How to set up DHL Paperless Trade (PLT) for international shipments on Ship&co

DHL Paperless Trade (PLT) is a Digital Invoice service provided by DHL Express. It helps send the information required for customs clearance procedures electronically, so you can eliminate the need to print and physically attach customs documents to your shipments. DHL Paperless Trade (PLT) can help reduce shipping preparation time, minimize paper usage, and speed up customs clearance procedures.

Set up DHL Paperless Trade (PLT) for International Shipments on Ship&co

In order to take advantage of this service, you must first set up your company letterhead and electronic signature in Ship&co. To register letterhead and electronic signature for PLT shipment, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. In Commercial Invoice preferences section, click Choose a file.
   Letterhead and Signature image must be in either JPEG, JPG, or PNG format and no larger than 1MB.
   ・Your signature (jpeg, jpg, png - smaller than 1MB)
   ・Company/Shop logo (jpeg, jpg, png - smaller than 1MB)

If you need help creating a signature image, please refer to our easy process here.

Add custom message on Commercial Invoice (optional)

You can add a customized message required for customs clearance in advance.

1. Go to Settings.
2. In Add custom message on Commercial Invoice (optional) section, click Edit.
3. Add a message, and click Save.

The message will be reflected in the Other Remarks column of DHL's electronic invoice, as well as on the commercial invoice that Ship&co automatically creates for you. This ensures a smooth and efficient customs clearance process for your shipments.

Ship with DHL's Paperless Trade (PLT) Invoice in Ship&co

While PLT shipments can be used for most destinations, there are some countries that are not supported. Find more from the below details:

• Creating a DHL Shipment when PLT is supported, you only need to print out and attach the Transport Label (1 page) to the parcel. In this case, Ship&co will automatically send the required signed Commercial Invoice electronically, eliminating the need for you to print Commercial Invoices for your packages.
• Creating a DHL Shipment when PLT is not supported, you need to print out the Waybill document (the second page of the label file) along with the commercial invoice and attach them all together.

For multiple parcel shipment, one label will be created for each parcel. Please print out all labels and attach each label to its corresponding parcel. This ensures that each parcel is properly labeled and can be easily tracked and delivered to its intended recipient.

Please note that there is a Customs Value Limitation when using paperless trade documents for DHL shipments. Even if the destination country supports PLT, you may need to file an invoice under preferential trade agreements when the total cost of the shipment exceeds a certain amount. For further information regarding PLT availability in your country, please contact your DHL representative.

DHL PLT shipping label sample

Creating a DHL Shipment when PLT is not supported

If PLT is not supported for your shipment, you will notice a message in a yellow banner: PLT service is not available for the destination country. Please print and sign the customs document instead, appeared when shipping label is created.

In this case, please print the commercial invoice and attach it together with the shipping label to the package. This ensures a smooth delivery process and prevents any potential delays or issues at customs.