DHL Express International

When shipping internationally, you’ll be required to fill out some paperwork to clear your goods through customs. This includes a Commercial Invoice (which acts as a customs declaration for goods being shipped across international borders, and helps authorities calculate the duties and taxes due), and an Air Waybill (which tells customs authorities important details about the shipment.) Depending on the goods being shipped, you may also need an Import/Export License.

Use this guide as a documentation checklist to ensure your goods make their way through customs without delay! 

A Commercial Invoice is an essential component of the shipping documents required for international shipments. It serves as a customs declaration for items crossing borders and includes details like the value and country of origin, which assist customs officials in determining the applicable taxes and duties, as well as identifying the party responsible for payment.

Commercial Invoices document finalized transactions and act as formal records for payment. Pro-forma Invoices function as estimates or proposals, providing potential customers with an overview of anticipated costs.

When shipping internationally, you must create an Air Waybill (also referred to as a Waybill or AWB). This crucial document includes essential information and instructions about your shipment's contents, enabling machines, couriers, and customs officials to process and track it. Equally important, the AWB serves as proof of ownership of the package, based on the sender's and recipient's details. You must provide key information, such as the shipper's and receiver's details, a description of the contents, and whether the shipment is Duties & Taxes Paid (DTP), where you, the shipper, cover all shipment costs, or Duties & Taxes Unpaid (DTU), where all duties and taxes at the destination are the consignee's responsibility. This guide will assist you in completing an Air Waybill correctly to avoid customs delays.

A Harmonized System (HS) code (or Tariff Code/Tariff Number) is a distinctive code ranging from six to ten digits, utilized to categorize the specific type of goods being transported. As a globally acknowledged system for traded items, it assists customs officials in precisely determining taxes and duties and enforcing any required regulations.

A Certificate of Origin declares to customs authorities where goods within a shipment were manufactured. The Certificate indicates whether there is a free trade agreement established between the shipper’s country and the destination country and thus whether the goods are eligible for reduced taxes and duties.

Yes, international users can our mailbox to receive mail and packages in the United States.

Landed Cost is the total cost of getting your product from the factory to a customer’s door, and includes shipping fees, insurance, and any customs and duties due if it crosses borders.

It depends – each country has its own list of restricted items to regulate goods crossing its borders. It might include things like certain liquids, hazardous materials, and medicines. You’ll need to check the rules for your shipment’s origin and destination countries. Each separate shipment will require an individual license. 

When a shipment enters or leaves a country, Customs authorities review the accompanying paperwork to ensure the shipper has followed all the appropriate rules and regulations.

Before handing over your shipment(s) to DHL, ensure you’ve filled out the paperwork properly and completely to avoid delays in the Customs process.

To help ensure faster Customs clearance:

• Provide all necessary documents
• List each commodity separately with accurate descriptions
• Check for consistency across all documents
• Make sure documents are clearly written, typed or electronically submitted
• Provide as much detailed information as possible
• Confirm that all associated costs are correct
• Ensure that receiving country or person is not on a Denied Parties List  

Denied Parties are individuals or entities that have been denied shipping privileges by government agencies. Conducting trade with them is prohibited. ( Please be advised, we have no way to verify denied parties.)