DHL Express Initial Setup

This guide walks you through the complete setup of the DHL Express connector step by step.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure that:

[x] AD merchantCENTRAL Hub is installed and active
[x] You have your DHL Express API credentials (Username + Password)
[x] Your 9-digit DHL Express account number is ready
[x] Your company's shipper address including phone number is known

API Credentials

The credentials (Username and Password) for the MyDHL API are provided by your DHL Express sales representative. Separate credentials are provided for the sandbox (test environment).

Step 1: Open Setup

Open the Search (Alt+Q) in Business Central
Type DHL Express Setup
Select DHL Express Setup Card from the results

Alternatively: Via the merchantCENTRAL Dashboard → Shipping Providers → DHL Express

Step 2: Enable Sandbox Mode (recommended for initial setup)

Environment	When to use
Sandbox	For testing — no real shipments, no costs
Production	For live operations — real labels, real shipments

Recommendation

Always start with the Sandbox environment. Only disable sandbox mode for production after all tests are successful.

Enable the Sandbox Mode field
The API Base URL automatically switches to https://express.api.dhl.com/mydhlapi/test

Step 3: Enter API Credentials

Enter Username

Click the Username field (shows "Not configured" in red)
In the input dialog: Enter your DHL Express API username
Click OK
The field now shows "Configured" in green

Enter Password

Click the Password field (shows "Not configured" in red)
In the input dialog: Enter your DHL Express API password
Click OK
The field now shows "Configured" in green

Security

Credentials are stored encrypted in IsolatedStorage (Company Scope). The actual values are not visible on the setup page — only the status "Configured" or "Not configured".

Step 4: Configure Account Numbers

Field	Description	Format
Shipper Account No.	Your DHL Express shipper number	9 digits
Billing Account No.	Billing number (often same as Shipper)	9 digits
Duties Account No.	Only for DDP shipments (sender pays duties)	9 digits

Enter your Shipper Account No.
Enter your Billing Account No. (usually identical)
Optional: Enter the Duties Account No. (only needed for DDP shipments)

Step 5: Complete Shipper Address

The shipper address appears on all DHL Express labels and must be complete.

Field	Required?	Description
Shipper Name	✅	Company name of the sender
Shipper Street	✅	Street
Shipper House No.	✅	House number
Shipper Post Code	✅	Postal code
Shipper City	✅	City
Shipper Country Code	✅	ISO alpha-2 country code (e.g., `DE`)
Shipper Contact Name	✅	Contact person
Shipper Phone	✅	Phone number (DHL Express requirement!)
Shipper Email	Recommended	Email address

Phone number is mandatory

DHL Express requires a sender phone number. Shipment creation will fail without a phone number.

Step 6: Set Default Settings

Setting	Recommendation	Description
Default Product	P (EXPRESS WORLDWIDE)	Standard express product for international shipments
Default Incoterm	DAP	Receiver pays duties (standard for EU)
Default Package Type	YP (Your Packaging)	Own packaging
Default Weight (kg)	1.0	Used when no weight is specified on the package

Step 7: Configure Label Format

Shipping Labels

Setting	Recommendation	Description
Doc Format	PDF	For laser printers. ZPL2/EPL2 for thermal printers
Label Format	4x6 inch	Standard thermal label (102×152mm)

Return Labels

Setting	Recommendation	Description
Retoure Doc Format	PDF	Returns as PDF (e.g., for enclosure in package)
Retoure Label Format	4x6 inch	Standard format

Step 8: Pickup Settings (optional)

Setting	Description	Default
Auto Pickup	Automatically book pickup when creating shipment	Enabled
Pickup Ready Time	Earliest pickup time (e.g., 09:00)	—
Pickup Close Time	Latest pickup time (e.g., 17:00)	—
Pickup Location	Description of pickup location (e.g., "Loading dock Hall 2")	—

Step 9: Connection Test

Click the Test Connection action (in the action bar)
On success, a green confirmation appears
On failure, a detailed error message with hints is displayed

Possible errors:

Error	Cause	Solution
HTTP 401	Invalid credentials	Check username and password
HTTP 403	Account not activated	Contact DHL Express sales
Timeout	Network issue	Check firewall/proxy, `express.api.dhl.com` must be reachable
HTTP 500	DHL server error	Try again later

Step 10: Activate Connector

After a successful connection test:

Ensure at least a demo license is registered (see License group on the Setup Card)
Disable Sandbox Mode for production use if applicable
The connector is now ready for use