DHL announces changes in international shipping of small packages and parcels for private customers effective July 1, 2025
The parcel service provider will adjust parcel prices for different country zones variably and more cost-oriented. In many zones and weight categories, parcel prices will remain stable.
- New classification of small packages into international country zones similar to parcels
- New product offerings: Parcels up to 2 kg (online) and mobile label now also available for shipping to non-EU countries
- Maximum weight for international parcels will be standardized to 30 kg
- Moderate price increase for international parcels and for cylindrical shipments
- Price adjustments necessary due to increased labor and transportation costs as well as higher terminal dues for delivery partners abroad under the regulations of the Universal Postal Union
Bonn - Starting July 1, 2025, DHL will moderately increase prices for private customer parcels and small packages sent abroad. The parcel service provider will adjust parcel prices for different country zones variably and more cost-oriented. In many zones and weight categories, parcel prices will remain stable. Additionally, DHL will classify small packages ("Päckchen") into the same country zones that already exist for parcels. Furthermore, DHL plans to introduce two new products for private customers: also on July 1, the parcel service provider will launch a new parcel up to 2 kg for non-EU shipping, which will be available exclusively online. Previously, such a weight category was only available for parcels within Germany and to the EU. At the same time, DHL will terminate the insurance up to 50 euros for international small packages. Moreover, private customers will now be able to use the "Mobile Paketmarke" (mobile parcel label) for shipping to countries outside the EU. With the QR code, online-franked parcels and small packages can now also be dropped off for worldwide shipping at branches and machines such as a Packstation or Poststation, without the sender having to print the shipping label themselves. The price advantage of DHL's online franking, which amounts to 1.50 or 3.00 euros per shipment for non-EU shipping, will thus also be available for customs destinations in the future.
Additional changes: Starting July 1, DHL will discontinue the "Premium" service for international parcel shipping for private customers due to lack of demand. Additionally, the shipping of cylindrical shipments will be slightly more expensive due to higher handling costs. There will also be adjustments to the online-offered economy sets: new economy sets of 10 labels for the "Päckchen XS" and "Paket bis 2 kg" products for shipping within the EU will be introduced. However, the existing 50 and 100 discount levels will be eliminated for all products due to insufficient customer demand. Coupon codes purchased from economy sets until June 30, 2025, will retain their validity for three years.
Furthermore, DHL limits the maximum weight of international parcels to 30 kg, as most receiving countries only accept this maximum weight according to the Universal Postal Convention.
National price changes in domestic shipping (within Germany)
DHL will only adjust prices for the product "Pluspäckchen" and for roll-shaped shipments.
Increased Costs Make Price Adjustments Necessary
Reasons for the necessary price adjustments starting in July include significantly increased labor, transportation, and delivery costs. The terminal dues for delivery partners abroad have increased under the regulations of the Universal Postal Union, and transportation costs, especially for road transport, have risen. Additionally, there are higher requirements and thus a greater effort for handling international shipments transported by air. The Federal Network Agency has already approved the price changes. The price adjustments only apply to the Post & Parcel Germany corporate division, not to DHL Express products.
Alexander Edenhofer
Mail Products & Services, Regulation Issues, Postal Policy, E-Mobility, Bonn Topics
DHL Group
Charles-de-Gaulle-Str. 20
53113 Bonn
Germany