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.

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	ZAR 195.00
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	ZAR 40.00
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 import/export of goods by submitting required documents such as an ATA Carnet and adhering to required clearance procedures as specified by Customs.	Per Shipment	ZAR 1,300.00
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	Goods excluded from standard clearance Show More Show Less Non-Routine Entry 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	ZAR 400.00
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 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	ZAR 80.00 plus ZAR 1.60 per kg
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	ZAR 920.00
Clearance Processing	A fee for shipment clearance processing Show More Show Less Clearance Processing Applies in selected countries where additional cost is incurred for importing shipments in alignment with government agency requirements.	Per Shipment	ZAR 210.00

Customs Support
Duty Tax Processing	Account Holders can accelerate clearance Show More Show Less Duty Tax Processing DHL will accelerate the customs clearance process making prompt payment of duty and tax charges relating to a shipment, while the receiver defers payment until an agreed date.	Per Shipment	ZAR 200.00 and 2% of the fiscal charge
Duty Tax Processing	Import Duties and Taxes for Non-Account receivers Show More Show Less Duty Tax Processing 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	ZAR 220.00 and 2% of the fiscal charge
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	ZAR 250.00
Release to Broker	Shipment cleared and delivered by your broker of choice Show More Show Less Release to Broker At importers request, DHL will transfer the shipment and related customs documentation to the customer’s nominated broker for clearance and last mile delivery.	Per Shipment	ZAR 780.00
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	€45.00
Post Clearance Modification	When customs clearance information requires modification after declaration Show More Show Less 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	ZAR 975.00

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
- Customs Physical Intervention
- Permits and Licenses
- Bonded Storage
- Multiline Entry
- Clearance Processing
- Post Clearance Modification

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.