Inbound shipments form non EU countries will be cleares by Customs. Fast customs clearance is possible when all information needed to declare a shipment is provided.
From this site you will learn:
Get to know the DHL customs process so your international shipments are cleared smoothly.
Correct and complete documents are most important for smooth customs clearance. Complete informations allows us to process clearance without contacting you. In some cases we will need to complete the information – then we will contact you.
Your shipment is required to clear customs in accordance with current legislation. Our internationally qualified specialists will take care of all the formalities, but we need your authorization.
What to do?
Download and complete the document available below and then send it to us. If you are unsure how to fill out the authorization correctly, we have prepared a template that shows you how to do it.
How do I send us an authorization?
You can send it to us yourself by mail or order DHL Express courier.
Go through the list below by clicking on the point numbers. You will see what information you should put on the invoice and what you should do in case of missing or inconsistent information.
Name of document
Name of document
The name results from the nature of the commercial transaction:
In
Details of the seller or shipper
Details of the seller or shipper
Should contain correct data of the seller or shipper.
Buyer / recipient data
Buyer / recipient data
Check that your details such as name and address on the invoice are correct
Invoice number
Invoice number
The document usually has a number.
Detailed description of the goods
Detailed description of the goods
To clear a shipment we must have information about the contents of the shipment. Description of goods must contain information about what is being transported.
Sometimes we ask recipients for a detailed description of content in Polish (so called invoice translation), which should enable us to answer questions:
Commodity code
HS (Harmonized System) product code
It is helpful in determining the tariff for a particular commodity.
Quantity of goods
Quantity of goods
We need to know what quantity of goods is in the consignment. Here it is necessary to indicate the appropriate unit of measurement. For example:
Unit price of the goods
Unit price of the goods
Total value of the goods
Total value of the goods
Items on the invoice should have a specific unit of measure and a correct unit price. If no data or invoice is available, it can be replaced by, for example, an order confirmation (see example).
Shipping/Transport cost
Shipping/Transport cost
A value that descibe a shipping/transport costs
Total invoice value
Total invoice value
Items on the invoice should have a specific unit of measure and a correct unit price. If no data or invoice is available, it can be replaced by, for example, an order confirmation.
Currency symbol
Currency symbol
A three-letter code of the currency in which you made the transaction (e.g. USD, GBP, NOK, CHF, EUR, PLN).
Informacje dodatkowe (opcjonalnie)
Additional information (optional)
Name of document
The name results from the nature of the commercial transaction:
Details of the seller or shipper
Should contain correct data of the seller or shipper.
Buyer / recipient data
Check that your details such as name and address on the invoice are correct
Invoice number
The document usually has a number.
Detailed description of the goods
To clear a shipment we must have information about the contents of the shipment. Description of goods must contain information about what is being transported.
Sometimes we ask recipients for a detailed description of content in Polish (so called invoice translation), which should enable us to answer questions:
HS (Harmonized System) product code
It is helpful in determining the tariff for a particular commodity.
Quantity of goods
We need to know what quantity of goods is in the consignment. Here it is necessary to indicate the appropriate unit of measurement. For example:
Unit price of the goods
Total value of the goods
Items on the invoice should have a specific unit of measure and a correct unit price. If no data or invoice is available, it can be replaced by, for example, an order confirmation (see example).
Shipping/Transport cost
A value that descibe a shipping/transport costs
Total invoice value
Items on the invoice should have a specific unit of measure and a correct unit price. If no data or invoice is available, it can be replaced by, for example, an order confirmation.
Currency symbol
A three-letter code of the currency in which you made the transaction (e.g. USD, GBP, NOK, CHF, EUR, PLN).
Additional information (optional)
Your shipment requires customs clearance in accordance with current legislation. Our qualified specialists will take care of all the formalities – for these activities, in some cases your authorisation is needed:
A dedicated document is:
Direct – used e.g. for special procedures and goods subject to customs restrictions.
Stamp duty DHL Express will register the authorization on your behalf and pay the stamp duty of 17 PLN. This amount will be added to your invoice along with the costs of customs duties, tax and commissions.
When starting the clearance process, we need accurate information about the content of the shipment addressed to you.
How do I prepare a translation of an invoice?
Describe in Polish the type of goods that are in the consignment.
According to customs regulations, a gift can be an exchange between 2 natural persons(C2C) and occur occasionally.
If the value of the gift is up to EUR 45 you need to provide us with a proforma invoice. However, if the value exceeds €45 then we need a statement as to why you do not have a copy of the order and proof of payment.
You can find more information in our guide to duties and taxes.
On 1 July 2021 the European Union has changed the rules for charging VAT on products purchased outside the European Union (e.g. goods from China, USA or GB). This means that the rules do not only apply to DHL Express, but also to all companies delivering international shipments from outside the EU.
Import duties are usually the sum of customs duties and VAT. The basis for calculating these charges is the customs value, i.e. the sum of the value of the goods and the costs of their delivery (transport, packaging, insurance).
Check out our customs duties and taxes guide for individual consumers.