Information on the Corona Virus
Status March 1, 2021
As a parcel service provider, GLS is an important element within the supply chain. The current situation makes the responsibility that we bear even clearer.
Find up-to-date information on this web page.
International parcel shipment
The export and import of your goods remains possible. However, the pandemic situation is currently worsening in various European countries, and national governments are trying to counteract this with stricter rules. As a result, all transport service providers, including GLS, must assume that delays in international transit times may occur in some cases. Please take this into account in your planning.
We also ask you to clarify in advance with your recipients in the respective countries whether shipments can be accepted. If receiving points are closed, then in the current situation we will immediately return parcels to the shipper.
For your planning, you will find here an overview of the current situation in various countries.
We will keep you informed on this site.
Measures to protect people’s health
The GLS subsidiaries do their utmost to protect the health of those involved in our business and to continue to ensure parcel logistics. We have implemented appropriate measures, which are based on the national official recommendations of the authorities which will be adapted at any point time if needed. For further information, please visit the website of your local GLS subsidiary.
Contactless delivery:
For our shippers and consignees GLS countries are offering the possibility of contactless delivery. For more details please visit the specific country site.
Return process:
Parcels which cannot be delivered due to closed businesses, may be returned without fulfilling the standard return procedure in terms of pre-notification and minimum storage time.
Brexit
Your export to the UK is in safe hands with GLS!
Since 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom (UK) has the status of a third country from the perspective of the European Union. This means that the movement of goods and thus parcel dispatch between the EU and the UK is now subject to customs supervision.
For many years, GLS has been customers’ reliable partner for parcel deliveries across Europe and the world. This is why GLS customers rely on existing, proven processes for smooth imports and exports. This also includes deliveries requiring customs clearance. Thus GLS will give its customers extensive support for shipments to the UK alsoin the future. Get an overview of the customs regulations in the information you can download below.
Current information on Pick&ReturnService and Pick&ShipService:
Due to the required customs data and formalities, orders for
- pick-ups from the United Kingdom within the scope of our Pick&ReturnService as well as
- pick-ups and deliveries in the United Kingdom within the scope of our Pick&ShipService
cannot be accepted at present. We will inform you here as soon as this is possible again.
Shipment to the UK after Brexit
For detailed information, please visit the website of the GLS subsidiary in your country or get in touch with your local GLS contact person.
For a safe parcel dispatch
Goods must be sufficiently packed and properly labelled. Packaging should conform to the type, weight and robustness of the item being sent. Here are some basic hints – for further information, please visit the website in your GLS country or contact your local GLS depot.
Ensure stable outer packaging
Use a solid outer packaging:
- Use cardboard boxes made of high-quality, moisture-resistant, double-wall cardboard.
- Corner, surface and edge protection are especially important.
- Use new boxes – the heavier the contents, the more stable the outer packaging needs to be.
Fill any gaps inside the parcel
Use internal padding:
- Any empty spaces inside a box should be filled with padding. Goods should not be allowed to move around.
- The padding material should be compatible with the goods being sent; for heavy and sensitive goods precise-fit polystyrene moulds should be used.
- No direct contact should be possible between goods and the outer packaging.
- For sending glass bottles we recommend inner and outer packaging that has been checked and is certified for parcel dispatch always referring to the parcel contents.
Ensure parcel is sealed
- The parcel should be wrapped with adhesive tape and well-sealed on all sides. The heavier or larger the parcel, the stronger the adhesive tape needs to be.
- Robust sealing is essential for secure transport and proof of originality.
- It should not be possible to access the parcel’s content without leaving marks.
Please note national requirements
- Adhere to the maximum parcel size and weight for everything you send.
- Check the national General Terms and Conditions to find items which are forbidden for dispatch.
Import and customs regulations apply for international deliveries
With GLS you can securely and reliably send parcels worldwide.
Shipping of goods in EU countries is generally possible without customs documents.
Special import conditions apply to goods transport in countries within the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and third countries. Different supporting documents must be provided, customs conditions adhered to and fees paid depending on the country where delivery is taking place.
To find out the specifics please visit the respective country websites.
Security advices
Security contributes to the reputation of companies and the stability of IT systems and thus to the efficiency of the supported business processes. Furthermore, information security helps to ensure that relevant laws such as EU-GDPR are complied with.
In order that goods reach the recipient securely, specific security measures are essential. GLS has created uniform security standards across Europe aimed at systematic prevention. Modern alarm systems are used to protect goods. In the hubs and larger depots, GLS monitors parcels using video surveillance. Each individual process step is checked. GLS scans the parcels at all important interfaces and analyses the data. Employees and transport partners are regularly trained.
Scams
Scams are becoming increasingly common online. Criminals are misusing the GLS name and sending out fake e-mails, especially to private individuals but also to companies. These often contain demands for payment.
Recipients of such e-mails should immediately inform GLS and on no account pay the requested amounts.
GLS will never send e-mails requesting that goods be paid for using an online payment system, credit card or bank transfer. Cash-on-delivery parcels sent with the GLS CashService will only be handed over to recipients by the delivery driver in exchange for cash.
Fraudulent e-mails frequently include spelling and grammatical errors, as well as blurred company logos. If the sender is unknown, attachments should generally not be opened.
GLS shall not be liable for any damage resulting from fraudulent activities by third parties who abuse the name of GLS.
Fake job offers
Unknown third parties send fraudulent e-mails in the name of GLS. These e-mails contain fictitious job offers or employment contracts at GLS. In addition, third parties use fake identies as a GLS recruiter to contact persons on LinkedIn and Google Hangout.
The recipients of these fraudulent e-mails are asked to transfer money to the unknown third parties so that an employment contract with GLS can be concluded.
Please do not respond to these payment requests. GLS does not charge applicants a fee for the conclusion of an employment contract or equipment for the job. Furthermore, GLS does not send unsolicited employment contracts. Employment contracts are always preceded by a thorough application process.
Parcel agent job offers
Criminals who order goods online using false identities and illegally-obtained credit-card data have recently increased their efforts to recruit so-called "parcel agents". The work is usually offered as a part-time job and involves accepting parcels and forwarding them to other addresses, often abroad. The aim is to hide the final location of the fraudulently obtained goods.
Police are warning against accepting job offers as a parcel agent. This supposedly lucrative side job means getting involved with fraudulent activity and money laundering – with legal and financial consequences.
Information Security Contact
If you want to report a security issue, please contact us here. Please understand that this e-mail address is not destined for any other queries.
InSight Europe
In the customer magazine InSight Europe the GLS Group provides many news and insights into its business
Data protection
The GLS Group takes data protection seriously. Personal data is collected solely in accordance with the applicable statutory regulations.
Code of conducts
As an internationally operating parcel service provider the GLS Group stands for fair competition, integrity and responsibility.
Responsibility
GLS takes its responsibility for employees, society and the protection of the environment seriously.