Purpose: an overview of the additional charges that may be levied for shipping certain goods, or when your parcels do not meet the shipping criteria.
DHL Express surcharges |
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Surcharge | Description | Cost |
Fuel surcharge | A fuel surcharge will apply to all parcels shipped with DHL Express. The fuel costs are a monthly variable vary based on the current fuel price. Click here for more information. | |
Surcharge remote area | Applied when a shipment is collected from or delivered to a remote or hard-to-reach location, for both domestic and international deliveries. Charges vary by destination. To check in advance, consult the list of remote areas. |
0.70 per kg. minimum of €22.20 |
Surcharge overweight | A surcharge applies per item (including pallets) if the actual or volumetric weight exceeds 70 kg, for both domestic and international shipments. Volumetric weight is calculated as length × width × height (in cm) ÷ 5000. How to avoid it: Always keep your parcel weight comfortably below 70 kg to avoid crossing the limit due to minor measurement differences during carrier checks. |
€95.20 |
Surcharge oversize | A surcharge applies per item (including pallets) when any single dimension—length, width, or height—exceeds 120 cm. This applies to both domestic and international shipments. Parcels exceeding the limit may be returned to sender, and the surcharge still applies. How to avoid it: Keep your parcel dimensions safely under 120 cm per side. Since carriers use calibrated measuring tools, allow extra margin to prevent unintended excess due to small variances. |
€20.20 |
Surcharge non-stackable pallet | A fixed surcharge applies per pallet that can't be stacked due to shipper request, shape, content, or packaging. Applies to both domestic and international shipments. | €300.20 |
Surcharge address correction | Applied to shipments with an incorrect address that can’t be delivered despite correction attempts. Applies to domestic and international shipments. | €11.20 |
Surcharge data entry | Applied to shipments using paper waybills instead of electronic shipping documentation. | €10.20 |
Surcharge export declaration | For exports requiring extra controls. DHL files the export declaration for goods over €1000 to speed up processing. | €5.20 |
Surcharge dangerous goods, dry ice and lithium batteries |
In certain cases, DHL can ship limited amounts of dangerous goods and hazardous materials. Costs depend on the item. Surcharges can vary depending on what you are shipping but the charge will most likely be 80 EUR. |
€80 |
Pick & Pack Service |
DHL’s pick & pack service handles waybill prep, content selection, labeling, and packaging before shipping to the recipient. Contact your DHL account manager for more info. |
€25.20 |
Dedicated Pickup |
If your business needs a dedicated vehicle to collect unusual shipments, or a pickup outside normal business hours, we can arrange this. |
€0.45/kg minimum of €30 |
Saturday Pickup |
DHL offers one-time Saturday pickups. For regular Saturday service, contact your account manager. |
€30.20 |
Neutral Delivery |
This service enables delivery of non-document shipments without revealing the product’s value to the recipient. |
€5.20 |
Saturday Delivery |
Saturday delivery is available in over 70 countries. Contact Customer Service to check availability. |
€40.20 |
Residential Address |
Enable delivery alerts and options for home addresses. Receivers get SMS/email updates and can choose their preferred delivery time via the On Demand Delivery platform. |
€5.20 |
Proof of Delivery (POD) |
Proof of delivery for your shipment can be requested. |
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Non-Conveyable Piece |
Applies to pieces weighing between 25 kg and 70 kg, unless already subject to an Overweight or Oversize surcharge. |
€20.20 |
Bonded Transit |
Upon request, the transit of a shipment under customs bond. This applies to both export and import shipments whenever DHL needs to open, manage, or report any type of bonded transfer. |
€48.20 |
Multiline Entry |
Applies when a shipment includes multiple commodities or origins, requiring extra effort for customs clearance. This typically applies to shipments with six or more entry lines. |
€7.70 |
Clearance Authorization |
Applies when the importer requests to be contacted before customs clearance. If combined with services like Bonded Transit, both fees apply. |
€38.20 |
Preferential Origin |
At request, DHL prepares a Certificate of Origin or similar document confirming the goods' country of origin. This allows preferential duty rates at destination (e.g. EUR1, ATR1). |
€10.20 |
Bonded Storage |
Storage charges apply if customs clearance is delayed due to missing or incorrect paperwork. Fees start three days after the shipment arrives or the broker is notified, whichever is later. |
€11.20/day + €0.42/kg/day |
Temporary Import/Export |
At the customer's request, DHL handles temporary import or export by submitting necessary documents like an ATA Carnet and following the required customs procedures. |
€40.20 |
Permits and Licenses |
To speed up the import of certain controlled goods, DHL prepares and submits customs entries or import paperwork needed for permits or licenses. |
€50.20 |
Broker Notification |
At the importer’s request, DHL provides the necessary paperwork to the chosen broker for customs clearance. Delivery continues once clearance is complete. Bonded storage fees may apply depending on the duration. |
€76.20 |
Other Government Agency |
On request, DHL arranges Veterinary, Health, or Phytosanitary checks at the first point of entry, typically needed for importing animal products, plants, seeds, or pharmaceuticals. |
€400.20 |
Post Clearance Modification |
DHL can update import declaration details after clearance; such as value, commodity, origin, or VAT number, when corrections or clarifications are needed. |
€80.20 |
Jet Fuel Surcharge |
The jet fuel surcharge is based on the average spot prices for US Gulf Coast (USGC) kerosene jet fuel. Determined monthly and available at dhlexpress.nl. |
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Emergency Situation |
A temporary surcharge to cover increased operating costs due to emergency situations outside DHL’s control. Adjusted regularly based on market and air capacity changes. More information can be found on the website of DHL Express. |
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GoGreen Plus |
This service cuts around 30% of CO2 emissions from air freight by using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It supports Scope 3 reduction targets under SBTi and is audited annually by SGS. Activated by default, with custom CO2 reduction options available by contract. |
Minimum 0.38/kg |
Peak surcharge |
A temporary surcharge to help cover increased air network costs during Peak Season. Typically applied around major holidays like fall/winter or Chinese New Year. |
To avoid the above-mentioned surcharges, please carefully read the shipping conditions, make sure you stay well within the permitted dimensions and, of course, select the right network for your package. To learn more please check the following link: DHL Express NL Surcharges.