DHL USA Customs Duty Payment Guide: How to Pay & Avoid Delivery Delays (Online & Cash Options)
Sep 12, 2025
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How to Pay DHL Customs Duty & Taxes in USA | Clear Shipments Fast!
Is your DHL shipment to the USA stuck, waiting for customs duty payment? You're not alone. A critical step for all international shipments entering the US is clearing Customs and Border Protection (CBP). DHL acts as your customs broker, but import duties and taxes (often simply called "customs duty") must be paid before final delivery. If these fees aren't paid promptly, your package will remain on hold, causing frustrating delays. This guide explains exactly how recipients in the USA can pay DHL customs duties quickly using the two primary methods – Online Payment and Cash Payment – to get your package moving again!
Why Payment is Mandatory & What Happens If You Delay
Legal Requirement: US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) levies duties and taxes on most imported goods above a very low value threshold (usually $800 de minimis). These fees are legally owed to the US government.
DHL's Role: DHL advances these fees on your behalf to clear your shipment through customs quickly. They then collect reimbursement from the recipient.
The Hold: If duties and taxes are not paid, DHL cannot release your shipment for delivery. It will remain in a DHL facility, accruing potential storage fees.
Consequences of Non-Payment: Prolonged non-payment can lead to the shipment being returned to the sender or even abandoned/destroyed. Act fast to avoid this!
Method 1: Pay DHL Customs Duty Online (FASTEST & RECOMMENDED)
This is the easiest, most secure, and fastest way to pay your DHL import fees and get your package delivered immediately.
Notification: Once your shipment arrives in the US and customs clearance begins, DHL will send the recipient (and often the shipper) notifications:
SMS Text Message: A text with a link to the payment portal.
Email: An email containing your Waybill number, invoice details, and a secure payment link.
DHL Online Tracking: The tracking status on DHL's website (enter your Waybill number) will clearly show "Payment Required" or similar, with a payment link.
Secure Payment Portal: Click the provided link. You'll be directed to DHL's official, secure payment portal.
Review Charges: Carefully review the breakdown of charges:
Government Duties & Taxes: The actual fees owed to CBP.
DHL Disbursement Fee: A service fee charged by DHL for advancing the government fees on your behalf (typically around 10−20, but variable).
Total Amount Due: The sum you need to pay.
Enter Payment Details: Pay securely using:
Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
Debit Card
PayPal (availability may vary)
Confirmation: Upon successful payment, you'll receive an immediate electronic confirmation. DHL will be notified instantly.
Delivery Release: Your payment clears the hold. DHL will process your shipment for delivery on the next available cycle (often same day or next business day).
Benefits of Online Payment:
Instant Clearance: Releases your shipment immediately.
Convenience: Pay anytime, anywhere with internet access.
Security: Official DHL platform, secure transactions.
Tracking Update: Tracking status updates quickly to reflect payment and "Out for Delivery".
No Cash Handling: Safer and avoids the need for exact change.
Method 2: Pay DHL Customs Duty in Cash Upon Delivery (CODA)
You can choose to pay the driver in cash when your DHL package is delivered. This method can cause SIGNIFICANT DELAYS and is generally
NOT recommended unless online payment is impossible.
Notification: Similar to online payment, you'll receive notifications (SMS, Email, Tracking Status) indicating duties are due and offering payment options.
Request Cash Payment: You MUST proactively inform DHL that you wish to pay Cash on Delivery (COD) for the duties. Do not assume the driver will automatically collect cash.
Call DHL Express USA Customer Service: Use the phone number provided in your notification or found on the DHL USA website. Provide your Waybill number and request "Cash on Delivery for Duties and Taxes" (CODA).
Online Request (Less Common): Some tracking pages might offer an option to select cash payment, but calling is the most reliable method.
Confirmation & Scheduling: DHL will confirm your request for cash payment. This process itself can add 1-2 business days. Delivery will then be scheduled.
Prepare Exact Cash: Crucially, you MUST have the EXACT amount in cash ready. DHL drivers do not carry change. The amount will be the total due (Duties/Taxes + DHL Disbursement Fee) as shown in your notification.
Payment at Delivery: When the DHL driver arrives:
Inform them you are paying the duties/taxes in cash.
Hand over the exact cash amount.
The driver will provide a receipt.
Package Handover: Once payment is received, the driver will release your package.
Risks & Downsides of Cash Payment:
Major Delays: Requesting CODA adds significant time (often 24-48+ hours) compared to instant online payment. Your package sits waiting.
Missed Deliveries: If you aren't home with the exact cash when the driver arrives, delivery fails, causing further delays and potential return fees.
Exact Cash Required: No change given. Failure to have the exact amount means no delivery.
Security: Handling large amounts of cash can be a security risk.
Driver Awareness: You must proactively request CODA; drivers won't automatically attempt collection unless instructed.
Pro Tips to Avoid Delays & Ensure Smooth Clearance
Monitor Tracking Closely: Use your DHL Waybill number on the DHL USA website for real-time updates. Look for "Payment Required" status.
Act Immediately on Notifications: As soon as you get an SMS or email about duties owed, pay online immediately. This is the single fastest way to get your package.
Ensure Recipient Contact Info is Correct: The shipper must provide the recipient's accurate phone number and email address. Incorrect info means missed notifications and delays.
Understand Potential Fees: Be aware of both the government charges and DHL's disbursement fee. Ask the shipper for an estimate beforehand if possible.
Communicate with Your Shipper: Keep the sender informed if there are payment issues or delays.
Avoid Cash if Possible: Seriously consider online payment for its speed and reliability.
FAQ: DHL USA Customs Duty Payment
Q: How will I know how much I owe?
A: DHL will notify you via SMS, Email, and update the online tracking with the exact amount due.
Q: Can the sender (shipper) pay the duties?
A: Yes! The shipper can arrange to pay duties upfront using DHL's "Duty Tax Paid by Shipper" (DTP) service. Discuss this with the shipper before shipment.
Q: What happens if I never pay the DHL customs duty?
A: DHL will hold the shipment. After repeated attempts and notifications, the shipment may be returned to the sender at their expense, or abandoned/destroyed. Storage fees may also apply.
Q: Are duties and taxes always charged?
A: No. Low-value shipments (often under $800 USD) may enter duty-free. It depends on the goods' value, type, and origin. DHL will only contact you if payment is required.
Q: Who do I contact if I have payment issues?
A: Call DHL Express USA Customer Service directly. Have your 10-digit Waybill number ready.
Conclusion: Pay Online & Get Your Package Fast!
Don't let unpaid customs duties delay your important DHL shipment to the USA. The fastest, most reliable way to clear the hold is always DHL Duty Payment Online. Pay instantly via the secure link in your SMS, email, or tracking page using a credit/debit card. Avoid the hassles and delays of cash payment by opting for online convenience. Monitor your tracking, act quickly on notifications, and enjoy a smooth delivery experience!
Ignoring DHL's notifications for customs duty payment is a critical mistake with escalating, costly consequences. Failure to pay these legally required US government fees, plus DHL's service charge, will absolutely prevent your package from being delivered. Here's what happens step-by-step if duties remain unpaid:
Indefinite Hold & Accruing Storage Fees:
Your shipment remains "On Hold" at a DHL facility near its destination or port of entry.
DHL Storage Fees: After an initial grace period (often 5-10 working days), DHL will start charging daily storage fees. These fees accumulate rapidly and are in addition to the original duties and taxes. What starts as a small duty bill can balloon into a significant cost solely due to storage.
Repeated Notification Attempts (Limited Time):
DHL will make multiple attempts to contact the recipient (via SMS, email, phone) and the shipper, urging payment. These notifications are time-sensitive warnings.
Escalation to Return to Sender (RTS):
If payment is not received within DHL's specified timeframe (typically 15-21 days after arrival), DHL will initiate the process to return the shipment to the original shipper.
Return Shipping Costs: The cost of returning the shipment internationally is charged to the original shipper (sender). This cost is often significantly higher than the original outbound shipping cost and always includes the unpaid duties, taxes, accrued storage fees, and DHL's return handling fees.
Significant Delay & Cost for Sender: The sender faces unexpected high costs and a major delay in getting the goods back, potentially disrupting their business or plans.
Abandonment & Destruction (Worst-Case Scenario):
If returning the shipment is not feasible (e.g., sender refuses return, sender details invalid, perishable goods, prohibited return items) or if return costs exceed the value of the goods, DHL will declare the shipment ABANDONED.
Government-Ordered Destruction: Abandoned shipments are typically handed over to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). CBP regulations dictate that abandoned goods must be destroyed or disposed of after a set period. DHL does not have the authority to release abandoned goods without payment; destruction is the standard outcome.
Total Loss: This results in the complete loss of the shipment for both the sender and the recipient. Neither party gets the goods, and the sender is still liable for the accrued fees (duties, storage, handling).
Summary of Severe Outcomes:
Package Never Delivered: The core consequence – you don't receive your goods.
High Accrued Costs: Unpaid duties + DHL disbursement fee + Daily storage fees + Potential return shipping costs.
Return to Sender: Goods sent back at the sender's significant expense after weeks/months delay.
Abandonment & Destruction: Goods seized by CBP and destroyed, leading to total financial loss (goods value + incurred fees).
Negative Impact on Sender/Recipient Relationship: Blame, financial disputes, and loss of trust.
No Refund: If destroyed or returned, the recipient does not get a refund for the goods purchased from the sender.
DO NOT RISK IT! The consequences of non-payment are severe, costly, and often irreversible. Paying the DHL customs duty online immediately upon notification is the ONLY way to guarantee receiving your shipment and avoiding these disastrous outcomes.
ACT NOW: Check your DHL tracking (#WaybillNumber) or contact DHL Express USA Customer Service immediately if you suspect duties are owed but haven't received notification. Don't let your shipment become another casualty of unpaid customs fees.