Customs Services

Updated: June 9, 2025
Effective: June 9, 2025

DHL Express has extensive worldwide customs knowledge and experience. We know that a smooth and efficient customs clearance process helps your shipments arrive as quickly as possible. We provide standardized services that effectively support the customs clearance process.

DHL as Your Customs Broker

DHL Express (Canada) provides standardized services that effectively supports you with customs clearance processes. We know that a smooth and efficient customs clearance process ensures your shipments arrive in the shortest time possible.

There are many benefits associated with using the DHL Express (Canada) as your customs broker.

Expedited same day clearance and delivery provided that the CBSA releases the shipment.
Payment of duties and taxes owing to the CBSA in advance and on the consignee’s behalf.
Compliant record keeping of all import filings as required by the CBSA.
Enjoy the convenience of not having to personally and physically travel to a CBSA office to self-clear a shipment.

DHL Express Canada also offers a comprehensive range of additional solutions when your shipment has unique clearance needs outlined below. We may apply and bill these service fees, which are subject to change, to any shipper, recipient or designated third party.

You have the option to elect to self-clear a shipment or appoint another broker to perform the clearance on your behalf. In this case select charges will not apply.

Customs Services	Description	How We Charge	Cost

Customs Preparation
Export Declaration	Exporting goods being subject to additional controls Show More Show Less Export Declaration An export declaration is required for shipments exceeding a value threshold. May also apply for shipments containing controlled commodities or exceeding a specific weight threshold.	Per Shipment	15.00 CAD
Bonded Transit	Shipping under customs bond Show More Show Less Bonded Transit Bonded Transit applies to both export and import shipments whenever DHL is required to open, manage or report any form of transfer under bond.	Per Shipment	€45.00
Multiline Entry	Importing shipments containing multiple commodities Show More Show Less Multiline Entry Charges apply when more than 5 lines are recorded on the customs clearance, for example with different commodities or different countries of manufacture.	Per Line After 5th line	5.50 CAD
Temporary Import Export	Have DHL arrange a temporary import or export Show More Show Less Temporary Import Export At Customer’s request, DHL facilitates the temporary export and subsequent re-import of goods from the origin country, or the temporary import and later re-export of goods at the destination. These services are typically provided for purposes such as repairs, testing, exhibitions, or similar activities, and are carried out in compliance with customs regulations through the submission of all required documentation and adherence to the relevant clearance procedures.	Per Shipment	€45.00
Preferential Origin	Benefit from preferential duty Show More Show Less Preferential Origin At shipper’s request, the preparation or provision of a Certificate of Origin/Proof of Preference or other similar forms by DHL to certify the goods in a particular export shipment have been produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country allowing preferential rates of duty to be claimed at destination and/or compliance with trade barriers. Common examples are EUR1, ATR.	Per Shipment	€10.00

Customs Process
Non-Routine Entry/Formal Clearance	Goods excluded from standard clearance Show More Show Less Non-Routine Entry/Formal Clearance Applies when goods are excluded from routine clearance procedures, due to value or weight exceeding the formal entry threshold set by destination Customs Authorities or due to other regulatory requirements such as tariff codes. Applies also to formal clearance performed by DHL contracted third party brokers in countries where DHL cannot provide such clearance services or operate as a licensed broker.	Per Shipment	15.00 CAD
Bonded Storage	When the shipment cannot be released by customs Show More Show Less Bonded Storage Storage charges apply when the shipment cannot be released by customs. Charges take effect three calendar (working) days after the freight arrival date. The charge applies to the duty and tax payer.	Per Shipment Per Day After 3 Calendar Days	8.90 CAD plus 0.20 CAD per kg/lb
Permits and Licenses	We facilitate the license filing process. Show More Show Less Permits and Licenses To accelerate import of selected controlled commodities, such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, computer monitors, laser devices, cosmetics, eyeglasses, food and food products, DHL is required to file specific information in order to obtain the required import permits or licenses.	Per Shipment	25.00 CAD
Clearance Processing	A fee for shipment clearance processing Show More Show Less Clearance Processing Applies where additional cost is incurred for importing shipments in alignment with government agency requirements.	Per Shipment	15.00 CAD

Customs Support
Customs Clearance Customers with DHL Brokerage Account	Account Holders can accelerate clearance Show More Show Less Customs Clearance Customers with DHL Brokerage Account A service charge is applied and collected on all imports of a non-document shipment for which DHL Express (Canada) prepares a Customs entry. Importers with a DHL Brokerage account on file.	Per Shipment	12.00 CAD or 2.75% of fiscal charges, if higher
Customs Clearance Customers without DHL Brokerage Account	Import Duties and Taxes for Non-Account receivers Show More Show Less Customs Clearance Customers without DHL Brokerage Account An administrative charge applies when DHL processes import duties, taxes, or other regulatory charges on behalf of customers who do not hold a DHL account number.	Per Shipment	18.00 CAD or 2.75% of fiscal charges, if higher
Broker Notification	Designate your preferred Broker Show More Show Less Broker Notification At the importer’s request, DHL will provide the necessary paperwork to the customer’s designated broker to perform the import clearance and resume the delivery to the final destination once the clearance is completed. DHL is subsequently not responsible for the timeliness of the submission to customs or for the release of the shipment.	Per Shipment	15.00 CAD
Release to Broker	Shipment cleared and delivered by your broker of choice Show More Show Less Release to Broker At shipper or importer request, the release of a DHL Express shipment to the customer's designated customs broker of choice. DHL will transfer the responsibility for a shipment and related customs documentation to the customer's nominated broker for clearance and last mile delivery.	Per Shipment	60.00 CAD
Other Government Agency	When importing goods being subject to additional controls Show More Show Less Other Government Agency At request, DHL will arrange the completion of Veterinary, Health or Phytosanitary controls at the First Point of Entry in a country or a Customs Union, typically required when importing animal products, plants, seeds, or pharmaceutical products.	Per Shipment	16.00 CAD plus cost of certificate
Post Clearance Modification	Upon request, shipment data (value, classification, etc.) can be modified after declaration Show More Show Less Post Clearance Modification If requested by customs authorities or the importer/exporter, DHL may add or modify data declared to customs authorities for clearance purposes. This includes data such as declared values, classification of the goods and importer details, based on documentary evidence gathered from or confirmed by the importer or exporter.	Per Shipment	75.00 CAD
Rebilling of Invoice	Applied when the Customer requests DHL to re-issue an invoice to an alternative address, different contact or company, change in terms of trade and/or for any other reasons not originally identified on the commercial documents. Show More Show Less Rebilling of Invoice Applied when the Customer requests DHL to re-issue an invoice to an alternative address, different contact or company, change in terms of trade and/or for any other reasons not originally identified on the commercial documents.	Per Shipment	11.00 CAD

More About Customs Services

DHL will prepay and charge back for government required certificate fees.
Shipments booked with Duty Tax Paid (DTP) service may be subject to additional clearance charges. Where applicable these will be billed to the DTP shipper. These charges may include but are not limited to:
- Non-Routine Entry/Formal Clearance
- Customs Physical Intervention
- Permits and Licenses
- Bonded Storage
- Multiline Entry
- Clearance Processing
- Post Clearance Modification
- Non-Routine Entry/Formal Clearance
- Customs Physical Intervention
- Permits and Licenses
- Bonded Storage
- Multiline Entry
The cost of certificates or any other Government fees are not included in the price of the service.
Customs Service charges are subject to change and may be applied as needed to the shipper, recipient or designated third party.
In 2022, we will also make a number of adjustments to our services and surcharges in order to ensure a flexible pricing structure that addresses DHL’s cost and investment priorities while also enabling our customers’ growth and competitiveness.

Customs Clearance Options

Learn about customs clearance options and how DHL can make clearance easier for you!

Delivery Services

We offer a range of versatile, reliable international package and document delivery options!

Optional Services

Get your shipment delivered exactly the way you want! We offer flexible additional services that cater to a variety of shipment needs.

Surcharges

Some exceptional activities supported by our high level of service and changes to fuel costs may incur additional charges.