Starters hub Fast customs clearance

In general, goods are dutiable and documents are not. But the definition for a dutiable shipment varies from country to country. In the Bahamas, a photo is a document, so it is not dutiable, but for Argentina the same photo is a dutiable shipment. There is free trade between EU countries. This means that no customs formalities are required to export goods. You only need a fully completed bill of lading.

Required documents

Read more

Whose responsibility is it to cover the costs?

When sending a dutiable express shipment, as the sender, you cover the transport costs. The recipient is responsible for paying any import duties and taxes, which DHL Express advances for customs clearance.

Alternatively, you can opt to pay all costs as the shipper, including import duties and taxes. In this case, you would select the 'Duty Taxes Paid' (DTP) service offered by DHL Express. This approach helps prevent surprises for the recipient, your customer.

View all current commodity codes and avoid delays

We're happy to assist you in smoothly and promptly clearing your shipment through customs. The correct documentation is crucial for this process.

You'll find all the information you require here.

You must provide the details of your shipment online via our MyDHL+ shipping tool. We call this data 'line item data'. This way, customs can process your shipment quickly.

Watch our instruction video here

With the DHL Express global Trade services tool you can calculate duties, taxes and more. You can also find the latest import and export regulations.

Go to the tool

Go to DHL Express brochures