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
- 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 PaymentPer shipment2% of the credit advanced or 11.00 USD minimumOther Government AgencyPer shipmentCharges vary based on Government RequirementsBonded StoragePer shipment, per day after 3 calendar days31.00 USDBonded TransitPer entry80.00 USDCertificate of OriginPer shipment10.00 USDClearance AuthorizationPer shipment65.00 USDDisbursementsPer shipment2% of duties or 11.00 USD minimumExport DeclarationPer shipment15.00 USDSingle ClearancePer shipment35.00 USDBroker NotificationPer shipment50.00 USDImport PaperworkPer packet25.00 USD per packet or 1.00 USD for Soft CopyMultiline EntryPer line item3.00 USD per line after 5 linesPermits and LicensesPer submission21.00 USDPost Clearance ModificationPer shipment75.00 USDTemporary Imports/ExportsPer shipment90.00 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:
- www.dhl-usa.com (General Information)
For Duty and Tax related enquiries:
- www.dhl-usa.com/en/express/customs_support.html (Customs Support)
- E-mail: Duty_disputes@dhl.com
Please provide your waybill number, your contact information and how we can assist you. - Tel. 866.638.7668 (8AM to 5PM CST)*
* If there is no answer, your call will be returned within two business hours