What you can and cannot send via express shipping

If you’re planning on sending a parcel across the country or even abroad, it’s a good idea to call on an express service that specialises in quick and user-friendly shipments. But how do you go about this? Can you send just any parcel via an express service? And what about those extensive checklists you have to fill out first? Get informed by reading all about the conditions and key considerations for express shipping here.

Keep the weight and dimensions in mind

There’s only so much that fits through the doors of vans and planes. That’s why most express services will only ship parcels with a maximum length of 120 centimetres. At DHL Express, however, we pride ourselves on our flexibility. We are always happy to make special arrangements if your shipment is exceptionally large or heavy. Does your shipment weigh more than 30 kilograms? Then additional conditions apply, which our customer service will gladly explain to you in detail.

Tip: learn more about the weight and dimensional limits of your shipment.

Dangerous goods regulations

Are you about to ship any hazardous materials? Your parcel is in safe hands with DHL, an established carrier of dangerous goods. Consult our list of prohibited and restricted goods to make sure your shipments are fully compliant. As the global market leader in transport and logistics, DHL adheres to the following regulations:

  • IATA regulations for air transport, which apply to all countries that follow ICAO regulations and to all airlines that operate according to the IATA regulations.
  • ADR regulations for road transport, which apply to all countries that have adopted the ADR convention in their legislation and, for Europe, the EU regulations regarding the transportation of dangerous goods.
  • Special rules apply to shipping lithium batteries, which are used in laptops, smartphones and other devices.

Please note: import and export is subject to strict regulations. Get informed beforehand!

Counterfeit goods are prohibited

DHL’s security policy prohibits the transportation of counterfeit goods via the DHL network. Customs will be informed by us if we have even the slightest suspicion of such goods being imported. Since transporting and selling counterfeit goods is illegal in most countries, customs authorities will likely seize the goods and penalize the buyer.

Time or temperature sensitive shipments

Food and pharmaceutical shipments tend to have very specific requirements because of temperature differences and expiry dates. Rest assured, though, because these goods are in safe hands with us as well. For instance, DHL Medical Express has been taking care of time and temperature sensitive shipments for the Life Science for many years now. On the one hand, this includes shipping pharmaceuticals for research as well as supplying hospitals with clinical materials. On the other hand, DHL also transports samples to laboratories and research centres.