DHL Warensendung simply explained and safely packed.
Learn about the rules, dimensions, and packaging options for the DHL Warensendung (merchandise shipment). Here you’ll find what has changed since the transition from the former Books and Merchandise Shipment (BüWa) and how to pack your shipment correctly.
What is allowed and not allowed in a DHL Warensendung (formerly Bücher und Warensendung / BüWa)?
To ensure your DHL Warensendung is delivered smoothly, the contents, weight, and dimensions must meet specific requirements. Until mid-2024 the combined Books and Merchandise Shipment (BüWa) was available, merging the former Büchersendung and the traditional Warensendung.
Since July 2024 this format has been discontinued and the service is now officially called DHL Warensendung again. Here you can learn exactly what is permitted, what is not, and how to avoid common mistakes when preparing your shipment.
Dimensions, Weight and Prices for the DHL Warensendung (formerly BüWa)
The current DHL Warensendung is the successor to the former Bücher- und Warensendung (BüWa). There are two weight options available, up to 1 kg (Standard) and up to 2 kg (with surcharge). Both options are optimized for postage efficiency but do not include tracking or liability coverage.
| Variant | Max. Size | Max. Weight | Tracking | Liability | For Business Customers | Price* | Delivery Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warensendung (Standard) | 35.3 × 25 × 5 cm | up to 1,000 g | No | No | No | €2.70 | 3–5 working days |
| Warensendung with Weight Surcharge | 35.3 × 25 × 5 cm | up to 2,000 g | No | No | No | €3.55 (€2.70 + €0.85) | 3–5 working days |
Note:
The shipment must not be opaque or sealed. It must be possible for DHL to open and inspect it at random.
The DHL Warensendung is intended exclusively for private senders. For business shipments, DHL recommends using the DHL Kleinpaket.
*All prices are subject to change. The current rates and details can be found on the official DHL website.
Business customer?
The DHL Kleinpaket is the ideal alternative for you, perfect for small goods with shipment tracking.
What is allowed in a DHL Warensendung?
Allowed Contents
Books &
Magazines
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- Books, catalogs, and calendars
- Notebooks and printed materials
- Educational or study supplies
- Magazines and brochures
Small Parts &
Accessories
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- Chargers, cables, and adapters
- Phone cases and small gadgets
- Headphones or electronic parts
- Durable device accessories
Textiles &
Fabric Items
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- T-shirts, socks, and fabric bags
- Hats, scarves, and accessories
- Fabric samples or cut material
- Light textile products
Cosmetics &
Accessoires
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- Soaps and solid shampoos
- Candles and home décor
- Craft or workshop supplies
- Small household goods
Books &
Magazines
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- Books, catalogs, calendars
- Notebooks & printed materials
- Educational or study supplies
- Magazines and brochures
Explanation:
Printed materials without personal messages may be shipped as a Warensendung.
Small Parts &
Accessories
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- Chargers, cables, adapters
- Phone cases & small gadgets
- Headphones or el. parts
- Durable device accessories
Explanation:
Small, durable electronics may be shipped if securely packed.
Textiles &
Fabric Items
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- T-shirts, socks, bags
- Hats, scarves, accessories
- Fabric samples / cut material
- Light textile products
Explanation:
Lightweight, non-bulky textiles are permitted as long as they are neatly packed.
Accessoires &
Solid Cometics
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- Soaps & solid shampoos
- Candles and home décor
- Craft or workshop supplies
- Small household goods
Explanation:
Non-liquid, durable goods are allowed if clearly identifiable as merchandise.
Prohibited Contents
Personal
Messages
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- Letters or postcards
- Photos and handwritten notes
- Invoices with personal text
- Greeting cards or documents
Food &
Perishables
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- Fruit, cheese, bread
- Sausage, chocolate, drinks
- Perishable or frozen goods
- Food items requiring cooling
Liquids &
Aerosols
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- Perfumes, creams, or oils
- Hair spray and nail polish
- Liquid soaps or cleaners
- Spray bottles or glass vials
Valuables &
Hazardous
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- Cash, jewelry, or valuables
- Batteries and power banks
- Lighters or spray cans
- High-value electronics
Personal
Messages
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- Letters or postcards
- Photos & handwritten notes
- Invoices with personal text
- Greeting cards or documents
Explanation:
Only goods are allowed, no personal communication.
Food &
Perishables
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- Fruit, cheese, or bread
- Sausage, chocolate, drinks
- Perishable or frozen goods
- Food items requiring cooling
Explanation:
Perishable goods cannot be shipped as a Warensendung.
Liquids &
Aerosols
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- Perfumes, creams, oils
- Hair spray & nail polish
- Liquid soaps & cleaners
- Spray bottles & glass vials
Explanation:
Liquid or pressurized products are not permitted.
Valuables &
Hazardous
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- Cash, jewelry, or valuables
- Batteries and power banks
- Lighters or spray cans
- High-value electronics
Explanation:
Valuables and hazardous goods are prohibited for safety reasons.
How to pack and frank your DHL Warensendung correctly
Right
- Shipping boxes or shipping bags with max. dimensions of 35.3 × 25 × 5 cm
- Packaging must be flat, sturdy, and verifiable, no empty spaces or filling material
- Only goods, books, printed matter, or product samples
- Reusable adhesive tape that can be opened for inspection
- Labeled “Warensendung” above the recipient's address
Wrong
- Prohibited packaging such as bags, plastic wrap, or pouches without a secure closure
- Packaging that is too large or too thick, exceeding the maximum dimensions
- Padded or irregular shapes, cannot be sorted by machine
- Permanently sealed without the possibility of opening for inspection
- Advertising or oversized labels that could cover the address
Find suitable packaging
Find the right boxes and shipping bags for your DHL Warensendung right away. Precisely tailored, sturdy, secure, and optimized for postage.
Only dimensionally stable shipping boxes and shipping bags are considered acceptable packaging for your DHL Warensendung.
Common mistakes when shipping goods with DHL Warensendung and how to avoid them
When shipping goods with DHL Warensendung, small mistakes often lead to returns or delays. These tips will help you avoid problems and ensure safe delivery.
| Mistake | Explanation | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed too tightly | The shipment may need to be opened for inspection. | Use tape that can be easily removed again. |
| Incorrect contents | Personal letters or advertising materials will result in the return of the shipment. | Send only goods, books, or printed matter – without personal messages. |
| Overweight | Shipments over 1 kg are no longer included in the standard rate. | Up to 2 kg is possible if a surcharge is paid. |
| Oversized | Shipments larger than 35.3 × 25 × 5 cm no longer qualify as a Warensendung. | Choose an appropriate box and use the regular DHL parcel or packet service. |
| Liquids or fragile items | Such items may leak or break and are excluded from shipment. | Use a parcel service with insurance for these types of contents. |
What is the difference between Büchersendung, Warensendung and BüWa (and what applies today)?
Since 2020, DHL had merged the previous shipping options Büchersendung and Warensendung into the unified Bücher- und Warensendung (BüWa). However, in 2024, this designation was discontinued. Since then, the unified DHL Warensendung has been in effect again. Here you can see the main differences and how the current shipping rules are structured today.
| Period | Shipping Type | Allowed Contents | Dimensions / Weight | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| until 2019 | Büchersendung | Books and printed materials | max. 35.3 × 25 × 5 cm / 500 g | No goods allowed |
| until 2019 | Warensendung | Goods, samples, small parts | max. 35.3 × 25 × 5 cm / 1,000 g | No books allowed |
| 2020 – 2023 | BüWa (Bücher- und Warensendung) | Books and goods combined | max. 35.3 × 25 × 5 cm / up to 2,000 g (with surcharge) | Simplified rules, unified rate |
| since 2024 | DHL Warensendung | Goods, books, catalogs, printed materials | max. 35.3 × 25 × 5 cm / up to 2,000 g (with surcharge) | Currently valid shipping option |
Background: DHL has revised its designations to streamline the shipping process and avoid misunderstandings. The current Warensendung combines all previous formats (Büchersendung + BüWa) and remains a low-cost, uninsured shipping option without tracking. To keep the system fair, every shipment must be verifiable and comply with the official shipping guidelines.
Why these rules are important.
- Personal responsibility: The sender is responsible for correct packaging and contents.
- Fairness in the system: Only by following the rules can DHL continue to offer the Warensendung at a low price.
- Clarity: The DHL Warensendung is intended exclusively for goods, books and printed materials. Personal messages belong in standard letter mail.
Why is DHL Warensendung so cheap?
Because DHL waives liability and shipment tracking for the Warensendung, you as the sender are responsible for proper packaging and accurate contents. This keeps postage costs low and allows for efficient processing within the mail center.
Boxes for your DHL Warensendung
To ensure your Warensendung arrives safely, you need the right packaging. Our boxes are precisely matched to the official DHL dimensions (max. 35.3 × 25 × 5 cm), offering stability, easy inspection, and postage efficiency. Ideal for books, textiles, or small goods.
(Previously: Bücher- und Warensendung / BüWa)
All displayed boxes meet the current DHL requirements for Warensendung shipments (max. 35.3 × 25 × 5 cm).
Shipping Bags for your DHL Warensendung
If you want to ship smaller items, books, or textiles safely and at an optimized postage rate, our shipping bags are the perfect choice. They meet all DHL requirements for Warensendung shipments and are lightweight, durable, and reusable, ideal for flat items up to 5 cm in height.
(Note: The term “BüWa” has not been used since 2024.)
Only rigid shipping bags that can be opened are approved for the DHL Warensendung.
Padding Materials for your DHL Warensendung
To ensure your Warensendung arrives safely and without damage, you need the right padding materials. Our eco-friendly bubble wrap, paper, and filling materials are sturdy, lightweight, and reusable, perfect for protecting delicate items up to 5 cm in height.
Choose padding material that protects your goods but is not too bulky. Padding that is too thick can exceed the maximum height of the DHL Warensendung and may lead to returns.
Not sure if the DHL Warensendung is the right choice?
Discover all DHL packaging and shipping solutions, from large letters to parcels. You are guaranteed to find the right packaging for your product.
Questions & Answers
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the DHL Warensendung. Compact, helpful, and to the point.
With the DHL Warensendung (formerly BüWa), you can send goods, books, printed materials, textiles, data carriers, and small items.
Not permitted are personal letters, invoices with private messages, or advertising materials.
The maximum dimensions are 35.3 × 25 × 5 cm.
There are two weight categories:
-
up to 1 kg
-
up to 2 kg with weight surcharge
Both options come without liability or shipment tracking.
Write “Warensendung” clearly above the recipient's address.
The shipment must be verifiable, i.e., it must not be sealed or covered with opaque tape.
You can franking your shipment online via the Deutsche Post website or at any post office.
All types of postage are permitted (postage stamps, internet stamps, branch postage).
The delivery time is usually 3–5 business days within Germany.
Shipments are processed after parcel traffic, but the rate is particularly favorable.
Suitable packaging includes rigid cardboard boxes or shipping bags that can be opened and do not exceed the specified dimensions.
The following are not permitted: press-seal bags, plastic bags, or foil packaging without a closure tab.
No. DHL Warensendungen have no liability and no tracking.
For more valuable contents, you should use DHL Päckchen or Paket with insurance instead.
Yes, shipments can be addressed to DHL Packstations.
The recipient must be registered with the Packstation and provide the correct postal code.
No. International shipping for private customers has been discontinued since 2019. DHL small parcels or packages must be used for international shipping.
The BüWa = Bücher- und Warensendung was introduced in 2020 and reclassified in 2024 into the current Warensendung.
This means: BüWa is now only a former name — all current shipping rules apply to the Warensendung.
With this rate, DHL waives liability, shipment tracking, and priority.
This keeps the postage price low, but you are responsible for correct packaging and labeling.
Adhesive tape is not permitted for Warensendungen of goods. Sample bag clips or removable adhesive dots and strips are permitted so that the shipment remains verifiable.
The Warensendung is intended exclusively for private customers. For business shipments, the DHL Kleinpaket is the suitable option.
Only rigid shipping envelopes without self-adhesive or sealing strips are permitted. They must be closed using sample bag clips.
Suitable materials include lightweight, flexible fillers such as colorful packaging chips or shredded paper. Bulky or stiff padding must not exceed a maximum height of 5 cm.
Book packaging with adhesive tape or self-adhesive tape is not permitted. Use large letter boxes instead.