How DHL Express Duty and Tax Payments Work
What DHL Express duty charges are and when you owe them
When DHL Express delivers a package from outside the United States to you, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency may assess duties (import taxes) and other fees on the contents. DHL does not set these charges — the government does, based on what is in the package and where it came from. DHL's job is to collect the money from you before releasing the package to your address.
You will see duty charges most often on packages from international sellers, gifts from abroad, or items you ordered from a non-U.S. retailer. The amount depends on the product category, its declared value, and the country of origin. DHL will notify you by email or phone that a payment is due, and the package will not move until you pay.
Duty is separate from shipping cost. You may have already paid DHL to ship the package; duty is an additional government fee that arrives later in the delivery process, usually when the package reaches a U.S. port or customs facility.
Key Takeaways
- DHL duty charges are U.S. government import taxes, not DHL fees, and the amount is set by Customs and Border Protection based on the package contents and origin country.
- DHL will contact you by email or phone with the duty amount and payment instructions before the package is released.
- You can pay duty online through DHL's website, by phone, or sometimes through a payment link sent directly to you.
- If you believe the duty amount is wrong, you can request a customs entry review, though this process takes time and the package remains held until resolved.
- Refusing to pay duty means the package will be returned to the sender or held indefinitely by customs.
How DHL notifies you and what payment methods are available
DHL typically sends an email with the subject line "Duties and Taxes Due" or similar language. The email includes the package tracking number, the duty amount, and a link to pay online. Some notifications also arrive by phone call or text message, depending on the contact information you provided when the package was shipped.
The most common payment method is a credit or debit card through DHL's online payment portal. You enter the tracking number and the amount shown in the notification, then provide your card details. Payment usually processes immediately, and DHL updates the tracking status within a few hours to show that duties have been cleared.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can call DHL Express customer service and provide your card information over the phone. Some international shipments also allow you to pay the carrier (DHL driver) in cash when the package arrives, though this is less common and depends on the specific shipment and location.
What happens if you do not pay duty on time
If you do not pay within the timeframe DHL specifies — usually 5 to 10 business days — the package enters a hold status. DHL cannot legally release it to you without payment. After the hold period expires, DHL will attempt to return the package to the sender at the sender's expense, or it may be transferred to U.S. Customs for storage and eventual disposition.
Returning a package to the sender can take several weeks and may result in the sender refusing to reship it or charging you a restocking fee. If the package is held by Customs, you may still be able to pay the duty later, but retrieval becomes more complicated and may require filing paperwork with Customs directly.
Unpaid duties do not affect your credit score or result in legal action, but they do prevent you from receiving your package. If you are disputing the duty amount, paying it does not waive your right to request a review — you can pay and then file a claim with Customs if you believe the assessment was incorrect.
Disputing a duty charge if you think it is wrong
Duty amounts are calculated by Customs based on the declared value and product classification in the customs entry. If you believe the amount is incorrect, you have the right to request a review. However, this process does not stop the clock on payment — DHL will still hold the package while the review is pending.
To dispute a duty charge, contact DHL with your tracking number and explain why you believe the amount is wrong. Common reasons include an incorrect declared value (the sender may have overstated the price) or a misclassification of the product. DHL can request that Customs re-examine the entry, but this typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
If you want the package sooner, you can pay the duty now and file a claim for a refund later if the review determines the charge was excessive. Customs refunds are processed through the U.S. International Trade Commission and can take several months. Keep your payment receipt and all shipping documents to support a refund claim.
Understanding the difference between duty, taxes, and other customs fees
A customs bill may include several line items, and it is important to understand what each one covers. Duty is the import tax on the goods themselves, calculated as a percentage of the declared value. Merchandise processing fee (MPF) is a flat fee charged by Customs for processing the entry, typically 0.3125% of the value. Sales tax or use tax may also apply depending on your state and the product type.
Some packages also include a brokerage fee charged by DHL for handling the customs clearance on your behalf. This is a service fee separate from the government charges. DHL will itemize all of these on the payment notification, so you can see exactly what you are paying for.
The total amount you owe is the sum of all these charges. You cannot pay only part of the bill — DHL requires full payment before release. If the total seems very high, that is often because the sender declared a high value for insurance purposes, which increases the duty base.
Preventing high duty charges on future international shipments
If you order from international sellers regularly, you can reduce duty costs by asking the sender to declare a lower value on the customs form — but only if that value is accurate. Undervaluing a package is customs fraud and can result in seizure and legal consequences. The declared value should match what you actually paid or what the item is worth.
Some sellers offer the option to ship via a slower method that avoids express carriers and may have different customs handling. Others can split a large order into multiple smaller packages to stay under certain duty thresholds, though this is not always legal depending on the product and destination.
The most straightforward approach is to factor duty into your purchase decision when buying from abroad. Research the typical duty rate for the product category and country of origin before ordering. For high-value items, the duty cost can be substantial, and knowing this upfront helps you decide whether the purchase makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refuse to pay DHL duty and just send the package back?
You can refuse payment, but the package will not automatically return to the sender. Instead, it will be held by Customs and eventually returned at the sender's expense, or it may be disposed of. This process takes weeks and the sender may not reship the item. Paying the duty is usually faster and more reliable than refusing.
Is DHL duty the same as sales tax?
No. Duty is a federal import tax set by Customs based on the product and origin country. Sales tax or use tax is a state tax that may also apply to the purchase. You may owe both, and they are calculated separately. DHL will show both on your bill if applicable.
What if the sender paid duty already and DHL is asking me to pay again?
This is rare but can happen if the sender chose "duties paid" shipping and then DHL assesses additional fees. Contact DHL with proof that duty was already paid (usually a receipt or notation in the tracking history). DHL can often waive duplicate charges, but you will need documentation.
How long does it take to pay duty and get my package?
Payment usually processes within minutes, and DHL updates the tracking status within a few hours. The package is then released for final delivery, which may take 1 to 3 additional business days depending on your location and the delivery schedule.
Will paying duty affect my credit or my ability to order internationally again?
No. Duty payment is a one-time transaction with DHL and does not affect your credit score, credit report, or future ordering. It is a normal part of international shipping and does not flag your account or customs record in any way.