Customs Services

Updated: December 1, 2025
Effective: January 1, 2026

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 85.00
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 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	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 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	ZAR 930.00
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. 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	ZAR 230.00 plus ZAR 10.00 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 where additional cost is incurred for importing shipments in alignment with government agency requirements.	Per Shipment	ZAR 210.00
Customs Physical Intervention	Shipments subject to Customs inspection Show More Show Less Customs Physical Intervention The arrangement of a non-routine physical Customs inspection of a shipment involving either a full or partial unload. To include the marking or mutilation of samples.	Per Shipment	ZAR 415.00
Clearance Authorization	Hold and notify me Show More Show Less Clearance Authorization Applies when the designated importer has specifically requested to be contacted by DHL before customs clearance is initiated. Contractual agreement required.	Per Shipment	ZAR 195.00

Customs Support
Duty Tax Processing	Account Holders can accelerate clearance Show More Show Less Duty Tax Processing DHL will accelerate the customs clearance initiating the payment process of duty and tax charges relating to a shipment. The receiver is invoiced for the duty and tax amount, allowing payment to be deferred until a mutually agreed date.	Per Shipment	No charge, if fiscal charge is < ZAR 50.00 ZAR 100.00, if fiscal charges exceed ZAR 50.00 2% of fiscal charges with minimum of ZAR 200.00, if fiscal charges exceed ZAR 100.00
Duty Tax Processing	Import Duties and Taxes for Non-Account receivers Show More Show Less Duty Tax Processing 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	No charge, if fiscal charge is < ZAR 50.00 ZAR 100.00, if fiscal charges exceed ZAR 50.00 2% of fiscal charges with minimum of ZAR 220.00, if fiscal charges exceed ZAR 100.00
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 930.00
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	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	ZAR 1,655.00

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.