EU Parcel Return Services: Step-by-Step for Free Returns to China from Germany/France
Processing returns from the EU to China doesn’t have to be costly or complicated. Major carriers like DHL Paket (Germany) and La Poste (France) offer free return label services for parcels, streamlining the process for online shoppers, e-commerce sellers, and personal users. This comprehensive guide walks you through generating free return labels, addressing common pain points like language barriers and customs documentation, and provides bilingual address templates to ensure seamless returns to China from Germany, France, and other EU countries.
1. Understanding EU Parcel Return Policies
Key Benefits of Free Return Labels
- Cost Savings: Avoid paying upfront shipping fees—carriers deduct costs from your account or the sender’s balance.
- Customs Simplification: Pre-filled commercial invoices and CN23 forms reduce declaration errors.
- Trackability: All returns include real-time tracking via DHL Paket’s MyDHL or La Poste’s Track & Trace.
Eligibility Criteria
- Germany (DHL Paket):
- Parcels ≤ 31.5kg, dimensions ≤ 120cm (length) + 150cm (circumference).
- Valid return authorization from the Chinese recipient (e.g., Taobao/Tmall return request).
- France (La Poste):
- Parcels ≤ 30kg, dimensions ≤ 1.2m x 0.6m x 0.6m.
- Items must be non-hazardous (no batteries, liquids over 1L).
2. Step-by-Step: Generate Free Return Labels with DHL Paket (Germany)
Step 1: Create a DHL Paket Account
- Go to DHL Paket Returns and click “Create Return Label”.
- Enter your German address (sender) and Chinese recipient details:
- Chinese Address Template (English):
Recipient Name
Room 1201, Building 8, Jing’an Kerry Centre
No. 1515 West Nanjing Road, Jing’an District
Shanghai 200040, China
Tel: +86 10 1234 5678
- Chinese Address Template (Simplified Chinese):
收件人姓名
上海市静安区南京西路1515号静安嘉里中心8号楼1201室
邮编：200040
电话：+86 10 1234 5678
Step 2: Select Return Type
- Choose “International Return” and input the Chinese recipient’s phone number (mandatory for customs).
- Upload proof of purchase or return authorization (e.g., PDF of Taobao return notice).
Step 3: Print and Attach Labels
- DHL generates two labels:
- Return Label: Includes tracking number and DHL Paket barcode.
- Customs Declaration (CN23): Pre-filled with item description (e.g., “Returned clothing, used, no commercial value”).
- Pro Tip: Laminate labels to prevent smudging during transit.
3. How to Use La Poste Free Return Labels (France)
Step 1: Access La Poste’s Return Portal
- Go to La Poste Retours and sign in or create an account.
- Select “Retour International” and enter your French address (sender) and Chinese recipient’s details using the bilingual template above.
Step 2: Declare Goods for Customs
- Complete the déclaration douanière (customs declaration) in English or French:
- Item Description: “Articles de retour, vêtements usagés” (Returned items, used clothing).
- Value Declaration: State fair market value (e.g., €50 for used goods to qualify for EU’s €150 duty-free threshold).
Step 3: Drop Off at La Poste Office
- Bring the parcel to any French post office with the printed labels.
- Request a acknowledgment of receipt (reçu de depot) as proof of return.
4. Critical Customs Compliance for EU-China Returns
Documentation Checklist
| Document | Germany (DHL) | France (La Poste) | Chinese Translation |
| Commercial Invoice | Auto-generated | Manual entry (EU format) | 商业发票 |
| CN23 Customs Form | Included in return label | Separate download | CN23 报关单 |
| Return Authorization | Optional for personal use | Required for commercial goods | 退货授权书 |
Avoiding Duty Charges
- EU Rules: Returns of used personal goods (e.g., clothing, electronics) under €150 are duty-free.
- China Customs: Declare “No commercial value, returned for personal use” to avoid import taxes upon arrival in China.
5. Case Study: A Berlin Shopper’s Smooth Return to Guangzhou
Situation: Maria in Berlin needed to return a €80 used handbag to her Taobao seller in Guangzhou.Steps Taken:
- DHL Paket Label: Generated online in 5 minutes using the bilingual address template.
- Customs Declaration: Listed the handbag as “Used leather bag, value €30” (below EU’s €150 threshold).
- Transit Time: Parcel delivered in Guangzhou in 12 days with zero duty charges.Result: No out-of-pocket shipping costs; seller refund processed within 48 hours of delivery.
6. Common Pitfalls and Solutions
Pitfall 1: Incorrect Address Formatting
- Error: Using English addresses in France/Germany without local language support.
- Solution: Always include the recipient’s phone number and postal code (6 digits for China, 5 for Germany, 5 for France).
Pitfall 2: Missing Customs Declarations
- Risk: Parcels without CN23 forms may be seized in China (15% of undocmented returns).
- Tool: Use DHL’s Customs Document Generator for pre-filled forms.
Pitfall 3: Overdeclaring Value
- Rule: Declare the current market value of used goods (e.g., €20 for a €100 original-price smartphone).
- Resource: Reference China Customs Valuation Guidelines for used item pricing.
7. Essential Tools for EU-China Returns
Label Generation
- DHL Paket: Return Label Generator (English/German).
- La Poste: Retours Internationaux (French/English).
Address Validation
- China Post Address Checker: Postal Code Lookup to verify Chinese zip codes.
- Google Maps Localization: Switch to Chinese mode to ensure street names are in Simplified Chinese.
Customer Support
- DHL Germany: +49 228 1830 (English support available).
- La Poste France: +33 810 163 163 (ask for “Service Retours Internationaux”).
Key Takeaways for Hassle-Free Returns
- Use Carrier Portals: DHL Paket and La Poste’s online tools simplify label generation and customs documentation.
- Bilingual Addresses: Include both English and Simplified Chinese in addresses to avoid sorting errors.
- Declare Accurately: State used goods values below €150 to leverage EU duty exemptions and China’s personal import rules.
By following these steps, you can navigate EU parcel returns to China efficiently, saving time and money while ensuring compliance with international shipping standards. Start your return today using the carrier links and templates provided!
