Strict controls
Some regions on lockdown
In most countries that the virus has reached, local authorities have introduced strict controls to prevent the virus from spreading further. This is impacting our deliveries to and from the countries and regions affected. Border controls sometimes cause long traffic jams, which can delay a shipment. In some cases, all couriers have suspended collection, storage, and delivery services until further notice.
DELIVERY IN THE BENELUX
CHANGES NEARBY
In the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg, all areas are accessible for the delivery and collection of shipments. There are a number of changes to our services because of the virus.
No COD and non-carriage paid
Sending cash on delivery and non-carriage paid (ex works) is currently not possible in the Benelux. We return these shipments to the sender.
Closed addresses
If you send a parcel to a business address that has been closed due to the corona virus, we will also return your shipment.
Collection of shipments
Collection of a shipment at a DHL Terminal is only possible in the Netherlands. These locations are closed in Belgium. Other DHL locations in the Benelux are closed for external visits.
Transit times
We are reducing the number of contact moments between the DHL ServicePoints and couriers. As a result, a shipment to or from a DHL ServicePoint may take a day longer than usual. The delivery time to the Wadden Sea Islands is now 48 hours, because there are fewer boats travelling between the mainland and the islands. Texel still has a next day service.
DHL ServicePoints
A lot is changing in our DHL ServicePoint network, such as closings and changed opening hours. If a parcel is on its way to a closed location, we try to drop it off at a different ServicePoint. Parcels delivered to a closed location will be returned to the sender. Check the opening hours before you visit any DHL location.
Extra hygiene measures
DHL signs for delivery
The virus normally does not spread via parcels and pallets, but the courier and ServicePoint employee are extra alert to all hygiene measures. For the time being, we will therefore sign for shipments that require a signature ourselves. We sign in front of the recipient. We also keep an appropriate distance following the guideline of 1.5 meters and avoid physical contact.
DELIVERY IN EUROPE
CHANGES TO OUR SERVICES DUE TO THE VIRUS
There are also changes to our services outside the Benelux. These changes differ per country. For the countries that are not in the list below business continues as usual. Always check in advance whether your business recipient abroad is open.
Germany
The non-essential stores are closed. If your business recipient is closed due to the coronavirus, your shipment will be returned to the sender.
France
It is currently not possible to send parcels to a DHL ServicePoint. If your business recipient is closed due to the coronavirus, we will try to deliver your shipment again. After the second attempt your shipment will be returned.
Italy
Many stores in Italy are closed, so delivery may not be possible. We then store shipments temporarily. The following postcodes are difficult to reach: 83031, 84035, 84036, 84030, 84030, 40059, 87038, 89064.
Portugal
Schools, restaurants and non-essential businesses are close. Our courier signs for delivery. In the areas 3880 and 3885 delivery and collection is currently not possible.
Spain
In Spain it is currently not possible to ship to a DHL ServicePoint. We hold shipments to the following areas until we can deliver them: 08256, 08280 - 08283, 08289, 08292 - 08294, 08640, 08700, 08710 - 08712, 08717 - 08719, 08781, 08783 - 08789. Tip: Send the telephone number of the recipient with the shipment data for local contact. We make two delivery attempts to consumers. After the second attempt the parcel can be collected within ten days, otherwise it will be returned.
United Kingdom
Here, the receiver signs their signature on a piece of paper. The courier then takes a picture of it. When delivering to consumers, we ask for the addressee's name and take a picture of the house as proof of delivery. Due to traffic jams at the Eurotunnel, delivery can be delayed by a day.
Ireland
Schools, smaller stores and restaurants are closed. Our courier signs for the parcels delivered to consumers. Due to traffic jams at the Eurotunnel, delivery can be delayed by a day. If your business recipient is closed due to the coronavirus, we will try to deliver your shipment again. After the second attempt your shipment will be returned.
Austria
Schools, stores and restaurants are closed. Delivery and collection is not possible in the areas 6450, 6452, 6456, 6458, 6553, 6555, 6561, 6562, 6563, 6580, 9844, 5542, 5611, 5612, 5630, 5632, 5640, 5645, 6710, 6710, 6762, 6763, 6764, 6767, 6888. We hold the shipments locally until they are allowed to go to their destination.
Czech Republic
Schools, restaurants and non-essential stores are closed. Delivery and collection in areas 78321, 78324, 78391, 78401, 58401 is currently not possible. We keep these shipments until we can deliver them.
Poland
We do not deliver to consumers on Saturdays and several DHL ServicePoints are closed.
Switzerland
Schools, restaurants, bars, many businesses and shops are closed. Restrictions apply to the export of medical devices to Switzerland.
Always up to date
If you have any questions about changes to our services as a result of the coronavirus, please don’t hesitate to contact your account manager or our Support Department.
Business Support