DHL Express will change the way dimensional weight is calculated. Both FedEx & UPS have already announced they will be making the identical change in January 2011. Below is how to determine dimensional weight in 2011.

Dimensional Weight density of a package. DHL uses the International Air Transport Association (IATA) volumetric methodology (subject to change without notice). This methodology is used for all international shipments, even those in DHL-branded packaging. Multiply the carton’s dimensions (length x width x height) and divide the cubic inches by the dimensional weight factor of 139 if measured in inches. If measured in centimeters divide by 5,000 for a dimensional weight in kilos. Divide kilos by 2.20462 to convert to pounds. For example, a carton with the dimensions of 30”(L) x 20”(W) x 20”(H) = 12,000 cubic inches, divided by 139 = 86.3 pounds for a “dimensional weight” of 87 pounds. (Always round to the next full pound.) Be sure to include all packing materials when weighing your package and when calculating the dimensional weight.

There are two changes to be noted for efficient customs clearance:

1. Indicating Importer and Exporter Customs Registration Number (“CR Number”)

• All importers and exporters in China are required to register with customs authorities for an importer or exporter Customs Registration Number (“CR Number”) that must be indicated on the commercial invoice.
• Your Chinese consignee or shipper must indicate the CR Number in order to clear customs, with the exception of documents and personal effects (limited to unaccompanied luggage, C2C shipments). As a U.S. consignor you will need this number for your records.
• The Chinese legal entity receiving or importing the goods is responsible for a CR Number.
• Your customer or supplier in China should have the CR Number by now.  If not, DHL China can assist them by identifying a qualified import/export agent (IOR/EOR) as the receiving and dispatching party in China. Please note however, that the appointment of an agent is a lengthy process and will need to commence immediately, if required.

2. Including Harmonized System Codes (“HS Code”) 

•  Effective January 1, 2011, all U.S. consignors will need to have a Harmonized System code (“HS Code”) on customs declaration forms. Per the China customs requirement, you will need only the first six digits of the 10-digit HS Code.
• However, this rule doesn’t apply to documents (non-dutiable) being exported from/ or imported

into China.

Please be advised that the above changes are mandatory per China customs regulation announcement no. 33. Failure to provide this information on your customs documentation may result in delays in the clearance process by Customs in China. We would like to help you in every way we can to implement these changes smoothly.

LEARN MORE:  China Order Briefing     Customer Guide

A recent initiative to reform and modernize Dubai Customs has led to new Customs procedures, which will take effect January 1, 2011.  One of the requirements, similar to the recent China “Regulation 33”, mandates that ALL Dutiable (Non-Document) shipments from all countries into Dubai and outbound from Dubai include a HS (Harmonized Tariff) Code as part of the imports/exports declarations documents. In order to ensure these requirements are met, DHL will ask that customers include the HS Code as well as the following information on the Commercial Invoice for all Dubai import and export shipments:

• Invoice Number
• Country of Origin
• Description of the Goods
• HS Code for Every Line Item as above
• Weight of Each Line Item
• No. of Units/Pieces
• Value and Currency

It is extremely important that all of the above mandatory details are included, as failing to comply with providing this information on the Commercial Invoice will result in shipments being held.

 New Export Charge for All Shipments from the UAE

Please note that all Export shipments from Dubai that exceed US$270 in content value will now incur an AED 30* Bill of Export charge. This is a direct charge implemented by Customs Authorities and not DHL Express and is relevant to all Export shipments from the UAE.