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When sending gifts abroad keep this in mind
Please check what items you can’t send with DHL Express to avoid disappointment. While some items can be sent within the UK, they might be subject to restrictions internationally, for example alcohol, flowers and plants. Remember all parcels, including gifts, cards and documents sent with DHL Express will be subject to inspection, which includes hand-searches by trained staff at DHL Service Centre locations, and X-ray imaging.
There are some obvious things that can’t be sent for legal or health and safety reasons such as counterfeit goods, animals, cigarettes, bladed items, illegal narcotics, cannabis-derived products, including CBD. There are also less obvious items DHL Express can’t transport, although these items are popular gifts because they are either considered to be dangerous goods under transport legislation, or they compromise the safety of DHL’s employees.
Most common prohibited items
Refer to our dedicated page for what you can’t send with DHL as parcels containing prohibited items will either be refused or confiscated and in some cases, destroyed. As the sender, you are responsible for ensuring that your gift is not on DHL’s prohibited and restricted list.
If you’re still unsure whether your item can be carried by DHL Express, then please contact DHL Customer Service. They can also verify if there are any additional restrictions in the country that you’re sending to.
Did you know?
Gift-wrapped items
In line with UK Aviation Security Regulations, all parcels, including gift-wrapped items, cards, envelopes, and documents, will be opened for inspection by a qualified DHL employee and then resealed as carefully as possible. We recommend using gift bags and not sealing documents, envelopes, cards or parcels.
Electronic devices
You can send a maximum of 2 electronic devices per parcel, such as mobile phones, laptops, or battery-operated toys. These items must be secured against movement and packed using strong and rigid packaging in order to prevent short circuits or accidental activation.
Paying duties & taxes
Customs, duties, and taxes are always payable by the receiver, even when sending gifts. If you don’t have a DHL account, it’s not possible to pay the duties and taxes on behalf of the receiver. Check with DHL Customer Service, as some gifts may be delivered without duties or taxes to certain destinations if their value falls below the tax-free threshold.
Content descriptions are critically important to avoid delays
We cannot accept parcels with vague or single-word content descriptions such as ‘gift’ or ‘presents’ as this may result in your parcel being delayed, stopped, or returned to you. All items in the parcel need to be listed along with the quantities and the replacement value of each item. Below are a few examples of acceptable and unacceptable content descriptions to illustrate the point. For more information on content descriptions, visit our page on how to avoid Customs delays.
Will my parcel be opened for inspection?
At DHL Express, we prioritise safety and regulatory compliance in all our operations. To ensure this, we conduct inspections of shipments to identify any restricted or prohibited items, hazardous materials, or contraband. These inspections may involve physically opening packages or utilising X-ray imaging and must be easy to inspect to avoid delays.
All parcels, including gifts, cards and documents, sent with DHL Express by non-account customers will be subject to hand-searched inspections by a qualified DHL employee. These inspections will take place at the DHL Service Centres (DHL-owned locations) while you’re processing your shipment or when the shipment arrives at the Service Centre after the courier/driver collected them. Leave your parcel unsealed (no screws, locks or heavily taped) to avoid it being rejected.
Note that all heavyweight and pallet shipments, including suitcases, containers and crates, sent by non-account customers will be inspected by a courier prior to collection. You can then seal, lock, tape or pallet-wrap them in front of the courier.
These inspections are in accordance with UK Aviation Security regulations and the safety of our employees, and you can read more about it in DHL’s Terms and Conditions. All items are handled with care throughout the inspection process.
To help us avoid any delays during the inspection process, please follow these guidelines:
Cooperate with DHL staff during the hand-search inspection.
Do not seal cards, envelopes, documents or parcels as they will also be opened for inspection.
When sending gifts, consider using gift bags instead of gift-wrap because it will be opened for inspection.
Make sure to check what you can and can’t send and, if it’s still not clear, contact DHL Customer Service who will be able to advise you according to the destination that you’re sending to.
What you can and can’t send
There are some obvious things that you can't send with DHL, such as animals, illegal substances, guns and explosives. But there are also less obvious items that we can’t transport, such as perfume, cash and jewellery with a value in excess of £4,000.
All parcels, including gifts, cards and documents sent with DHL Express will be subject to inspection by a qualified DHL employee. These inspections may involve physically opening packages or utilising X-ray imaging.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How to send gifts by post with DHL Express?
Get your gifts delivered safely and securely with DHL Express. Trained staff will carefully open and inspect all parcels including gift packages, cards, envelopes and documents. When sending gifts, we recommend that you use gift bags, leave cards and envelopes unsealed.
There are 3 simple ways to send a parcel with DHL Express. You can book online through our DHL Express (DHLitNow) service, arrange your shipment by phone with our Customer Service team, or drop your parcel off at a DHL Service Point near you. If dropping your parcel off works better for you, complete your parcel details online beforehand to save time in store. Then pack your items using the free packaging provided in store, pay, and send.
What gift items cannot be sent with by DHL Express?
Typical items such as cash, perfume, aftershave, power banks, party poppers, or rechargeable wireless earbuds (such as Apple Airpods or Samsung Galaxy Buds) cannot be sent on the DHL Express network.
Make sure to check what you can and can't send for the complete list of prohibited and restricted items before sending gifts around the world.
Still not sure if your gift is allowed in the destination country? Call Customer Service who will advise you. They can provide guidance and verify any restrictions specified by the destination country.
Can I send gift-wrapped items with DHL Express?
Yes, you can send gift-wrapped items, but they will be opened for inspection by a qualified DHL employee, either at the DHL Service Centre (DHL-owned location) while you’re processing your shipment or when the shipment arrives at the Service Centre from the various partner Service Point locations the courier collected them from. All this is in accordance with UK Aviation Security regulations and the safety of our employees. Please do not seal cards, envelopes or documents, as they will also be opened for inspection.
Will my parcel be opened for inspection?
At DHL Express, we prioritise safety and regulatory compliance in all our operations. To ensure this, we conduct inspections of shipments to identify any restricted or prohibited items, hazardous materials, or contraband. These inspections may involve physically opening packages or utilising X-ray imaging and must be easy to inspect to avoid delays.
All parcels, including gifts, cards and documents, sent with DHL Express by non-account customers will be subject to hand-searched inspections by a qualified DHL employee. These inspections will take place at the DHL Service Centres (DHL-owned locations) while you’re processing your shipment or when the shipment arrives at the Service Centre after the courier/driver collected them. Leave your parcel unsealed (no screws, locks or heavily taped) to avoid it being rejected.
Note that all heavyweight and pallet shipments, including suitcases, containers and crates, sent by non-account customers will be inspected by a courier prior to collection. You can then seal, lock, tape or pallet-wrap them in front of the courier.
These inspections are in accordance with UK Aviation Security regulations and the safety of our employees, and you can read more about it in DHL’s Terms and Conditions. All items are handled with care throughout the inspection process.
What Customs documentation do I need to send gifts internationally?
When sending a gift internationally, as with any other parcel, you will be prompted to complete a Customs declaration form that details the contents, value, and purpose of the shipment. This form helps Customs authorities assess any applicable duties or taxes.
Make sure to check what you can and can't send and content descriptions are critically important to avoid Customs delays.
When I send a gift abroad who will pay Customs and duties?
Without an account, Customs are always payable by the receiver, even when sending a gift.
How many electronic devices can I send in one parcel?
You can send a maximum of 2 electronic devices per parcel, such as mobile phones, laptops, or battery-operated toys. These items must be securely packaged to prevent any damage or accidental activation.
Check what you can and can’t send for electronic devices that are prohibited and restricted item list.
What happens if I send a prohibited or restricted item as a gift?
Parcels containing prohibited items will be refused, confiscated, or returned to the sender. To avoid disappointment, make sure to check what you can and can’t send and, if it’s still not clear, contact DHL Customer Service who will be able to advise you according to the destination that you’re sending to.
How do I avoid delays when sending a gift abroad?
- Don't use vague item descriptions as they may lead to your parcel being delayed or returned. Content descriptions are very important to avoid Customs delays. It's best to specify the contents and their quantities to prevent any issues during shipping and avoid Customs delays.
- Don’t send gift items that are on the restricted and prohibited list.
- If you’re not sure, phone Customer Service to check if the destination country accepts the item that you want to send.
- Make sure to send the gift in time based on the transit time estimate provided when you get a quote.
- Remember that the receiver is always responsible for paying duties and taxes in the destination country.
Are there any size or weight restrictions for sending gifts?
Yes, there are size and weight restrictions for any parcel sent with DHL Express. Please check our large and heavy page for guidelines to ensure your package meets the requirements.
Can I track my gift shipment?
Yes, you can track your shipment using the 10-digit tracking number provided at the time of shipment from when the courier collects the parcel.
Get a quote
You can drop your parcel off at your nearest DHL Express Service Point, book a courier parcel collection online or over the phone.