Seeing a DHL Express tracking status you don't understand? Here's what every DHL Express exception means and what to do. The list comes from the messages DHL Express sends us about shipments booked through ParcelParcel, with the explanation our customer service gives.
Track your DHL Express shipment
The DHL Express messages we see most
These are the DHL Express messages that shipments booked through ParcelParcel got most often in the last two years.
On hold: awaiting next connection
DHL Express: “ON HOLD” (code OH)
The shipment is waiting to continue on the next connection to its next location.
What to do? No action is needed. Keep an eye on the tracking page.
Shipped with ParcelParcel? If the shipment hasn't moved on by the next business day, let us know and we will check the status with DHL.
Clearance delay outside DHL's control
DHL Express: “UNCONTROLLABLE CLEARANCE DELAY” (code UD)
The shipment is delayed during customs clearance for a reason outside DHL's control.
What to do? The sender does not need to do anything right now. The receiver is best placed to contact DHL locally to arrange customs clearance.
Shipped with ParcelParcel? We keep an eye on your shipment and you can ask questions in your case file.
Customs clearance delay
DHL Express: “CONTROLLABLE CLEARANCE DELAY” (code CD)
The shipment is delayed during the customs clearance process.
What to do? No action is needed at this moment. Keep an eye on the tracking page.
Shipped with ParcelParcel? We keep an eye on your shipment for you.
Held for payment of duties
DHL Express: “HELD FOR PAYMENT” (code HP)
Customs has charged import duties and/or VAT that have not been paid yet. DHL will only deliver once these charges are paid.
What to do? Usually the receiver pays these charges: pay them with DHL. If you are the sender, contact the receiver so the charges get paid, otherwise the shipment may be returned to you.
Closed on arrival
DHL Express: “CLOSED ON ARRIVAL” (code CA)
DHL tried to deliver the shipment, but the delivery address was closed.
What to do? The receiver can contact DHL to agree when the shipment can be delivered.
Shipped with ParcelParcel? Tell us when delivery is possible and we will pass it on to DHL.
Receiver not home
DHL Express: “NOT HOME” (code NH)
The shipment could not be delivered because the receiver was not home or the business was closed. For businesses DHL tries again; for private receivers DHL leaves a card.
What to do? Receiver: contact your local DHL office to arrange a new delivery.
All DHL Express statuses and what they mean
Look for the code or the text you see in the DHL Express tracking.
| Code | Status | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA | Bad address“BAD ADDRESS” | The shipment could not be delivered because DHL reports that the address given is not correct. | Sender: make sure DHL gets the correct address. The receiver can also contact DHL directly.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the correct address and we will pass it to DHL for a new delivery attempt. |
| CA | Closed on arrival“CLOSED ON ARRIVAL” | DHL tried to deliver the shipment, but the delivery address was closed. | The receiver can contact DHL to agree when the shipment can be delivered.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Tell us when delivery is possible and we will pass it on to DHL. |
| CD | Customs clearance delay“CONTROLLABLE CLEARANCE DELAY” | The shipment is delayed during the customs clearance process. | No action is needed at this moment. Keep an eye on the tracking page.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We keep an eye on your shipment for you. |
| CM | Receiver has moved“CUSTOMER MOVED” | The shipment could not be delivered because DHL reports that the receiver has moved. | Sender: make sure DHL gets the receiver's new, correct address.Shipped with ParcelParcel? Send us the receiver's correct address and we will pass it on to DHL. |
| HP | Held for payment of duties“HELD FOR PAYMENT” | Customs has charged import duties and/or VAT that have not been paid yet. DHL will only deliver once these charges are paid. | Usually the receiver pays these charges: pay them with DHL. If you are the sender, contact the receiver so the charges get paid, otherwise the shipment may be returned to you. |
| MC | Miscode“MISCODE” | An incorrect code or status was recorded for the shipment at DHL. | Not sure what to do? Contact DHL or the sender. |
| MD | Missed delivery cycle“MISSED DELIVERY CYCLE” | The shipment did not go out on its planned delivery round. | Not sure what to do? Contact DHL or the sender. |
| MS | Missorted“MISSORT” | The shipment was sorted incorrectly at DHL and ended up at the wrong place or on the wrong route. | Not sure what to do? Contact DHL or the sender. |
| NH | Receiver not home“NOT HOME” | The shipment could not be delivered because the receiver was not home or the business was closed. For businesses DHL tries again; for private receivers DHL leaves a card. | Receiver: contact your local DHL office to arrange a new delivery. |
| OH | On hold: awaiting next connection“ON HOLD” | The shipment is waiting to continue on the next connection to its next location. | No action is needed. Keep an eye on the tracking page.Shipped with ParcelParcel? If the shipment hasn't moved on by the next business day, let us know and we will check the status with DHL. |
| RD | Delivery refused“REFUSED DELIVERY” | The receiver refused the shipment. If it cannot be delivered, it is returned to the sender. | Sender: contact the receiver to find out why the shipment was refused.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We ask DHL why the shipment was refused and contact you as soon as we hear back. |
| SC | Service changed“SERVICE CHANGED” | DHL has changed the service for this shipment. | Not sure what to do? Contact DHL or the sender. |
| UD | Clearance delay outside DHL's control“UNCONTROLLABLE CLEARANCE DELAY” | The shipment is delayed during customs clearance for a reason outside DHL's control. | The sender does not need to do anything right now. The receiver is best placed to contact DHL locally to arrange customs clearance.Shipped with ParcelParcel? We keep an eye on your shipment and you can ask questions in your case file. |
No exception? How to read the rest
- Label created: The carrier has the shipment details but hasn't scanned the parcel yet. That happens at pickup or drop-off.
- In transit: The parcel has been scanned and moves from depot to depot. Every scan is a new line in the tracking. More about tracking scans.
- Exception: Something isn't going to plan: a delay, a customs issue or a failed delivery attempt. The carrier's message says what's going on; below you can see what each message means.
- Delivered: The parcel has been delivered. Often you can also see who signed for it.
Need help?
Waiting for a parcel? Contact the sender. They have the contract with DHL Express and can have the shipment checked or give instructions.
Shipped with ParcelParcel? You see all your shipments in MyParcelParcel. If there's an exception we e-mail you an explanation and stay in touch with the carrier. Questions? Call +31 85 877 16 56 (Netherlands) or +32 3 808 70 99 (Belgium), or ask in the chat.
Statuses of other carriers: UPS, FedEx, TNT. Or go to track & trace.
