Purpose: learn how to avoid unwanted DHL surcharges when your package does not meet the carrier's shipping conditions.
These surcharges apply when a parcel doesn’t meet DHL conditions. They’re assessed at the sorting center and invoiced later via Sendcloud, not during label creation. They may apply to all DHL shipping methods, so please review carefully.
DHL operates using a zone system, please refer to the following table for a visual representation of these zones.
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To check the delivery postcodes, visit DHL Postcode Availability.
Domestic surcharges |
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| Surcharge | Description | Cost |
| Above 5kg | A surcharge is applicable per kg, above 5 kg. The purchasing price of this surcharge is £0.39 per kg |
£0.39 / Kg |
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Isle of Wight / Scilly Isles |
Surcharge applies for DHL shipments to the Isle of Wight and Scilly Isles due to additional delivery costs. |
£6.19 |
| Return to sender | This fee will apply if a package is returned to the sender due to delivery issues. |
£2.50 |
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No pickup fee |
Surcharge applies if no shipments are ready at pickup, to cover operational costs. |
£6.19 |
| Swap out | Swap-Out is a service where the driver delivers and waits to collect a return on the spot. Used mainly for tech replacements. Available on request and subject to DHL approval based on product and volume. |
£4.70 |
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Booked in delivery |
This fee applies when a delivery must be scheduled at a specific time, covering the extra coordination and handling required to ensure successful receipt. | £13.49 |
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Out of range |
This surcharge will apply when two sides of the parcel are 80cm or greater. |
£20.20 / item |
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Long length |
This surcharge will apply to any item with a single side between 120cm and 199cm. |
£15.20 / item |
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Extra long length |
This surcharge will apply to any item with a single side 200cm or greater. |
£20.20 / item |
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Heavyweight item |
This charge will apply to any item weighing over 30 Kg. |
£15.20 / item |
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Delivery to BFPO address |
This surcharge applies to deliveries to BFPO addresses, covering the extra handling, security checks, and special routing needed for military locations. |
£11.19 / item |
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Manual Handling charges (MHC) |
These charges apply to shipments requiring manual handling due to weight. The MHC covers the extra labor and resources needed for heavy parcels that can't go through automated systems. |
MHC 26–100 kg: £0.00 MHC 101-200 kg: £7.99 MHC 200+ kg: £9.99 |
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Volumetric weight |
Volumetric weight is used when shipping costs are based on the size of the parcel rather than its actual weight. Large but lightweight parcels may still incur higher charges. Under-Declaration Surcharge |
£0.35 |
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Congestion surcharge |
DHL applies a congestion surcharge for deliveries to postcodes with high traffic to cover added operational costs. For details and affected areas, see DHL City Congestion Charge. |
£0.85 |
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Fuel Surcharge |
DHL applies a fuel surcharge to offset changing fuel costs and maintain service reliability. For full details, visit the DHL Fuel Surcharge page. |
14% |
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Surcharge re-delivery |
This fee applies if DHL can't deliver on the first attempt and needs to make a second or third attempt. If recipient contact details are provided, DHL will send notifications offering alternative delivery options: - Leave in a safe place - Leave with a neighbor -Divert to a PUDO (Pick-Up Drop-Off) point |
£3.70 |
International surcharges |
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| Surcharge | Description | Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Volumetric weight |
Volumetric weight is used when shipping costs are based on the size of the parcel rather than its actual weight. Large but lightweight parcels may still incur higher charges. Under-Declaration Surcharge |
£0.35 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fuel Surcharge |
- DHL Road Economy IOSS: Fuel included in price. - DHL Road Economy NON-IOSS: -Fuel is already included for: FR, DE, IE, IT, NL, ES - Fuel is not included, more info here |
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| DDP Admin Surcharge | An additional fee for using Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) instead of Delivery At Place (DAP). | £13.20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Out of Gauge (OOG) | This fee is applied to any shipment larger than 120cm x 60cm x 60 cm. | £50.20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Undeliverable Parcel | Applied for parcels that cannot be delivered and are returned. | £20.20 + admin charge | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional Charge per Kg | Applied for parcels that exceed the maximum allowable weight (30 kg) or if the actual weight is higher than declared. | Price by Country
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Important information about rates & services
You acknowledge and agree that all goods being returned to you or being collected from the one-third party for delivery to another will be carried at your sole risk. DHL eCommerce UK does not accept any liability under any circumstances for any loss or damage to such goods (howsoever caused).