International carrier DHL and ecommerce software provider Shopify are expanding their shipping services for U.S. merchants, the companies announced Aug. 25.

DHL has directly integrated its ecommerce and Express services with Shopify. That integration allows Shopify’s U.S.-based merchants to access DHL eCommerce’s Parcel International Direct and Parcel International Standard services, and DHL Express Worldwide.

Those services offer “reliable and cost-effective cross-border shipping solutions designed for small and medium-sized businesses,” DHL said. It added that the integration “empowers merchants to expand into global markets with delivery services that simplify customs processes, reduce technical barriers, and enhance the customer experience.”

“We believe that a great shipping experience doesn’t have to be expensive. Until now, DHL eCommerce’s cost-optimized international network has primarily served enterprise-scale savvy shippers,” said Scott Ashbaugh, CEO of DHL eCommerce for the Americas, in a statement. “Through the Shopify partnership, we’re empowering small merchants and newcomers selling abroad access to the industry’s most cost-effective shipping option.”

189 online retailers in the Top 2000 Database use DHL as a shipping carrier. Those 189 retailers combined for about $532.33 billion in 2024 ecommerce sales. The Top 2000 ranks North America’s largest online retailers by their annual ecommerce sales. 115 retailers in the Top 2000 use Shopify as an ecommerce platform. Those 115 retailers combined for more than $10.13 billion in 2024 ecommerce sales.

DHL integration with Shopify

The integration gives Shopify merchants the choice to collect duties and taxes from customers at checkout, or have customers pay them upon delivery, DHL said. It referred to the options as Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) and Delivered Duty Unpaid (DD) services.

DHL eCommerce’s Parcel International Direct gives consumers in 37 markets delivery options with transit times of five to 12 business days “for most destinations.” DHL said the service supports DDP as a way of enhancing the consumer experience. It includes tracking visibility, an estimated delivery date to set customer expectations and value protection up to $100.

Its Parcel International Standard offering provides delivery services to more than 220 countries and territories. It supports DDU and offers “full tracking and shipment value protection” up to $100.

If Shopify merchants require expedited delivery, DHL said its Express Worldwide segment offers door-to-door shipping to more than 220 countries and territories, “typically within 1-3 business days. This service includes customs clearance enabled through DHL Paperless Trade, real-time tracking and proof of delivery with electronic signatures.”

DHL has made the integration available on Shopify for merchants in the U.S. and Germany. It plans to expand into Canada in September 2025, as well as additional markets throughout 2025 and 2026.

“Speed, reliability, and transparency are essential in international shipping,” said Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express U.S., in a statement. “Through this partnership with Shopify, we’re providing U.S. businesses with direct access to our global network and customs expertise — so they can grow faster and deliver a seamless, trusted experience to customers around the world.”

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