Packaging and Shipping

For DHL's insurance coverage to apply in the event of damage, the packaging must be designed to protect the contents from the typical stresses of automated transport. DHL adheres to strict guidelines, which often take into account drops from a height of approximately 80 cm as well as pressure from stacking.

Here are the key requirements for insured shipping:

1. Outer Packaging

• Stability: Use sufficiently sturdy cardboard (ideally double-wall corrugated cardboard for heavy or fragile goods).
• Shape: The package must be cuboid and stackable. Loose wrappings made of paper or film can get caught in sorting systems and often lead to the loss of the insurance claim.
• Closure: Use wide, self-adhesive plastic tape. All slots and edges should be securely sealed.

2. Inner Packaging (Padding)

• No direct contact: The contents must never touch the outer wall of the box. A minimum clearance of 6 cm on all sides is required for fragile goods (e.g., electronics).
• Securing: The goods must not be able to move inside the package. Empty spaces must be completely filled with cushioning material such as bubble wrap, kraft paper, or polystyrene chips.
• Separation: If multiple items are being shipped, they must be individually padded and separated.

3. Special Contents & Limits

• Value limits: Packages are insured up to €500 as standard. For higher values, you must purchase additional transport insurance (up to €25,000 is possible).
• Valuables Class II: Please note that certain valuables (e.g., jewelry, cash) are only permitted up to a limit of €500 per package. If the value exceeds this limit, there is no insurance coverage in case of loss.

Tip: Document the packing process with photos in case you need to prove later that the goods were properly protected.

Would you like to know how to specifically report a claim if something has happened despite good packaging