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COMPLETE AND ACCURATE CONTENT DESCRIPTIONS ARE CRITICAL TO AVOID CUSTOMS DELAYS

What is a complete and accurate content description? 

You must provide complete and accurate descriptions for each item in your shipment.

Your content description should answer these three questions: 

What is it? ​
What is it made of? ​
What is it for?

Include: materials, specifications, intended use

Avoid: one-word descriptions, jargon or abbreviations that could lead to misunderstandings.

 

Examples of 'unacceptable' versus 'acceptable' descriptions

Note that the 'acceptable' descriptions anwer the three questions – What is it? What is it made of? What is it for?

Why are content descriptions important?

The European Union (EU) has launched the second release of its Import Control System 2 (ICS2) which is an electronic security screening system for goods destined to (or transiting through) the EU, Switzerland, Norway and Northern Ireland.
 

What does ICS2 mean for you?

You must provide complete and accurate content descriptions to ensure that your shipment achieves ICS2 security and safety clearance before it is loaded onto the aircfraft.

Complete and accurate content descriptions enable DHL to assign HS (Harmonised System) codes to each item in your shipment if not provided by you. HS codes are required for a smooth Customs clearance process and the correct calculation of duties and taxes, where applicable. This, along with other important shipment information, is used to create a Customs invoice which is mandatory for all international shipments containing goods (non-documents).

Providing the EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number of business receivers in the EU, where applicable, will further ensure a smooth clearance process in the destination country.

More information about HS codes and EORI numbers can be found below.
 

Are shipments sent to non-EU countries impacted?

Yes. To ensure the fastest possible transit time for customers, DHL Express uses a flexible/dynamic routing system for its aircrafts. As a result, its planes could be redirected to fly through an EU country at any time. Therefore, all shipments – regardless of their origin or destination – could potentially be impacted by the EU regulation on ICS2.

In addition, shipments from a non-EU country, transiting EU/Switzerland/Norway/Northern Ireland, and then moving to another non-EU country will also be subject to ICS2.
 

What is an HS code and what is it used for?

HS (Harmonised System) codes are 6 digit commodity codes used by Customs around the world to classify the items being shipped to ensure smooth Customs clearance process and the correct calculation of duties and taxes, where applicable.

  • If you drop off your parcels at DHL Service Points, DHL will use your content descriptions to assign HS codes. 
     
  • If you book a courier collection online (via DHLitNow), you have the option to add HS codes as you enter the shipment information. If you don't know HS codes, DHL will use your content descriptions to assign HS codes.
     
  • If you book a courier collection by calling DHL, you can provide the HS code to Customer Service, otherwise DHL will use your content descriptions to assign HS codes.

 

What is EORI number?

An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is a European Union registration and identification number for businesses which import or export goods into or out of the EU. (UID for Switzerland and Liechtenstein or MVA for Norway).

Providing the EORI number of receivers in the EU, where applicable, will further ensure a smooth clearance process in the destination country.

  • If you drop off your parcels at DHL Service Points, you can provide the EORI number to the DHL Service Point representative in store to enter in the receiver's Tax ID field.
     
  • If you book a courier collection online (via DHLitNow), you have the option to add the EORI number as you enter the shipment information in the receiver's Tax ID field.
     
  • If you book a courier collection by calling DHL, you can provide the EORI number to Customer Service.