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Frequently asked questions

If this is the first time you've received a Duty/Tax Invoice from DHL Express you may need a few questions answered.
We hope this section provides all the information you require, but if you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Why did my online purchase get delivered by DHL
The online retailer has an agreement for DHL to deliver items ordered online
I was charged duties and taxes by customs for something purchased online. Why wasn’t that included as part of the overall shipping costs?
  • Duties and taxes are most typically not included in the price of the goods you purchase online.
  • When purchasing goods online, some or all of these goods may not originate in the country you reside in.
  • When goods are not shipped domestically (within your country) or within a single customs union, such as the European Union, you are liable to pay any inbound duties and taxes which your local customs authority deems appropriate.
  • To ensure the DHL courier can deliver your goods in shortest possible transit time, when we enter your country, DHL pays the customs authority immediately on your behalf for any duties and taxes that are due on the goods.
  • DHL only releases the goods to you upon the full repayment of any duties and taxes that were paid on your behalf.
Why do I need to pay customs duty?
Although you ordered and purchased the goods online, the goods are still subject to an import procedure to clear the shipment through customs. Clearance depends on:
  • The country of origin
  • The value including transport charges
  • The quantity of goods
Each country has its own customs laws and the duties for different types of goods and values are set locally. DHL, like any other international transportation company, must adhere to local customs legislation and so DHL pays duties on the receiver’s behalf to clear shipments on arrival.
When making my purchase it stated the price includes shipping costs. Why was I asked by DHL to pay additional charges to have my package delivered?
You will not be paying to DHL any further shipping costs. Rather, you will be asked instead to pay customs duties, taxes and other import charges related to customs clearance in your home country, as per local regulations.
Why do I need to pay customs duty if I received a shipment as a gift?
Whether a shipment is a gift or not, it must still go through an import procedure as determined by custom’s law in the destination country. The shipment is cleared through customs based on the origin country, the value and quantity, but not its purpose. You will need to pay customs duty and taxes only if the value of the gift is above a stated local threshold.
Why am I restricted with value and quantity if I am ordering for my personal use?
Every country has limitations for imported goods that are used for personal use. This is to avoid misuse, and to distinguish imports for personal and commercial use.
What additional charges can I expect following customs clearance?
Depending on value and the type of goods imported you may expect the following:
  • Customs duty (percentage of shipment value and transport charges)
  • Local tax
  • DHL Advance Payment surcharge
  • Any regulatory charges, if applicable
Additional charges for Customs Services

Customs Service

How We Charge

Additional Charge

Advance Payment
Per shipment
2% of the credit advanced or 11.00 USD minimum
Other Government Agency
Per shipment
Charges vary based on Government Requirements
Bonded Storage
Per shipment, per day after 3 calendar days
31.00 USD
Bonded Transit
Per entry
80.00 USD
Certificate of Origin
Per shipment
10.00 USD
Clearance Authorization
Per shipment
65.00 USD
Disbursements
Per shipment
2% of duties or 11.00 USD minimum
Export Declaration
Per shipment
15.00 USD
Single Clearance
Per shipment
35.00 USD
Broker Notification
Per shipment
50.00 USD
Import Paperwork
Per packet
25.00 USD per packet or 1.00 USD for Soft Copy
Multiline Entry
Per line item
3.00 USD per line after 5 lines
Permits and Licenses
Per submission
21.00 USD
Post Clearance Modification
Per shipment
75.00 USD
Temporary Imports/Exports
Per shipment
90.00 USD
What is the timeframe for filing a U.S. Duty dispute?
All dispute timelines start with clearance entry date. DHL will be unable to file an amended correction beyond the dates specified.
Clearance Type Dispute Filing Timeline
Manifest (Low Value) Per 19 CFR 174: 180 days from clearance entry date

Formal or Separate Entry Up to 270 days after clearance entry date per ACE guidelines

LINK TO: DHL US Express Import Information

LINK TO: DHL US Import Guide



Contact & Support

Further advice and assistance on Duty/Tax Charges

For general information and enquiries:

For Duty and Tax related enquiries: