Customs Services

Updated: December 1, 2024
Effective: January 1, 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
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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
Multiline Entry
Importing shipments containing multiple commodities
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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
Customs Process
Non-Routine Entry/Formal Clearance
Goods excluded from standard clearance
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Non-Routine Entry/Formal Clearance
Applied in selected countries, when importing goods with an aggregated declaration value or weight exceeding the limits set by destination customs authorities, or due to other regulatory requirements are excluded from routine clearance on a consolidated manifest and thus require clearance under an individual entry form.
Per Shipment
15.00 CAD
Bonded Storage
When the shipment cannot be released by customs
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Bonded Storage

Storage charges apply when the shipment cannot be released by customs due to inaccurate or missing paperwork.

Charges take effect after the freight arrival date or broker notification, whichever is later. 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.
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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
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Clearance Processing
Applies in selected countries 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
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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
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Customs Clearance
Customers without DHL Brokerage Account
An administrative charge applies in case DHL has used its own credit line with customs to advance or guarantee the payment of duties, taxes or regulatory charges on behalf of importers and consumers with whom DHL has no contract.
Per Shipment
18.00 CAD or 2.75% of fiscal charges, if higher
Broker Notification
Designate your preferred Broker
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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
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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
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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
When customs clearance information requires modification after declaration
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Post Clearance Modification
DHL can modify the value, commodity, country of manufacture, or terms of trade information after the import clearance process for goods, to correct or elaborate on what was submitted previously to Customs. Modifications are also necessary when import details such as the VAT number are incorrect on the declaration.
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.
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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
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.
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