DHL International Tracking
Couriers
DHL international tracking offers visibility across cross-border shipments, even when multiple carriers are involved. This guide walks you through how tracking works globally, where to check scan events, what key tracking statuses mean, and how to troubleshoot common issues. Ideal for shoppers and small businesses needing clarity and realistic timeframes.
How DHL International Tracking Works
Most international DHL shipments follow three stages:
- Origin and Export: The merchant generates a label, and initial scans like “Electronic submission received” follow once collected. The first physical scan may take up to 24–48 hours after handover. ([DHL FAQ])
- Linehaul and Import: The parcel travels to the destination country. Scans typically include “Arrived at destination country” and “Customs clearance processing.”
- Final Delivery: After customs, the parcel is handed to a local carrier. Look for statuses like “Tendered to delivery partner,” “Out for delivery,” and “Delivered.”
Since different couriers may handle each leg, scans may appear on multiple websites, including the DHL site and local postal trackers.
Where to Track Your DHL Shipment
- DHL website: Paste your tracking number on the official tracking page to see key events, customs notes, and estimated delivery.
- Ship24 tools: Shows DHL tracking alongside local-post updates when handovers occur, useful when routes cross multiple couriers.
- Destination postal site: After a handover event (“tendered”), check your local postal service’s tracker using the same ID or a linked reference.
International Tracking Number Formats
Related:
DHL Paket TrackingDHL uses distinct formats for various services. Remove spaces and hyphens before entering the number.
| Service | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | 10 digits or prefixes such as 000/JJD01/JJD00/JVGL + digits | Time-sensitive international courier service |
| DHL eCommerce (Global Mail) | 10–39 characters; often begins with GM/LX/RX or up to five letters | Common for marketplace parcels that transfer to local posts |
| DHL Global Forwarding (freight) | 7-digit codes or patterns like 3-digit carrier code-8 digits | Used for air, ocean, or road freight movements |
| DHL Paket / Parcel (EU) | Often starts with 3S/JVGL/JJD + digits or is 10–20 digits long | Used in European markets; often integrates with postal networks |
Expected Delivery Times
- DHL Express: Typically 1–3 business days to major global destinations.
- DHL eCommerce cross-border: Usually 7–20 business days, depending on origin and destination.
- DHL Parcel Europe: Often 2–7 business days for intra-European routes.
Holidays, customs, weather, and demand spikes can affect these timeframes.
Key Tracking Statuses
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Electronic submission received | Label created; physical handover pending. |
| Accepted at origin facility | Initial physical scan; parcel sorted. |
| Departed origin facility | Left origin hub on the way to export or next checkpoint. |
| Arrived at destination country | Parcel reached import hub. |
| Customs clearance processing | Under review; duties may apply. |
| Customs clearance complete | Parcel released for final delivery. |
| Tendered to delivery partner | Handed to local carrier. |
| Out for delivery | Scheduled for delivery today. |
| Attempted delivery | Delivery failed; follow local process. |
| Delivered | Package delivered as per instruction or location. |
How to Track Your Shipment
On the DHL Site
- Visit DHL’s tracking page.
- Enter your tracking number (no spaces/dashes).
- Review updates, customs notes, and delivery estimates.
On Ship24
- Visit Ship24’s tracking bar.
- Enter your DHL tracking number.
- See DHL and local-post events in one view.
Customs and Duties Tips
- Document accuracy: Correct goods descriptions and HS codes help avoid customs delays.
- Include contact details: An email/phone for the recipient reduces customs redirection risks.
- Understand who pays: If Duties Paid (DDP) isn't used, recipients may need to pay fees before delivery.
Troubleshooting Tracking Issues
- No updates yet? Wait 24–48 hours; the first scan often delays.
- Long gaps? Full scans update at hubs; check local postal tracking after “tendered.”
- Number not working? Confirm with the merchant; format matters (length, characters).
- Delivered but not received? Check delivery proof, ask neighbors, or ask the sender to investigate.
- Significant delay? If Express is 5+ days late, or eCommerce is 10+ days late, ask the sender to initiate a trace.
FAQs
Is DHL Express faster than DHL eCommerce?
Yes, Express typically delivers within 1–3 business days with more frequent tracking. eCommerce focuses on cost savings and milestone tracking.
Why did my tracking move to a local postal site?
Local postal networks often handle final-mile delivery. Handover usually appears as “tendered to delivery partner.” Use the same ID on the post’s tracking site.
Can I track multiple packages at once?
Yes. Some DHL portals and tools like Ship24 support bulk tracking by inserting multiple IDs.
Does DHL deliver on weekends internationally?
Depends on the destination and service. Express may offer Saturday options; standard postal services often deliver Monday to Saturday.
What does “Customs clearance complete” indicate?
Customs has released the parcel, and it’s ready for the last-mile carrier or DHL sorting.
Who pays customs duties?
Sender or recipient, depending on shipping terms. With DDP, the sender pays. Otherwise, duties may need settling before delivery.
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