# Submit DHL Express customs documents after printing
URL: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/1793750400001-submit-dhl-express-customs-documents-after-printing
Canonical: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/1793750400001-submit-dhl-express-customs-documents-after-printing
Markdown: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/1793750400001-submit-dhl-express-customs-documents-after-printing.md
Updated: 2026-11-03

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.starshipit.com/llms.txt).

> Add customs documents to an eligible printed DHL Express shipment, check submission and resolve an unconfirmed result.

Submit a customs invoice or supporting document to an eligible DHL Express shipment after printing its label. Use this when your invoice needs the waybill number, or when you need to add another customs document to an existing Paperless Trade shipment.

## Before you begin

- Use UI 2.0 with an enabled MyDHL API connection and [Paperless Trade approved and enabled](/articles/214680543-enable-dhl-express-paperless-trade).
- Use an account with order-document viewing and uploads available, and permission to upload order documents.
- Check that the shipment is printed, international, customs-declarable and created with Paperless Trade. DHL must accept the account, service, destination and document. Archived shipments are not eligible.
- Prepare a PDF, JPEG or PNG file no larger than **10 MB**. Choose a supported customs document type, such as **Customs Invoice**, **Proof of Purchase**, **Licence/Permit**, **Proforma**, **Certificate of Origin**, **Nafta Certificate of Origin**, **Commercial Invoice** or **Custom Declaration**. General **Order Document** and **Invoice** attachments cannot be sent through this action.
- Wait at least **10 minutes after printing** before submitting. Reprinting can extend this wait.

## Choose when to send the initial documents

For new shipments whose initial customs documents will be supplied after label creation, first confirm with DHL that your account supports its **PK** post-creation service.

1. Go to **Settings > Couriers > [DHL Express](https://next.starshipit.com/settings/couriers/setup/dhl-express)** in UI 2.0.
2. Open **Advanced** and the customs invoice settings.
3. Enable **Paperless Trade** and **Upload customs documents after printing**.
4. Select **Save**, then reopen the settings to check both choices.
5. Create the label for your next intended eligible shipment, then follow the submission steps below once the document is ready.

The option uses PK for eligible new shipments and defers the initial document submission. It is not used for UKIMS shipments. With it off, eligible shipments keep the standard **WY** workflow, which sends documents at creation. Invoice generation remains controlled separately by **Using Own Invoice**.

You can also send additional documents after printing a WY shipment whose initial invoice was already sent. You do not need to enable the new-shipment option for that existing shipment. Changing the setting does not convert a shipment created without Paperless Trade into an eligible one.

## Send a document to DHL

1. Open the intended printed DHL Express order in UI 2.0 and check its tracking number.
2. Open **Documents** and upload your file with its supported customs document type. Keep the original file for your records.
3. Wait until at least 10 minutes have passed since printing.
4. Select **Send to DHL** beside the document.
5. Refresh the documents and check that the file shows **Sent to DHL**.

Attaching the file to the order and sending it to DHL are separate actions. **Sent to DHL** records DHL's acceptance of that submission. Confirm any outstanding customs-document or printed-paperwork requirements with DHL before dispatch.

## Resolve a blocked or unconfirmed submission

| What you see | What to check or do |
| --- | --- |
| The setting or send action is unavailable | Check MyDHL API, Paperless Trade eligibility, order-document access and your permissions. Ask Support to confirm account availability if these are in place. |
| A message asks you to wait | Wait for the stated remaining time after printing or reprinting, then submit. |
| The document type or file is rejected | Select a supported customs type and check the format, size and shipment details before trying again. |
| **Check submission with Support**, or the result cannot be confirmed | Refresh the documents first. Contact Support before submitting the same document again; DHL may already have received it. |
| **Sent to DHL** | The submission is recorded. Do not resend the same file just to test it. |

If Support is needed, provide the order and tracking references, document type, submission time and message shown. Do not reprint the label to retry a document upload.

## Related articles

- [Enable DHL Express Paperless Trade](/articles/214680543-enable-dhl-express-paperless-trade)
- [Add additional shipping documentation to orders](/articles/4407149410703-add-additional-shipping-documentation-to-orders-document-manager)
- [Set up DHL Express](/articles/203806429-set-up-dhl-express)