June 16, 2025, 5:25 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Have you ever tried to decipher the cryptic symbols on packages from DHL and Deutsche Post? Naturally, the various numbers, codes, and abbreviations each represent specific information crucial for ensuring the shipment reaches the correct destination. But what do they mean? TECHBOOK explains.
Admittedly, even delivery personnel usually don’t look closely at the package labels. After all, they have a scanner that processes the information immediately. Incidentally, it would be quite easy to create a DHL package label yourself without in-depth knowledge, as the service now offers a corresponding function. However, a closer look won’t hurt. So, what do the numbers, codes, and abbreviations on packages mean?
Overview
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How to Protect Yourself Against Errors and Fraud when Making ransfers
What the Codes on DHL Packages Actually Mean
Depending on various factors, it can occasionally happen that package delivery takes longer. Possible reasons include high mail volume, general transportation issues, staff shortages–and individual hurdles. In certain cases, “the affected shipments must be manually coded and reprocessed, which can lead to delays and additional charges,” writes DHL. This concerns the routing code.
1. Routing Code
The routing code is one of the particularly important components of the package label. It is one of the two barcodes on the lower half of the label. It contains the information that “routes” the package to the correct address, including the postal code, street identifier (a numerical code for the respective street), and the house or pack station number. If this routing code is missing or illegible, affected shipments must be manually processed, explains DHL. This can take some time.
The code usually begins with (403), which stands for the relevant sorting region. For shipments within Germany, the ISO country code 276 follows, and then the recipient’s postal code. For international shipments, the code may begin with “(2L) DE.”
2. Tracking Number
Below the routing code is the tracking number, also called the Tracking ID and sometimes the Identcode. This is “a combination of numbers and letters that uniquely identifies your shipment for the purpose of national or international tracking,” explains DHL. The number allows the shipment to be tracked.
3. Reference Number
The so-called reference number can resemble the tracking number. However, it serves a different purpose and is not found on every package, as it is only included upon request. Using a reference number is useful for companies that send many packages simultaneously to organize them internally. It can also be helpful for recipients to have a reference number on hand, for instance, if they miss a delivery and need to contact customer service. The sender can set the reference number themselves. Typically, an internal customer or invoice number is used.
4. GoGreen Label
The GoGreen label on DHL package labels indicates a climate-neutral shipping program. DHL aims to reduce and offset CO2 emissions in shipping. The label signifies that the emissions generated for shipping are compensated–for example, by supporting certified climate protection projects worldwide. Since 2022, GoGreen is included for private customers in national shipping at no extra cost. Business customers often have special GoGreen shipping contracts.
Also interesting: DHL is raising package prices for private customers again
5. Security Code
For several years, you can often find an additional field on private packages: a security code in the form of a DataMatrix code. This is intended to prevent tampering and forgery of shipping labels. As stated on the DHL website, official acceptance points can directly recognize invalid labels. For business customer packages–including return labels–the service does not use this measure, presumably because the origin of any fraud would be easier to trace.
Scanning the security code is mandatory not only in package shops and official post offices but also at pack stations. An exception exists if the customer prints the shipping label directly at the pack station and immediately deposits the package.
Additional Codes and Symbols on Packages
Beyond the basic service, senders can book various additional services. This includes, for example, identity verification or the “Ident-Check” for the recipient, which ensures that the package reaches the correct person. These and also an age verification check are recognizable as a small diamond-like symbol or a short designation (e.g., “ID-Check”). A diamond with black tips and a white interior indicates that the package contains hazardous goods, so certain rules and regulations apply to shipping. You can learn more about this here.