DHL Charges 2.99 EUR for Second Delivery Attempts in Germany

DHL has announced significant pricing changes for German customers effective January 1, 2027, including a landmark 2.99 euro fee for second delivery attempts. Previously included in standard service, this fee will now be charged whenever an initial delivery fails and a retry is initiated. The German ecommerce association bevh has strongly criticized the move, arguing that retailers lack control over delivery process failures yet bear the financial penalty for poor performance.

Beyond the second attempt fee, DHL is introducing several related service changes: synthetic pickup scans to reduce unjustified platform penalties for alleged delays, one-time codes for high-value parcels, and the ability to block perishable goods from parcel lockers for 1.69 euros. Letter postage is also increasing 70 percent to 1.15 euros. While DHL positions these as customer protections and operational improvements, retailers view the second attempt fee as a cost shift that creates misaligned incentives and potential abuse.

The pricing model raises strategic questions for European retailers and logistics providers. If DHL expands these fees to other markets as expected, the change could reshape last-mile economics across Europe and force retailers to reconsider delivery partner selection, insurance strategies, and customer communication protocols around failed deliveries.