How much DHL customs clearance costs
| Companies and sole traders | UAH 5,000 |
|---|---|
| Individuals | UAH 2,000 |
| Time | 1 day |
| What is included | Document check, HS code and customs value determination, declaration filing and support until the cargo is released |
| What is paid separately | Duty and VAT (by HS code and customs value), storage at the customs warehouse after 3 free days |
We recommend contacting us for a consultation before shipping goods (parcels) to avoid delays during clearance, including those related to obtaining permits and other documents.
DHL Express customs clearance for business
Most often we clear imported goods for resale, commercial cargo and consignments for companies and sole traders. This can be equipment, components, spare parts, raw materials or finished products — from a small box to a multi-pallet shipment.
A separate category is product samples and test samples that companies order before purchasing a large batch. DHL Express operates its own customs hub in Kyiv and the densest ground network in Europe, so with correct documents release times are predictable.
How to choose a broker and what its services cost — see the article customs broker in Kyiv.
What we need from you
- A commercial invoice with the real value of the goods
- An accurate description of the goods: material, function, intended use
- The HS code (UKTZED) — if known; if not, we will determine it
- The AWB number — if the cargo has already been shipped
- Permits — if required for your goods category
Before dispatch, make sure the product name, quantity, weight, currency and value are consistent in the invoice and packing list. Replace generic descriptions such as “samples” or “parts” with an accurate description — this makes classification clearer and reduces follow-up questions after arrival at the hub.
HS code (UKTZED) and customs value
Correct determination of the HS code and proof of the customs value are critical for clearing commercial cargo. These data drive the clearance procedure and the calculation of duties — the duty rate, VAT and any need for permits.
A wrong code or an understated invoice value are the most common causes of customs queries and DHL cargo delays. We verify the code and value before documents are filed.
How DHL customs clearance works
The cargo arrives at DHL's Kyiv customs hub — the arrival status is visible by the AWB number. We file the clearance documents, customs verifies the data and calculates the charges, and if needed we respond to queries about value or the HS code. After payment the cargo is released and DHL delivers it to your address.
DHL customs broker in Kyiv with its own licence
SEMERO is a customs broker with its own licence UACBR125000640. We file the declaration for your cargo ourselves, with no intermediaries, so responsibility for clearance is never passed to a third party. Our offices are in Kyiv and Mukachevo, and DHL cargo is cleared through the Kyiv customs hub.
DHL parcel clearance for individuals
For individuals, support with DHL parcel customs clearance costs UAH 2,000, and the term is 1 day. The 150 EUR threshold applies to the entire customs value: goods + delivery + other invoice costs, at the exchange rate on the day of arrival. If the total exceeds 150 EUR, a declaration and payment of duty and VAT are required.
How long DHL customs clearance takes
With a complete document set, clearance can take about 1 business day. If customs requests additional documents or clarifications on value or the HS code, the timeline can extend to roughly 2–3 business days.
DHL cargo held at customs: what to do
If the AWB tracking on dhl.com shows 'Clearance event' or 'Held in customs', customs needs additional data — most often an invoice, a value or HS code clarification, or permits. Send us the AWB number and the documents you have — we will identify what customs is waiting for and support the cargo until release.
What to do if your cargo is held →
Before paying, check: are you asked to pay a "stamp duty" or customs duty to a card or a foreign account? How to recognise a parcel scam →
Clearance of samples and commercial cargo
Product samples, test samples, components, equipment and production samples are a distinct segment SEMERO clients work with regularly. Such shipments let you verify the goods and the supplier before purchasing a large batch.
Samples are also subject to customs clearance: an invoice with the real value and a correct HS code are required. We will advise how to arrange the shipment so it does not get held at customs.
How to order
- 1. You send us the AWB number and the invoice
- 2. We check the documents and calculate the payments
- 3. We clear the cargo within 1 day
FAQ
How much does DHL customs clearance cost?
For companies and sole traders — UAH 5,000, for individuals — UAH 2,000, with a 1-day clearance term. Duty and VAT are calculated separately by HS code and customs value; storage at the customs warehouse is free for the first 3 days.
How long does customs clearance of a DHL parcel take?
With a complete document set — about 1 business day. If customs requests clarifications on value or the HS code, the timeline can extend to 2–3 business days.
What does the 'customs clearance completed' status mean?
Customs has verified the documents, the charges have been paid and the cargo is released: DHL then delivers it to the recipient's address.
Can I order customs clearance only, without delivery?
Yes. Customs clearance is a separate service: we file the declaration and support the cargo until release, and you can arrange delivery yourself.
Do I need a registered sole trader status to clear commercial DHL cargo?
Cargo for business activity is cleared on a company or a sole trader. We will suggest the best option depending on the goods and shipment value.
How much does DHL customs clearance cost for business?
Support for companies and sole traders costs UAH 5,000, processing time — 1 day. Duties and VAT are calculated separately based on the HS code and customs value.
What should I do if my DHL cargo is held at customs?
Send us the AWB number and the documents you have. We will identify the cause — usually an invoice, value or HS code query — and prepare the response for customs.
Can product samples be cleared duty-free?
Samples are cleared on general terms: an invoice with value and an HS code are required. Charges depend on the value and goods category.
Which documents are needed to clear DHL cargo?
Basically — a commercial invoice, the AWB number, a description of the goods, the HS code and permits, if required for your goods category.
← General customs clearance terms