

Trying to cancel DHL? Avoid the runaround.
Can you cancel your DHL subscription? Check eligibility and conditions
DHL doesn’t offer subscriptions in the usual sense, but you can cancel scheduled shipments, pickups, shipping labels, or even a DHL account. Here’s the key:
- Scheduled pickups or shipments: Cancel anytime before the parcel is picked up or scanned in, via MyDHL+ or customer service. Once the parcel is in transit, it cannot be outright cancelled but can be recalled.
- DHL Express accounts: No lock-in contracts for standard accounts. You can close your account whenever you like, as long as you’ve paid all outstanding invoices.
- Unused labels: Labels that were purchased but never scanned by DHL can be voided and refunded.
- Shipment recalls: Once a parcel is picked up, you may request a return to sender (usually free for business account holders).
- No approval hoops: DHL does not require a reason for cancellation. Just act before the parcel is picked up for best results.
How to cancel a DHL subscription, service or order
Here’s how to cancel with DHL:
🔁 To cancel a scheduled shipment or pickup:
- Go to MyDHL+ and cancel the shipment or pickup online.
- Or call 13 14 06 (Mon–Fri, 7 AM–8 PM AEST).
- Provide your tracking number or pickup ID.
- Cancel ASAP to avoid unnecessary driver dispatch.
- Check your email for confirmation or ask for a reference number if calling.
- If prepaid, request a refund via support if the shipment hasn’t entered DHL’s system.
🚚 To cancel a shipment in transit (recall):
- Call 13 14 06 immediately.
- Must be initiated by the sender (not the recipient).
- DHL will attempt a return to sender, usually at no cost.
- Be prepared to complete a request form or email confirmation.
- Watch tracking for a “Hold” status, it means return processing has started.
🧾 To cancel or close a DHL account:
- Contact your account manager or DHL billing via 13 14 06.
- Email written confirmation to close your account, including your account number.
- Pay off any outstanding balances.
- Cancel any regular pickups and return any DHL-supplied equipment.
- Receive closure confirmation from DHL.
How long does a DHL cancellation take?
Here’s what you need to know about timing:
- Cancel pickups early: Ideally an hour or more before the scheduled time.
- Cancel labels by end of day: If you created a label and didn’t ship, cancel before close of business to void it.
- Recalls need speed: Once your parcel is picked up, you have mere hours to initiate a recall before it leaves the country.
- Account closures: No notice required. Close anytime, but settle invoices.
- Label refund window: Some platforms allow 30 days for refund requests.
- Weekend limitations: Online tools work 24/7, but phone support has reduced weekend hours (Sat/Sun 8 AM–4 PM AEST).
Key takeaway: Act fast, especially for pickups and recalls.
DHL cancellation fees and final charges – what to expect
DHL’s cancellation policies are generally fee-free:
- ✅ No fee to cancel a shipment or pickup pre-collection.
- ✅ No fee for cancelling an unused label (and often, you weren’t charged yet).
- ❌ No refund if shipment is in transit. Once picked up, the shipping cost is typically not refunded.
- ✅ No fee to close your DHL account.
- 🧾 Outstanding balances must be paid before account closure.
- ⚠️ No “restocking” or admin fees, even for recalls. Return-to-sender is often free for account holders.
- 🚫 No cancellation surcharges. Only customs fees may apply if a parcel is recalled internationally.
DHL cases submitted through Ajust
Consumer experiences with DHL cancellations
“Smooth Recall”: A Reddit user cancelled an order after shipping. The seller requested a return. DHL marked it “On Hold” and returned it for free.
“Too Late to Cancel”: One user tried to stop a shipment en route overseas but was too late. They accepted delivery and arranged a return instead.
“No Fee for Cancelled Pickup”: A small business canceled their pickup online and dropped the parcel off instead.
DHL Cancellation FAQs
Tried to cancel but DHL made it difficult?
We’ll help you submit a formal cancellation they can’t ignore.