Amid higher operating costs
DHL will introduce a series of changes to its international shipping services for private customers, effective July 1, 2025, including a moderate price increase and adjustments to product offerings.
The changes will affect shipments sent outside Germany, including to the Middle East and Africa, where many individuals and small businesses rely on cross-border logistics services.
The adjustments come amid rising costs across the logistics industry. DHL cited increases in labour expenses, road transport rates, and delivery fees charged by international partners under Universal Postal Union agreements. Air shipment handling requirements have also become more complex, requiring more resources.
DHL said parcel prices will be revised according to country zones, with some remaining stable. Small packages, known as “Päckchen”, will now follow the same country zone structure as regular parcels.
The company will launch a new international product: a 2kg parcel option for non-EU countries, previously only available for domestic and EU destinations. This product will be available exclusively online. At the same time, DHL will remove the US$57 insurance coverage for international small packages.
Private customers will also be able to use the “Mobile Paketmarke” to ship parcels globally. This QR code-based system allows online-franked parcels to be dropped off at service points or automated machines without requiring a printed label.
The existing online franking discount of US$1.73 or US$3.45 for non-EU shipping will now apply to additional destinations.
DHL will discontinue its Premium international shipping service for private customers due to low demand. Cylindrical parcels will also incur higher processing costs, resulting in increased expenses.
For those using the company’s Economy sets, new 10-label packages will be introduced for small and lightweight items shipped within the EU. However, the bulk discount levels for 50 and 100 labels will be discontinued due to limited usage. Any coupon codes from economy sets purchased before June 30, 2025, will remain valid for three years.
The maximum weight for international parcels will be reduced to 30 kg, in line with the limitations set by the Universal Postal Convention. Many countries receiving international shipments enforce this limit.
Domestically, DHL will only change rates for the “Pluspäckchen” product and for roll-shaped parcels.
The German Federal Network Agency has approved DHL’s new price changes. They apply only to the Post & Parcel Germany business unit and do not impact DHL Express services, which operate separately.
The Middle East, particularly the Gulf states, is a growing market for international e-commerce and logistics. DHL’s price changes could impact both outbound and inbound shipments, affecting small traders and individuals who send goods from Germany to the region.
Customers in countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt may experience differences in shipping costs and available services from next month.
The changes reflect broader pressures in the international shipping sector, where companies are adjusting to rising operational costs and evolving global standards in parcel handling.
Image: DHL’s price changes could affect individuals who send goods from Germany to the Middle East region. Credit: DHL
