FAQs – Duties and Taxes
How are customs duties calculated? |
- All types of shipments (including gifts, samples and goods for repair) go through an import clearance process as determined by custom’s regulations in the destination country. The shipment is cleared through customs based on the type of goods, origin country, the value and quantity.
- Dutiable shipments are subject to a customs duty, which is a tariff or tax imposed on goods when transported across international borders.
Who is responsible for payment of duties and taxes? |
The payment of duties and taxes are typically the responsibility of the receiver.
DHL typically pays duties and taxes to authorities upon import on behalf of the receiver, and then charges the receiver.
In addition, if the shipper pre-selects to pay all DHL charges (and duties and taxes) when creating a shipment (on behalf of their customers/receivers of the goods), then DHL will outlay duties and taxes and charge it back to the shipper (together with other customs-related charges, if applicable). This ensures no charges to receivers of goods.
Contact your DHL Express representative for more information about our DHL Billing Services.
Who is responsible for payment of duties and taxes? |
The payment of duties and taxes are typically the responsibility of the receiver.
DHL typically pays duties and taxes to authorities upon import on behalf of the receiver, and then charges the receiver.
In addition, if the shipper pre-selects to pay all DHL charges (and duties and taxes) when creating a shipment (on behalf of their customers/receivers of the goods), then DHL will outlay duties and taxes and charge it back to the shipper (together with other customs-related charges, if applicable). This ensures no charges to receivers of goods.
Contact your DHL Express representative for more information about our DHL Billing Services.
- DHL does offer the opportunity for DHL account holders to pay for duties and taxes after shipment delivery via their account billing.
Why is the receiver being asked to pay Customs duties and taxes? |
Duties and taxes are levied by Customs in the destination country and the receiver is responsible for paying them.
- DHL will pay the charges on the receiver's behalf and collect payment from the receiver prior to or on delivery.
- Generally, DHL Express is unable to deliver parcels until these have been paid.
Why is the receiver being asked to pay Customs duties and taxes? |
The payment of duties and taxes are typically the responsibility of the receiver.
DHL typically pays duties and taxes to authorities upon import on behalf of the receiver, and then charges the receiver.
In addition, if the shipper pre-selects to pay all DHL charges (and duties and taxes) when creating a shipment (on behalf of their customers/receivers of the goods), then DHL will outlay duties and taxes and charge it back to the shipper (together with other customs-related charges, if applicable). This ensures no charges to receivers of goods.
Contact your DHL Express representative for more information about our DHL Billing Services.
- DHL does offer the opportunity for DHL account holders to pay for duties and taxes after shipment delivery via their account billing.
I’m sending a gift – can I pay duties and taxes instead of the receiver? |
Why doesn’t DHL include duties and taxes in its prices? |
The customs authorities in the destination country determine whether any duties and taxes are applicable when the parcel arrives.
- This is based on the information provided on the shipping label (or waybill), customs invoice (Commercial/Proforma), and customs paperwork – in particular the shipment contents, goods origin, declared value and weight.
Are there any countries where duties and taxes don’t apply? |
Goods Purchased Online
Why did my online purchase get delivered by DHL? |
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 import 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? |
Why do I need to pay customs duty if I received a shipment as a gift? |
Why am I restricted with value and quantity if I am ordering for my personal 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 import duties (percentage of shipment value and transport charges)
- Import customs tax
- DHL Advance Payment and other clearance surcharges
- Any regulatory charges, if applicable