Lucky Straps is an Australia business, we love shipping our products all over the world!
Recently with the change to how tariffs are charged in America, we thought it was important to outline what we know of the process for our American customers.
We ship all our orders to America using DHL Express (unless standard delivery is chosen). Below is an outline for the DHL Express Customs & Tariff Payment Process for our American Customers.
🇦🇺➡️🇺🇸 DHL Express Customs & Tariff Payment Process
1. Customs review upon U.S. arrival
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When your parcel arrives in the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reviews it.
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DHL submits all shipment data (value, contents, and commercial invoice) electronically.
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CBP determines if duties, taxes, or fees apply.
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PREVIOUSLY goods valued under USD $800 were typically duty-free, HOWEVER this has recently changed and all goods, regardless of value are attracting duties.
2. DHL receives the customs charge
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DHL (acting as your customs broker) pays the duty/tax on your behalf to CBP to speed up clearance.
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DHL then invoices you, (the recipient) for that amount before or during delivery.
3. Notification to the recipient
DHL notifies you (the recipient) immediately once customs clearance completes and payment is needed. The methods include:
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📧 Email notification:
Sent from a verified DHL domain (like @dhl.com or @dhl-express.com), containing: -
The shipment tracking number
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A breakdown of the duty/tax owed
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A secure payment link (usually to the DHL “Duty & Tax Payment Portal”)
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Payment deadline
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📱 SMS text message (for shipments enrolled in DHL On Demand Delivery):
Often says something like:
“DHL: Duties/Taxes are due on your shipment. Pay securely here: [short link]. Tracking: XXXXXXX.” -
🌐 Online tracking / DHL On Demand Delivery (ODD):
When tracking a parcel on mydhl.express.dhl, a “Pay duties & taxes” button may appear on the tracking page if charges are outstanding (image included below).
Payment is done securely by card before delivery proceeds.
4. Delivery after payment
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Once the recipient pays online, DHL releases the shipment for final delivery to the address.
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If unpaid after a few days, the parcel is held in customs and we (the sender) are contacted for next steps
⚠️ Fraud & security note
Because DHL’s customs payment process is often targeted by scammers:
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Real DHL duty-payment links always begin with https://mydhl.express.dhl/ or a regional subdomain (e.g., https://mydhl.dhl.com).
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DHL never asks for payment via PayPal, Bitcoin, or bank transfer to an individual.
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Always verify by entering your tracking number directly on mydhl.express.dhl.
Sample DHL customs payment email.
Hello [Recipient Name],
Your shipment with DHL Express (Waybill: **XXX123456789US**) has arrived in the U.S. and is being processed through customs.
Before we can deliver your parcel, you must pay the assessed **import duties & taxes**. Please see details below:
**Amount Due:** USD 45.80
**Due by:** [Date & Time, e.g. “5:00 PM (ET) on Aug 25, 2025”]
Click here to securely **Pay Now & Clear Customs**
(You will be directed to the DHL On Demand Delivery / Payment Portal.)
If you don’t pay within the timeframe, your parcel may be held or returned to sender.
**Shipment details**
Waybill: XXX123456789US
Estimated delivery date: [Date]
Recipient: [Your Address]
If you believe this charge is incorrect or you have questions, please contact DHL Express U.S. at [phone number] or via your local DHL portal.
Thank you for choosing DHL.
– DHL Express Customs Team
