Deutsche Post harmonised labels: the global standard for international shipping

To simplify international shipping, Deutsche Post introduced Warenpost International as an alternative for sending goods abroad, and postal organizations worldwide agreed to standardize shipping labels, the so-called harmonised labels, for international goods shipments. The result is optimized shipping outside the EU with reliable transit times and paper and time savings for online retailers. Here's how harmonised labels work and how Sendcloud helps you create them.

What are harmonised labels?

Harmonised labels are globally standardized labels you can use for international shipping with Warenpost International. They aim to avoid the over-labeling of inbound international mail, improve cross-border delivery by streamlining processes, and speed up global e-commerce shipping overall. Over-labeled shipments waste paper, are inefficient, and cause chaos with multiple labels and barcodes on parcels, which leads to delays in operations and a poorer customer experience.

How do harmonised labels work?

Harmonised labels combine the CN22 or CN23 customs declaration and the actual shipping label on a single integrated standard label. For shipping outside the EU, these documents no longer have to be created and printed separately. They also ensure consistency through standardized address elements, symbols, and layouts based on the existing standard barcode, which reduces over-labeling and eases delivery across different postal networks.

Benefits of harmonised labels

• Optimized end-to-end processes for worldwide shipping

• Significant improvements for online retailers and shoppers

• Prioritized handling and recognition in the destination country

• Better track & trace, quality, and transit times

• A simpler international shipping process overall

Creating harmonised labels with Sendcloud

If you already use Sendcloud and ship internationally with Deutsche Post, you can send your non-EU goods shipments with harmonised labels and create and print them in a single click. To do so, register as a Deutsche Post business customer and connect your contract to Sendcloud; once your contract is connected, you can start creating harmonised labels for Warenpost International right away. The customs declaration is built into the label, so your shipments are handled smoothly at customs.

Advantages of Warenpost International

• Flexibility: usable for all goods approved for letter shipping

• Fit: for small envelopes as well as boxes

• Simplicity: harmonised labels printed in one click via Sendcloud

• Speed: prioritized handling and transit times

• Efficiency: time saved at customs thanks to electronic advance shipment data

• Transparency: tracking available with the "Tracked" variant

• Security: included liability of up to €20 with the "Tracked" variant

Advantages of Sendcloud

• Automation of your shipping process

• Free integration with all common shop systems and marketplaces

• Create and print harmonised labels in one click

• Personalized track & trace for Warenpost International

• Optional additional shipping insurance

• Smart shipping rules to generate harmonised labels automatically

• A simple solution for handling international returns

Ship worldwide with Warenpost International and Sendcloud

Start sending your goods worldwide with Warenpost International and harmonised labels via Sendcloud. Once your contract is connected, you can begin creating labels immediately and implement harmonised labels as a global standard in your daily processes.

Want to find out more about how Sendcloud works with DHL, or start shipping with DHL? Visit our DHL carrier page.