DHL, the world's leading logistics company, has enhanced two of its popular online resources to help customers better navigate the complexities of international trade, simplify online shipping and take advantage of the most powerful international express network. DHL Trade Automation Services (TAS), a global online resource that provides comprehensive trade and customs data, now supports 74 countries, an addition of 11 more countries in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America. Additionally, new features further simplify importing with DHL Import Express Online, a web-based tool that provides importers with full control over their import and third-party (country-to-country) shipments.

'With the growing complexity of regulatory requirements, online trade and shipping tools are becoming increasingly important for ensuring customers expedite customs clearance, minimize risk and meet the ever-changing rules of international trade before they ship,' said Christine Nashick, Vice President of Marketing for DHL Express.' 'DHL is continually enhancing its online tools to ensure our customers have full control over their import and export shipments and the most current information with respect to international trade laws.'

DHL's global Trade Automation Service (TAS) now supports Algeria, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.' TAS offers many competitive advantages for global shippers, taking the guess work out of estimating duties, taxes and other import fees by calculating the total 'landed costs' between countries up front. By using TAS, customers can also be assured their commodities comply with a country's import and export regulations and can download the appropriate trade document (s) required to accompany their shipment.' The TAS system also checks shipper and receiver details against government lists, embargos and sanctions so customers can ensure global compliance.

The importing process has been streamlined with DHL's recently enhanced Import Express Online (IEO) shipping tool. A web-based tool available in 111 countries, IEO simplifies the importing process for customers, providing them with the ability to coordinate effective communications between Importers and Shippers via the internet in a highly secure manner. Customers can prepare import shipments through a fully automated process, including e-mail instructions for the Shipper, waybills, invoices, and arrangements of pickups.

A new feature in the IEO tool can save valuable time for customers, providing the shipper with a standing authorization from the Import Express account holder which eliminates the approval process for each shipment. A shipper can also receive an associated login ID to create shipments using the Importer's account number at any time. Other enhancements include the ability to import and export addresses into IEO from other applications, improved security to prevent fraudulent use, and visibility of transit time and rate quote for all available services.