What Documents Do I Need?

Be prepared before you ship!

Along with a transport label, shipments may also need other documents such as a customs invoice or destination specific documents to accompany the shipment.

Labels

Customs Invoice

Sanctions Documents

A transport label contains all the information DHL needs to know to keep your package moving through the network to its ultimate destination.

Information typically included on a label:

Shipper’s and Receiver’s address and contact information
A full description of the shipment contents – what the goods are and quantity of each included
Number of packages/pieces in the shipment, total weight of the shipment and dimensions

Storage Period for Import and Export Shipments Released with Tax Assessment (20 Days)
Pursuant to Article 12, Item XII, of IN RFB No. 1,737/2017, we inform that the storage period for import shipments released with tax assessment by the courier company is 20 (twenty) days, during which the consignee must take the appropriate measures.

Customs invoice (Commercial/Proforma) details are provided by the shipper and is used for declaring relevant information to customs authorities for clearance purposes. The details assist the customs authorities in assessing and determining the applicable duties and taxes, conduct risk assessments and other relevant procedures.

Customs invoice details should include all the key information and complete commodity details for efficient and timely customs clearance. Some key data elements include (but not limited to) are:

Shipper/exporter and receiver/importer address and contact details
Identification number and/or tax ID for the shipper and/or the receiver
Breakdown of transaction costs, such as goods value, insurance, freight and packaging
Currency code used in the transaction
Incoterm and place applied
Reason for the export, such as sale, gift, return, sample

Each commodity in the shipment must be listed with these details

Description of good in precise and plain language
Harmonized System (HS) code
Country of Origin (where the item was produced or manufactured)
Quantity, Unit of Measure
Weight
Value

As needed requirements should be documented

Proof of Origin Statement
Export/Import Permits, Licenses and Certificates
Other Government Requirements

Invoice Types

There are two different types of invoices required for customs clearance: Commercial or Proforma. The invoice you use depends on the purpose of the shipment and regulations of the countries involved.

Commercial Invoice

Generally used when items shipped are part of a commercial transaction (between the buyer and seller of the goods)

Proforma Invoice

Typically used when items shipped have not been purchased and are not intended for resale, like personal items, gift or a return shipment
Use of Proforma invoice is subject to regulations of countries involved

Some shipments may require a General Sanctions and Export Controls Letter of Indemnity or Warranty.

Learn More About Export Controls and Sanctions

View More About Sanctions Restrictions

It is DHL's policy to comply with applicable international trade laws including relevant export control and sanctions restrictions. In parallel with our trade compliance measures, DHL generally does not accept payments for shipments (or other transactions) outside of the United States in U.S. Dollars for U.S. sanctioned countries. (i.e. Belarus, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Syria).

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Downloadable Files

Get more from our comprehensive customs guides and reference materials.

High Risk Sanctioned Countries Letter of Indemnity

DHL Express Global Customs Customer Guidelines