EU Shipping Labels Guide 2026 – DHL, DPD, UPS, GLS, FedEx, Hermes, Colissimo

Shipping labels are the backbone of e-commerce logistics in the EU. For online retailers serving customers across Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Benelux, and Nordics, getting the labels right is critical to on-time delivery, low lost-package rates, and satisfied customers. This guide explains label requirements for all major European couriers, which materials to choose, how to integrate with platforms like ShipStation, Sendcloud, Shopify, and how to handle customs documentation for cross-border shipments.

Universal standard: 100×150 mm

Across virtually all European couriers, the 100×150 mm (4"×6") thermal label has become the de facto standard. Originally introduced by FedEx in the 1980s, the format has been adopted because it offers the perfect balance of space for: sender and recipient addresses, tracking barcode (Code 128), 2D code (QR or DataMatrix), service icons, handling instructions, and sort codes. When starting a new e-commerce operation, order 100×150 mm thermal shipping labels – one size fits 95% of EU shipping use cases.

Courier-specific requirements

DHL Express and DHL Parcel

DHL accepts 100×150 mm (4"×6") labels in ZPL or PDF format. For international shipments, you additionally need Commercial Invoice (3 copies) printed on A4, CN22/CN23 customs forms for non-EU destinations, and optionally CITES documents for regulated goods. DHL's API (MyDHL+, DHL Parcel API) generates all forms automatically. Label paper: ECO thermal paper 55 g/m² is sufficient; for shipments transiting more than 5 days or exposed to humidity, use TOP paper 62 g/m².

DPD (DPDgroup, including Chronopost and SEUR)

DPD labels use 100×150 mm format with the distinctive red DPD branding. The tracking barcode is Code 128C with standardized SSCC-18 numbering. Integration is available through DPD Shipper (web portal), DPD API, and Sendcloud. For international DPD shipments, add the QR code linking to dpd.com/track for consumer self-service tracking. Note: DPD France and DPD Spain (SEUR) use slightly different SSCC prefixes but same label format.

UPS (United Parcel Service)

UPS requires 100×150 mm labels with the MaxiCode (2D symbol) in the top-left corner – this is unique to UPS and cannot be omitted. MaxiCode encodes sortation information for UPS hub automation. Use UPS WorldShip, CampusShip, or UPS API to generate labels. For B2B shipments in the EU, add UPS Returns service via the API. Quality note: UPS sorters can be aggressive – use premium thermal paper TOP to avoid smudging.

GLS (General Logistics Systems)

GLS labels are 100×150 mm with a unique green design. Integration via GLS ShipIT or GLS API. GLS strongly promotes ShopReturn and FlexDelivery services – the labels include additional QR codes for consumer pickup-point selection. For shipments to GLS partner networks in Southeast Europe (Romania, Bulgaria, Greece), ensure the label language matches the destination country for local sortation.

FedEx Express and FedEx Ground

FedEx labels are 100×150 mm with large 2D barcode (DataMatrix) on the top-left. International shipments require Commercial Invoice (3 copies) and CN22/CN23 forms. FedEx's Ship Manager Software, Ship Manager API, and eCom (Web Services) generate compliant labels. FedEx accepts only thermal transfer or laser-printed labels for international shipments – direct thermal is allowed only for ground service within single country.

Hermes (Evri in UK, Hermes in DE)

Hermes uses 100×150 mm labels with barcode Code 128. Integration available through Hermes API and most e-commerce platforms. Note: since 2022, Hermes UK rebranded to Evri – the label format remains but branding changed. Evri is optimized for consumer-to-consumer shipping with high-volume drop-off point networks.

Colissimo (La Poste, France)

Colissimo uses 100×150 mm or A5 labels with Code 2/5 Interleaved barcodes. For Colissimo Access (international), additional customs forms are required. Integration via Colissimo Box or ColiShip. For French e-commerce operators, Colissimo remains the most cost-effective option for domestic shipments.

PostNL, bpost, Austrian Post

National postal operators in BeNeLux and DACH regions accept 100×150 mm labels. PostNL (Netherlands) uses Smart Post with PDF417 codes. bpost (Belgium) uses Code 128. Austrian Post uses standard DIN A6 labels (105×148 mm) – similar but not identical to 100×150 mm. When shipping to Austria, verify label dimensions before print run.

Integration with e-commerce platforms

ShipStation

The most popular multi-carrier shipping platform in North America and UK. Supports all major EU couriers via direct integrations: DHL, DPD, UPS, FedEx, Royal Mail, Evri, GLS. Bulk printing, rate shopping, automatic customs form generation. Integrates with Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, BigCommerce.

Sendcloud

European market leader for e-commerce shipping. Based in the Netherlands, deeply integrated with EU couriers: PostNL, DHL, DPD, UPS, FedEx, GLS, Hermes, Colissimo, Poczta Polska, DBP. Features: rate comparison, return portal, tracking page, and Brand Tracking for custom tracking email branding.

Shippo

US-headquartered but with strong EU carrier support. Free tier available for up to 5 shipments/month. API-first platform, popular with developers.

Packlink PRO

Spanish platform with competitive rates for Southern Europe shipping. Integrates with eBay, Amazon, Shopify, and offers consolidated pickup service.

Shopify Shipping

Built-in Shopify feature for US and Canadian merchants. For EU merchants, Shopify recommends third-party apps like Sendcloud, Packlink, or ShippingEasy.

Label materials – thermal vs laser

Direct thermal (recommended for e-commerce)

The default choice for high-volume shipping. Desktop printers like Zebra ZD220, TSC TE200, Brother QL-1110 use 100×150 mm direct thermal labels on rolls. Cost per label: €0.003-0.01 depending on volume. No ribbon required. Durability: 6-12 months print life – sufficient for 2-30 day transit. For cold storage or humid environments, upgrade to TOP quality paper.

Thermal transfer

For international shipments with long transit times (8+ days), tropical destinations, or cold chain logistics, use thermal transfer labels with wax-resin or resin ribbons. Durability: 2-5 years, resistant to heat, UV, and moisture. Slightly higher cost per label (€0.005-0.015) but dramatically reduces lost-package incidents.

Laser / inkjet on A4

Some small merchants print labels on standard A4 office paper, 2-up or 4-up per sheet. Drawbacks: labels need to be cut or have adhesive pouches, thicker paper doesn't scan as cleanly, higher per-unit cost (€0.02-0.05 including paper and toner). Only recommended for very low volumes (under 10 shipments/day).

Customs documentation for cross-border shipments

Since Brexit (January 2021), shipments from EU to UK require additional documentation. Similarly, shipments to Switzerland, Norway, and other non-EU destinations need customs forms:

• CN22 form – for goods under €425, attached to the shipment externally.
• CN23 form – for goods over €425, more detailed with itemized values, HS codes, country of origin.
• Commercial Invoice – 3 copies minimum for B2B shipments.
• EORI number – required for EU-based senders for any extra-EU shipment.

Modern platforms (ShipStation, Sendcloud, Shippo) auto-generate these forms from shipment data. For shipments to the UK specifically, consider IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) registration to collect VAT at point of sale and avoid customs delays for orders under €150.

Return labels and reverse logistics

EU consumer protection law (Directive 2011/83/EU) grants 14-day return right for online purchases. Smart retailers include a pre-printed return label in the package or offer a digital return QR code. Return label format is identical to outbound (100×150 mm), but with origin/destination swapped. Platforms like Sendcloud's Return Portal, Returnly, and Loop automate the entire return process including label generation.

Sustainable and compliant labeling

New EU packaging regulations (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation PPWR) are being phased in from 2025. Shipping labels must be: recyclable with cardboard (FSC-certified paper), free from BPA and BPS (standard for all modern thermal paper), and compatible with single-stream recycling. Our thermal labels meet all these requirements. Adhesive selection matters too – removable adhesives allow the label to be peeled off for recycling or relabeling, while permanent adhesives stay put throughout transit but recycle fine within the label material itself.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

1. Wrong label size – ordering A5 (148×210 mm) instead of 100×150 mm. Always verify before print run.
2. Low-quality printers – budget printers can't achieve the contrast needed for sorter scanners. Invest in Zebra, SATO, or Honeywell.
3. Expired thermal paper – thermal paper older than 12 months loses sensitivity. Rotate stock first-in-first-out.
4. Dirty print head – smudged labels are a leading cause of sortation errors. Clean weekly with isopropanol.
5. Missing customs forms – international shipments without CN22/CN23 forms get returned. Always use automated form generation.

Summary

The 100×150 mm thermal shipping label is the universal standard across EU couriers. Invest in a reliable desktop thermal printer (Zebra ZD420 or TSC TE310), use a multi-carrier shipping platform (Sendcloud or ShipStation), and source labels from a direct manufacturer to save 30-50% vs retail pricing. At Termedia, we supply shipping labels to over 2,000 e-commerce merchants across the EU. Free samples, volume discounts from 10,000 pcs, and 48h production.

See also:

• Shipping labels 100×150 mm – product page
• Thermal labels for Zebra, TSC, Godex
• Labels for e-commerce – complete guide
• HACCP food labeling requirements