Packaging advice

Useful tips and DHL packaging products.

DHL Express is committed to the quick and careful delivery of your goods. During transport, however, your shipments are handled repeatedly when passing through the many transfer locations throughout the world. Strong, secure packaging is important to ensure that your shipment arrives in the best possible condition.

Professional packaging of your shipments by DHL Express
DHL Express gives you several options for the use of packing material to protect your shipments. Contact our customer service

department or order the desired DHL packing online.

You may of course also use your own packing material. Be sure to use strong cardboard boxes that are in perfect condition: complete, without vulnerable, torn or damp parts. If you are reusing old boxes, cross out or tape over
each old address and label.

Pack your goods in a solid box or carton with the right dimensions.
Do not use bags made of fabric or cloth.
Keep space between the contents and the carton to a minimum.
Fill in all the empty space in your shipping carton with additional protection (bubble wrap, polystyrene chips, etc).
Package fragile objects individually, and clearly separate them from the rest.
Do not consider "Fragile" and "Handle with care" labels as a substitute for careful packaging. They are only appropriate for information purposes
Strengthen the corners
Seal the parcel with strapping or strong adhesive tape.
Use only tape that is at least 5 cm wide.
Don’t use rope or wire.
Do not over seal your package. Remember that all shipments can be opened by customs authorities for inspection.
Pack different pieces separately.
Make sure that all indications and addresses on your labels and waybill are clearly legible and that all the required documents are with your shipment. Also place your own address details and those of the addressee inside the package.
Ensure that packages heavier than 31.5 kg can be moved using an appropriate tool (handcart for example). These shipments may not be lifted.
Place packages heavier than 50 kg on a pallet.
If your shipment consists of a large number of parcels, DHL reserves the right to ask you to put the parcels on a pallet. This will guarantee smooth pick-up and delivery.

Make sure that your parcel fits the size of the pallet, without protruding over any of the edges.
Do not use broken or damaged pallets.
Secure your parcels properly on the pallet, for example by sealing.

For Day Definite shipments within the Benelux, DHL offers you the possibility to exchange your Europallets.

Non-Wood Declaration

If the packaging contains wood, a certificate is required stating that the wood is free of bark and, after undergoing special treatment, is also free of pests. This phytosanitary certificate must be issued by an official authority, Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuurbeheer & Visserij in Den Haag or Plantenkundige Dienst in Wageningen. The treated wood packing material should also bear a mark indicating the method, place and operator where the quarantine treatment took place or the operator?s code. More information can be found on www.ippc.int