Anyone who regularly sends heavy parcels should be particularly careful: since 01.01.2025, the new labeling requirement for parcels weighing 10 kg or more has been in force. After a transitional period of 3 months, charges will now be levied from 01.04.2025 if the corresponding label is missing. International shipping will also be affected by stricter customs regulations. Where previously a blind eye was turned, a tougher approach will be taken from 01.05.2025.
Our tip: Use this opportunity to optimize your entire shipping process – whether through more efficient packaging or strategic planning of shipping costs. In this article, you will find out what will change in concrete terms and how you can adapt your processes at an early stage to avoid unnecessary costs and complications.
When the going gets tough
Even though the new regulation has been in force since the beginning of the year and you are probably already aware of it, we would like to list all the important details again to avoid any delays for your trade.
Mandatory labeling from 10 kg
According to the new postal law, parcels weighing more than 10 kg and parcels weighing more than 20 kg must be labeled with a clearly visible and easily understandable indication of the increased weight. This is intended to ease the burden on the delivery staff of all logistics companies.
Here is an overview of the most important facts for your goods shipment:
Products to be labeled:
- DHL Parcel
- DHL Parcel International
- DHL parcel stamp
- DHL Paket production-based billing
- DHL Paketmarke International
No labeling of
- DHL returns
Markings on the label as follows:
- Package weight > 10 – 20 kg:
- Package weight > 20 kg:
Attention:
From 01.04.2025 onwards, expense allowances will be charged for incorrect/missing weight information and/or missing/incorrect labeling. This is also the case with DHL’s competitors.
Customers who use JTL ShippingLabels can carry out their shipping processes with DHL, GLS and Hermes as usual, as the details appear automatically on the shipping label – provided the weight details of the products have been entered correctly in the system.
All information on the labeling requirement can also be found on the DHL information sheet.
Avoid unnecessary costs and delays
The new labeling requirement makes it even more important for online retailers to make the shipping process efficient. Those who pack and ship cleverly will avoid penalties and save costs at the same time.
1. weight optimization:
The use of lightweight but stable materials can often save a lot of weight:
Minimize packaging: Use custom-fit boxes to avoid unnecessary filling material.
Choose lightweight fillers: Air cushions or paper are often lighter than polystyrene chips.
Adjust material thickness: Cardboard boxes that are too thick increase the weight unnecessarily.
Tip: Some shipping service providers calculate the volume weight – this can make large, light parcels more expensive. Pay attention to an optimal ratio between size and weight.
2. shipping cost management:
Accurate weighing: Use calibrated scales for accurate information.
Check shipping options: Some providers have special rates for heavy shipments.
Take advantage of volume discounts: Large shipping volumes can be negotiated individually.
3. labeling made easy: How to stay compliant
Use automatic labeling: If you work with shipping software such as JTL Shipping, you don’t need to do anything else – the adjustment is automatic.
Don’t forget manual labeling: If your system does not automatically adjust the label, the new labeling must be done via the DHL business customer portal.
Stickers as an emergency solution: In exceptional cases, these are available from DHL for a fee.
New customs regulations: stricter controls from May 2025
While customs was often accommodating in the past and allowed shipments through despite incomplete information, from 01.05.2025 there will be much stricter controls. If important information is missing, the parcel will be returned to the sender without exception – at the sender’s expense.
The new requirements affect retailers who ship with DHL Paket International (Tradelane CH) or DHL Europaket (incl. CH, GB & NO)
What will change in concrete terms
The following information is now mandatory for a shipment to be exported successfully:
- Detailed product description (often insufficient up to now)
- Exact quantity per goods item
- 6-digit customs tariff number (HS code) for shipments without an export declaration
- 8-digit customs tariff number (HS code) for shipments with export declaration
- Exact weight per item
- Value of goods with exact currency
The Master Reference Number (MRN) must be transmitted electronically for shipments that require an export declaration (from EUR 1,000 value of goods).
The aim of these changes is to increase transparency in cross-border supply chains and thus further prepare for paperless customs processes. You can also find detailed information on the customs regulations in the DHL overview.
Good to know: JTL-Wawi already supports all customs requirements. In the upcoming version JTL-Wawi 1.10.8.0, the MRN number will be integrated as additional information in the shipment data. If you work with JTL Shipping, you can rest assured that all relevant information will be transmitted automatically.
Act now and facilitate the changeover
The new weight markings and customs regulations affect many retailers, but with a well thought-out shipping strategy you can optimize your processes and save costs at the same time. If you work with an automated shipping solution such as JTL Shipping, you don’t have to worry about the changeover – all adjustments are made automatically.
Do you have questions about the changeover or are you still looking for the optimal shipping solution? Then get free advice now!
