Purpose: View the surcharges of the shipping carrier DHL Germany, so you can make an informed decision about which shipping method is best for you.
Unannounced shipment
If you generate a label with DHL DE, please note that it will expire after 10 days. We will inform DHL DE about your shipment as soon as the label is created. However, the registration will be canceled if you do not ship the parcel within 10 days. If you print out the label but do not ship the parcel until after 10 days, it will be considered an "unannounced shipment" and DHL DE will charge you the 31.5 kg rate. To avoid this, it is best to use the label immediately or cancel it if there is an error. DHL DE only invoices parcels that have been scanned into their system.
How to prevent this surcharge
A printed label should be used immediately for shipping. If there is an error or oversight, it should be canceled directly.
Bulky goods - EUR 20.05
For all items with special manual processing due to exceptional format or with special packaging features:
- The dimensions 120 x 60 x 60 cm are exceeded
- The maximum dimensions (diameter of 60 cm) for roll-shaped parcels are exceeded
- The parcel is packaged inadequately the price of the shipment will increase, or a supplement will be payable
Routing code - EUR 0.59
Applicable when the routing code is missing, incorrect or not readable. This surcharge also applies when the postal address is incorrect, because the routing code can't be created.
Return shipments - EUR 4.20
When a parcel can't be delivered to the recipient (e.g. refusal to accept the parcel, incorrect address etc.) the customer will get charged for the return of the shipment.
Labeling - EUR 0.69
DHL charges a fee in case they need to relabel your parcel. This could happen for various reasons. For example:
- The label was damaged
- The barcode couldn't be read
- The address on the label was incorrect
- The wrong weight was added, leading to incorrect or missing information
- etc.
Weight correction - EUR 1.29
As of January 1st, 2025, new regulations on shipping heavy parcels have come into effect in Germany. These rules apply to parcels weighing between 10 and 20 kg, as well as those over 20 kg. If these requirements are not met, it will lead to a weight correction, for which DHL charges a fee.
Click here for more information about Weight requirements for shipping to/from and via Germany
Lorry Toll and CO2 surcharge - EUR 0.18
This surcharge is based on the government rulings.
Omitted or incorrect weight determination - Supplement collection fee per parcel - 2.20 EUR
If a label is created with the wrong weight information (for example, if the parcel weighs 4 kg but is created with the DHL Paket 0-2 kg shipping method), the price difference between the two shipping methods and an additional surcharge of €2.20 will be charged.
Expense allowed for omitted or incorrect weight determination - Lump sum (per each item) of deliberately false info - 18.20 EUR
Lump sum for ordering shipping materials via email - 5.20 EUR
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.