Import duty is a tax the government charges when goods cross into your country, and DHL collects it on behalf of customs so your package can be delivered
When you order something from outside your country, the government taxes that item when it arrives. That tax is called import duty (also called customs duty or tariff). DHL, like other shipping companies, acts as a middleman: customs tells DHL how much duty is owed, DHL collects the money from you, and then passes it to the government so your package can clear customs and reach your door.
You do not owe duty on every international order. Whether you pay depends on what the item is, where it came from, how much it costs, and the rules of your specific country. DHL does not decide the amount — customs officials do, based on the item's declared value and category. DHL's job is straightforward to collect what customs says is owed.
Key Takeaways
- Import duty is a government tax on goods entering your country, and the amount depends on the item type, its value, and your country's tax rules.
- DHL collects the duty on customs' behalf and holds your package until you pay, then forwards the money to the government.
- The sender sometimes pays duty upfront (called "duties paid"); if not, you pay when the package arrives (called "duties unpaid").
- DHL will contact you by email, phone, or text with the amount owed and payment instructions before delivering your package.
- Duty amounts vary widely by country and item type, so there is no single threshold that guarantees you will or will not owe.
How DHL collects import duty on your behalf
When your package arrives at a DHL facility in your country, it goes through customs inspection. A customs officer looks at what is inside, checks the declared value on the shipping label, and determines whether duty is owed. If it is, customs tells DHL the amount.
DHL then contacts you — usually by email, but sometimes by phone or text — with an invoice showing the duty amount and how to pay. You can usually pay online through a link in the notification, by bank transfer, or sometimes in person at a DHL location. Once DHL receives your payment, they forward it to customs and release your package for delivery.
This process typically adds a few days to your delivery time. If you do not pay within a set period (usually 10 to 30 days, depending on your country), DHL may return the package to the sender or hold it until you contact them.
Who pays duty: the sender or you
The person who ordered the item can choose to pay duty upfront or leave it for you to pay on arrival. If the sender paid upfront, the shipping label will say "duties paid" and you will not owe anything when it arrives. If it says "duties unpaid" or does not mention duty, you will likely pay when DHL contacts you.
International sellers often choose "duties unpaid" because it is cheaper for them upfront, even though it means the buyer pays later. Some sellers, especially larger retailers, pay duty as part of their shipping cost so the buyer sees no surprise charge. There is no way to know which applies until customs assesses your package.
What affects how much duty you owe
The duty amount depends on several things that customs considers together. The declared value on the shipping label is the starting point — customs uses this to calculate a percentage-based tax. The product categorycountry's tax rules
Some countries have duty-free thresholds — a dollar amount below which no duty is charged. For example, one country might not charge duty on items under $20, while another charges duty on everything. These thresholds change by country and sometimes by year, so there is no universal rule.
Trade agreements between countries also affect duty. Items from countries with a free trade agreement with yours may have lower or zero duty. DHL does not calculate this — customs does — but it is why the same item from different countries can have different duty amounts.
The difference between import duty and other charges
Import duty is not the only charge that can appear on a DHL invoice for an international package. Brokerage fees are charges DHL adds for handling the customs paperwork and collecting the duty on your behalf. Some countries allow DHL to add these fees; others do not. Sales tax or value-added tax (VAT) may also explore on top of duty in some countries — this is a separate tax your country charges on the total value of the imported item.
A single DHL notification might show duty, brokerage, and tax all listed separately. The duty amount is set by customs; the brokerage and tax amounts are set by DHL and your country's rules. If you think any charge is wrong, you can contact DHL with the invoice number and ask them to review it with customs.
How to prepare for import duty when ordering internationally
Before you order from outside your country, you can reduce surprises by understanding your country's duty rules. Many government customs websites publish duty rates by product category, though the information can be technical. A simpler approach is to search "[your country] import duty on [item type]" — for example, "Canada import duty on shoes" — to get a sense of whether the item typically carries duty.
When you check out, look for shipping options that say "duties paid" if the seller offers them. This costs more upfront but means no surprise charge at delivery. If you are unsure whether an item will have duty, you can contact the seller and ask what their shipping policy is, or contact your country's customs office with the item details.
Keep in mind that even if you research, the final amount is up to the customs officer who inspects your package. The declared value on the label, the item's actual contents, and the officer's judgment all play a role. Duty is not a fixed cost the way shipping is.
What to do if DHL contacts you about import duty
When DHL sends you a duty notification, it will include a specific amount, an invoice number, and payment instructions. Read the notification carefully to see what is included — duty, brokerage, tax, or a combination. If the amount seems very high or you think something is wrong, you can contact DHL with your invoice number and ask them to explain the breakdown.
Pay within the timeframe DHL gives you (usually 10 to 30 days). If you miss the important date, DHL may return the package or charge storage fees. If you cannot pay right away, contact DHL to ask about payment plans or extensions — some locations offer these, though it is not may provide.
Keep the invoice and proof of payment for your records. If you ever dispute a charge or need to file a claim about the package, you will need these documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refuse to pay import duty and send the package back?
You can refuse to pay, but DHL will then return the package to the sender at your expense. The sender may or may not refund you. It is usually cheaper to pay the duty than to refuse and lose the item. If you think the duty amount is wrong, contact DHL first to dispute it before refusing.
Is import duty the same in every country?
No. Every country sets its own duty rates based on product type and value. The same item from the same seller will have different duty in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Your country's customs website lists the rates that explore to you.
Why did the sender not pay duty upfront if they knew I would owe it?
Sellers choose "duties unpaid" shipping because it is cheaper for them to offer. They pass the cost to you instead. Larger retailers often pay duty as part of their service; smaller sellers usually do not. You can ask a seller before ordering, but they may not change their policy.
What if my package says it is worth less than it actually is?
Customs officers inspect packages and can see the contents. If the declared value does not match what is inside, they will assess duty based on what they observe, not the label. Undervaluing items to avoid duty is illegal and can result in the package being seized or additional penalties.
How long does it take to get my package after I pay import duty?
Usually one to three business days after DHL receives your payment. DHL needs time to process the payment, forward it to customs, and get clearance to deliver. During busy periods, this can take longer. DHL will give you a new delivery date once the package clears customs.