DHL Economy & DHL Premium The pro forma invoice from the carrier must be attached to the outside.
For these shipping methods, the pro forma invoice must be attached to the outside of the package in duplicate – ideally in a delivery note pocket.
Attach shipping documents correctly
For international shipping, shipping labels, pro forma invoices, commercial invoices, packing lists, and export documents must be correctly prepared and attached. This page explains which shipping documents belong on the outside of the package, when customs documents are required, and which documents are only needed for internal filing.
Especially for shipments to non-EU countries, accurate documentation is crucial. Missing or incorrectly attached documents can lead to customs delays, inquiries, additional charges, or returns.
What documents does your shipment require?
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Shipping label
Attach a scannable device to the outside
Proforma invoice
for shipments to third countries
Commercial invoice
in the sale of goods
ABD/MRN
Check starting from €1.000
"Shipping documents don't have to be complicated. What's crucial is that the label, customs invoice, and export data match the shipment."
paket-international.com
What shipping documents do I need for international shipping?
The required shipping documents depend on the destination country, the shipping method, the value of the goods, and the contents of the shipment. Within the EU, often only a correctly affixed shipping label is necessary. For shipments to non-EU countries, you will also need customs information, a pro forma invoice or commercial invoice, and, depending on the export situation, an export accompanying document.
Customs & Export
Accurate customs information is crucial for international shipments. Incomplete documents can lead to delays or returns.
Documents
Shipping labels, pro forma invoices, commercial invoices, packing lists and ABD/MRNs must be prepared appropriately depending on the shipment.
Automation
Our platform generates the necessary shipping and customs documents from your shipment data.
Our Partners
Where should shipping documents be attached?
For smooth shipping, it is important that accompanying documents are correctly attached to or inside the package. Here you can see which documents are required and how you should place them.
On the outside of the package
Label visible, possibly pro forma/ABD in document pouch
Attach the documents to the outside of the package. We recommend a transparent film or a shipping document pouch.
- Shipping label
Apply the code visibly to the outside - Proforma invoice only at
DHL Economy & DHL Premium
in duplicate (3 copies)
if applicable:
- Export Declaration (ABD/MRN)
in single copy (1 copy) - Proof of preferential origin (Certificate of origin, movement certificates such as EUR.1 or A.TR etc.)
in simple copy
For your records
Do not enclose these documents
The following documents do not need to be included with the shipment. They are for your records only and will be provided to the carrier digitally by us:
Included in the package
Optional additional documents
- If you have included additional documents with your package, you are welcome to upload them to our shipping portal.
Which documents should be attached to the outside of the package?
All documents that carriers and customs officials need to quickly check during transport must be attached to the outside of the package. This always includes the shipping label. For international packages to non-EU countries, a pro forma invoice or commercial invoice is often required as well.
| Documents | When is this necessary? | On the outside of the package? | Why is that important? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shipping label | With every broadcast | Ja | The barcode must be visible, smooth, and scannable. |
| Proforma invoice | For samples, gifts, repairs or non-commercial shipments to a third country | No, only with DHL Economy & DHL Premium | Specify the value of the goods, their description, origin, and purpose. |
| Commercial invoice | When selling goods commercially to non-EU countries | No | Relevant for customs clearance, import duties and import inspection. |
| Packing List | For multiple items, packages, or B2B shipments | Not necessarily | It helps with control, customs inspection and package allocation. |
| ABD / MRN | For shipments subject to export regulations, often starting from a goods value of €1.000. | Ja | The MRN references the electronic export process. |
| Shipping invoice | For accounting and proof of shipping costs | No | Do not confuse with customs invoice or commercial invoice. |
The most important shipping documents explained simply
How to correctly attach the shipping label
The shipping label is the most important document on the package. It contains the tracking number, recipient's address, sender's details, barcode, and routing information.
- Do not fold the barcode.
- Do not stick the label over the edge of the package.
- Keep address legible
- Remove old shipping labels
Proforma invoice for customs
A pro forma invoice is often used when no standard commercial invoice is available, for example in the case of samples, gifts or repairs.
- State the realistic value of the goods.
- Formulate a concrete product description
- Attach to the outside of a document bag
Commercial invoice for goods exports
The shipping label is the most important document on the package. It contains the tracking number, recipient's address, sender's details, barcode, and routing information.
- Do not fold the barcode.
- Do not stick the label over the edge of the package.
- Keep address legible
- Remove old shipping labels
Export accompanying document, ABD and MRN
For certain exports, an electronic export declaration is required. An MRN (Mobile Registration Number) is generated after the declaration.
- Often relevant for goods valued at €1.000 or more.
- also check under high weight
- important for export processing
Packing list for international packages
A packing list shows which items are in which package. It is useful for multiple items, packages, or B2B shipments.
- Items and quantities
- Weight and dimensions
- Package allocation
Additional customs documents
Depending on the goods, additional documents may be required, such as proof of origin, proof of preferential origin or certificates.
- Certificates of origin
- Preference documents
- Certificates and evidence
Automatically generate shipping documents
Paket International generates shipping documents from existing shipment data. Item information, goods values, HS codes, package data, sender and recipient are used to create the appropriate shipping and customs documents.
This reduces manual errors and speeds up shipping preparation, especially for international shipments, B2B exports and e-commerce orders.
1
Record shipment data
Item, weight, dimensions, value of goods, HS code, sender and recipient.
2
Check customs duties
Destination country, value of goods, export obligations and document requirements are taken into account.
3
Create documents
Label, pro forma invoice, commercial invoice, packing list and export documents.
4
Prepare broadcast
Print the documents, attach them correctly, and start the shipment.
Shipping label | Shipping label
How to properly attach a label
Attach label to the top.
The label should be applied to a flat surface, not to edges or curves.
Apply smoothly and without wrinkles
Be careful to avoid bubbles and creases and use transparent tape.
Protect from moisture
Use a document pouch or self-adhesive label film for additional documents.
This is what shipping labels look like depending on the service provider.
FedEx Label
UPS Label
DHL Express
DHL Premium/Economy
Order confirmation
After receiving your order, you will receive a official order confirmation via email. This confirmation serves as an overview and proof of the order and contains all relevant information at a glance:
-
Order number & date
-
List of all ordered items
-
Prices & Total Amount
-
Delivery and billing address,
-
Estimated shipping date
The order confirmation gives you the opportunity to review your order again and, if necessary, inform us of any corrections or adjustments before the goods are shipped.
Our claim: Clarity, transparency and a smooth process – from ordering to delivery.
Our packing list
For international shipping, we create a compliant and transparent packing list for every shipment. The packing list contains all relevant information about the goods included and meets the requirements of customs authorities worldwide.
Our packing list includes:
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Detailed product description
-
Quantity per item
-
Gross and net weight
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Dimensions of the packaging units
-
Value of goods for guidance
-
Reference to the associated invoice
Through complete and thorough preparation, we ensure that the shipping process can be handled quickly and without delays, and that all customs formalities are correctly fulfilled.
Our goal: A smooth export process – transparent, traceable and compliant with customs regulations.
Proforma invoice for international shipping
The pro forma invoice is required for:
- Customs declaration in the recipient country
- Declaration of goods value and contents
- Smooth customs clearance without any queries
This information must be included in every pro forma invoice.
Sender & Recipient
Full name, address and contact details of both parties.
Product description
Detailed description of each item – no generic terms like “merchandise”.
Quantity & Value of Goods
Quantity, unit value and total value per item.
Country of origin
Country of production of the respective goods (important for customs tariffs).
Note
Note: “No Commercial Value” if, for example, it concerns samples.
Reference to the broadcast
Order number, tracking number or shipping reference.
Overview of different types of pro forma invoices
FedEx Proforma
UPS Proforma
Pro formature of worldwide shipping
DHL Express Proforma
DHL Premium/Economy
Proforma for DHL Economy / Premium
When shipping with DHL Economy and Premium In non-EU countries, an export declaration is required in addition to the export declaration. Proforma invoice This document is required for customs clearance in the receiving country and contains information about the goods, the sender and recipient, as well as the value of the goods. Three copies of the pro forma invoice must be included with the shipment.
Frequently asked questions about shipping documents
What shipping documents do I need to attach to my package?
For smooth shipping, the accompanying documents must be visibly attached to the outside of the package. These include, in particular:
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the shipping label with the unique tracking code
-
A pro forma invoice may be issued for certain shipping methods (e.g., DHL Economy & DHL Premium).
It is best to use a transparent document sleeve or film so that the documents are protected and easy to read.
Do I need to attach all documents to the outside of the package?
No. Not all documents need to be attached to the outside of the package. The following documents are for your records only and are not included because they will be sent digitally:
✔ Packing list
✔ Shipping invoice
✔ Order confirmation
✔ Proforma invoices (available digitally depending on the shipping provider)
They serve internal purposes or are transmitted electronically to the carrier and do not need to be physically attached to the package.
When do I need a pro forma or customs invoice?
A pro forma invoice is primarily required for international shipments to provide customs authorities in the recipient country with information on the value, contents, and sender/recipient details of the goods.
-
When shipping with DHL Economy & DHL Premium, the pro forma invoice is required on the outside of the package, usually in triplicate.
This will simplify customs clearance and prevent delivery delays.
What is an Export Declaration (EAD) and when is it required?
The Export Declaration (EDD) is a customs document required for the export of goods from the European Union.
-
It is required if the value of the goods exceeds €1.000 or the total weight exceeds 1.000 kg.
-
After electronic registration, the sender receives an MRN number (Movement Reference Number), which can also be attached to the package.
Without a valid ABD (European Agreement concerning the International Sale of Goods), the goods may not leave the EU.
Can I include additional documents in the package?
Yes — if you have additional documents such as export certificates, proof of preferential origin or additional invoices, you can also include these in the package or upload them to the shipping portal.
Note: Many of these additional documents primarily serve for customs and origin verification, not simply for delivery.
Why is the correct document attachment so important?
Shipping documents are not a formalityThey contain all relevant information about your shipment — such as contents, value, sender, recipient, and shipping method. Missing or incorrectly placed documents can lead to:
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Customs delays
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Returns or withholding of the shipment
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Additional costs .
Precise processing protects you from delays and contributes to a fast, proper delivery at.
How can I ensure that all documents are correct?
Please check the following before shipping:
-
that all mandatory information is fully completed (name, address, description of goods, value)
-
that documents such as pro forma invoices and ABDs comply with current legal requirements
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that documents are clearly legible and securely attached to the package
For international shipments subject to customs duties, it is recommended to label documents carefully and, if necessary, coordinate with your shipping partner.