June 3, 2025, 12:55 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
DHL has announced a series of changes to its pricing structure for parcels, packages, and other shipping options. Costs are rising, particularly for international shipments, and there is a new weight limit.
Starting July 1, 2025, DHL will implement new pricing for private customers on international shipments. At the same time, the service provider will adjust shipping conditions in several areas. Less frequently used options will be discontinued, and new products will be introduced–an overview.
New Pricing Structure for International Shipping
For international parcel and package shipments with DHL, new prices will apply starting in July. Some of the eight different country zones will be particularly affected. Within the EU, there will be little change in package shipping. Only the XS option, available exclusively online, will increase from 6.49 euros to 6.99 euros. Starting next month, packages will follow the same country zones used for international parcels.
Package Shipments to Non-EU Countries
For country zone 2 (United Kingdom and Northern Ireland [excluding Channel Islands], Switzerland) and zone 3 (Rest of Europe) as well as zone 6 (North Africa and the Middle East), there will be no changes in package prices even after the new division. However, international package shipments to all other zones will become more expensive. The M package option, in particular, will see a significant price increase of 25 percent to 24.99 euros in zones 4 (Russian Federation) and 8 (Australia and Oceania).
International Parcel Shipments More Expensive
For parcel shipping within the EU, prices will increase by 1 to 1.67 euros, with few exceptions. Exempt are the online-exclusive 2-kg option and parcels up to 30 kg. Shipments to zones 4, 6, and 8 will become significantly more expensive. This is especially noticeable for parcels to the Russian Federation–these will increase by 11 euros without exception.
For zones 2, 3, 5 (North, Central, and South America), and 7 (Asia, Africa), parcel prices will remain unchanged. According to DHL, the adjustments are intended to be more closely aligned with actual shipping costs.
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Insurance for International Packages Discontinued
At least the company is now introducing the 2-kg parcel option for non-EU countries, available exclusively online to private customers. This costs significantly less for all country zones than the 5-kg option, which was previously the cheapest option for international parcel shipping. At the same time, the previously available additional insurance up to 50 euros for international packages will be discontinued. Those who want insured shipping will now have to opt for a parcel.
To simplify shipping, DHL is introducing the mobile parcel label for shipments outside the EU. With the QR code, online-franked shipments can be sent worldwide without a printed label. This works both in-store and at pack or post stations. The online price advantage of 1.50 or 3 euros per shipment for non-EU shipping will thus also apply to countries subject to customs duties.
New Weight Limit and Discontinuation of Premium Service
Starting in July, DHL will only offer international parcel shipments up to 30 kilograms. The company cites the fact that many countries, according to the Universal Postal Union, only accept shipments up to this weight limit.
The premium option for international shipping will no longer be available to private customers. According to DHL, demand for the service for faster deliveries was not high enough. There are also changes to the savings sets for volume discounts. The 50 and 100 options for parcels within the EU will be discontinued. Already purchased voucher codes will remain valid for three years. The 10-set savings option will become more expensive for all parcel weight categories (except up to 30 kg). A new 10-set savings option for XS packages and parcels up to 2 kg will be introduced.
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Only Minor Changes for Domestic Shipping
For domestic shipping within Germany, prices will remain largely stable. The Plus package will increase from 6.99 euros to 8.19 euros. The shipping cost for rolls will rise from 1.99 euros to 3.99 euros. This change affects not only domestic shipping but also the EU and all other country zones.
DHL justifies the changes with “significantly increased labor, transport, and delivery costs.” Increases in compensation for service providers abroad according to the Universal Postal Union are primarily responsible. The effort for shipments by air transport is also higher.