Shipping information

Packing tips for your parcel

Labelling requirement for parcels to Germany from 1.1.2025

We would like to inform you that from 1.1.2025 a new labeling requirement will come into force for parcels weighing over 10 kg that are delivered in Germany. For this purpose, a predetermined symbol directly on the shipment label will indicate if the parcel weighs over 10 kg or over 20 kg.

The amendment to the German Postal Act was passed in mid-2024 and provides for this labeling for all parcels delivered in Germany. This therefore applies to parcels from both business and private customers, as well as to all our products and services. Pure transit parcels are exempt from this.

Delivery time: If the parcels are properly labeled, the new requirements have no effect on the delivery time.

Weight: If you generate a parcel label via YourGLS or ShipIT, the weight you specify must be in the correct weight category (0-9.9 kg, 10-19.9 kg or over 20 kg). The shipment will later be invoiced based on the weight actually weighed.

Your next steps:

You use YourGLS or ShipIT: For consignments for Germany, enter the weight of the individual consignment in the consignment advice note. The label generated from YourGLS or ShipIT complies with the new requirements and automatically contains the correct weight symbol.

GLS GEPARD Connect and GLS Uni-Box: If you use one of these two systems, our IT will contact you as these systems will no longer be continued and you will therefore be switched to a new tool. As these conversions are already underway, it is possible that you are already in this process.

Please note: if you use an interface connection (API), the weight of the individual consignment must also be specified there.

There is a symbol for the two weight levels to be marked on the consignment label, which is available in our download area.

Please note the following requirements when attaching the symbol to the label:

Position: Imprint to the right of the recipient:inside address, outside the address corners, aligned with the bottom edge.

Symbol size: at least 1 cm x 1 cm.

Quiet zone: at least 1 mm around the icon, 3 mm from the address corners.

About the postal law amendment (in German) Download weight marking symbol

Packing your Parcel

Dispatch preparation: for shipment with GLS, parcels must be sufficiently packed and properly labelled. Packing should conform to the type, weight and robustness of the item being sent.

Goods packed in cardboard boxes made of high-quality, moisture-resistant, double-wall cardboard are generally
well protected. Corner, surface and edge protection are especially important. New boxes are best; used boxes
are only suitable for resistant goods. The heavier the contents, the more stable the outer packing needs to be.

Any empty spaces inside a box should be filled with padding. Goods should not be allowed to move around.
The padding material used should be compatible with the goods being sent; precise-fit polystyrene moulds
should be used for heavy and sensitive goods. No direct contact should be possible between goods and the outer
packing.

The parcel should be wrapped with adhesive tape and well-sealed on all sides. The heavier or larger the parcel,
the stronger the adhesive tape needs to be. Robust sealing is essential for secure transport.

The parcel label is the address label. Completely fill in the parcel label: With your own address (consignor) and
the recipient‘s (consignee). When filling in by hand please use block letters (capitals). For fast and smooth parcel
delivery, the label should be attached to the largest side of the parcel and possible old stickers should be removed. Parcels should not be bundled together but instead sent individually.

Outer packing

Internal padding

Sealing

Attaching the parcel label

Brexit – be well prepared with GLS

Shortly before the end of the transitional period for the movement of goods between the EU and the UK on December 31, 2020, the parties have reached an agreement on trade relations. The UK has the status of a third country for the EU under customs law.Goods shipped originating in the EU still do not have to be cleared through customs, but all goods require customs clearance No problem: As a reliable partner for worldwide shipping, GLS can rely on proven processes for smooth import and export processing.

Brexit information

Current safety instructions

Criminals who order goods on the internet using a false identity and illegally obtained credit card data have recently been increasingly turning to “parcel agents”, as they are called. This job, usually offered as a side job, consists of accepting parcels and forwarding them to other addresses, often abroad.

This is intended to conceal the whereabouts of the fraudulently ordered goods. The police warn against accepting job offers as a parcel agent. This seemingly lucrative part-time job means involvement in fraud and money laundering – with criminal and financial consequences.

Further questions?

Find answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs.

FAQs

Customer-oriented solutions since 1993

GLS delivered the first parcels in Austria in 1993. Since then we have continuously expanded our services and our network. Find out more about the milestones in the history of GLS Austria.

Our history

The GLS Group

Reliable shipping solutions across Europe and worldwide. The GLS Group is active in 41 countries in Europe, Canada and on the West Coast of the USA, and is connected to the whole world through its partners.

GLS Group