or fibre-reinforced parcel tape with a minimum width of 5 cm is ideal for this.

Tip: Use our DHL Packsets. They come with the right adhesive strips supplied.

Is this answer helpful?
Yes
No

Thank you for your feedback.

In case the address on the parcel is illegible or the address label falls off, put a copy of the address inside the shipment. This way, you can be sure that the shipment won’t get lost.

Is this answer helpful?
Yes
No

Thank you for your feedback.

Please make sure to remove all original addresses and barcodes from your parcel or make them unrecognisable. Otherwise, it cannot be ruled out that the item will be delivered again to the original recipient.

Tip: Completely tape over or remove all old labels, shipping notes and frankings:

Alternatively, the barcodes can be crossed out vertically at least once in full height with a thick, black felt-tip pen:

Is this answer helpful?
Yes
No

Thank you for your feedback.

Downloads

*We determine the CO2 emissions from the entire production chain and offset these through the GoGreen scheme with investments in selected worldwide climate protection projects.