DHL Ecommerce API v4 Implementation Guide

The DHL eCommerce Americas API version 4 (v4) is the latest version of DHL’s API for eCommerce shipping solutions in the Americas region. The API allows developers to integrate DHL’s shipping services into their eCommerce platforms and solutions.

Some of the key capabilities offered in v4 include:

• Access to DHL’s full portfolio of domestic and international shipping services for parcels originating in the US and Canada
• APIs for shipping rate estimates, shipping label generation, package manifesting, package tracking, and more
• Improved security with OAuth 2.0 authentication
• Enhanced package tracking with more shipment details and status events
• New transportation API for pickup requests and appointment scheduling

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Implementing the DHL eCommerce Americas API v4

Here is a step-by-step guide for developers on how to implement the DHL eCommerce Americas API v4:

1. Sign up for a developer account

Visit the DHL Developer Portal and sign up for a free developer account. This will provide you API keys for testing out the API in the sandbox environment.

2. Review the API documentation

The API documentation provides full technical specifics on the available endpoints, request/response parameters, etc. Review this to understand the capabilities.

3. Set up authentication

The API uses OAuth 2.0 authentication with access tokens. You will need to implement an authorization server or use client credentials flow to securely obtain access tokens.

4. Test the API in sandbox

Use the Postman collection or sample code snippets to test out API requests in the sandbox environment. Verify you are able to generate shipping rates, labels, etc successfully.

5. Go live with production credentials

Once testing is complete, you can apply for production credentials to go live with the API. Make sure to update the endpoints and credentials in your code.

6. Implement error handling

Properly handle all API errors such as validation failures, authentication issues, etc. Refer to the errors documentation.

7. Set up package tracking

Use the tracking API to display shipment statuses and delivery updates to customers.

8. Provide shipment data

Make sure to store and provide the package IDs, tracking IDs etc. returned by the API for future manifest and tracking purposes.

How to Register for Free DHL Ecommerce API v4

Here are the steps to sign up for a free DHL API sandbox account to test the APIs:

1. Go to the DHL Developer Portal at https://developer.dhl.com/.
2. Click on “Register” in the top right corner.
3. Fill in the registration form with your details. Make sure to select the option “I intend to use DHL’s APIs” for the purpose of registration.
4. You will receive an email to activate your developer account. Click on the activation link.
5. Log in to the Developer Portal with your new credentials.
6. Navigate to the “Ecommerce Americas” section and click on “Show Credentials”.
7. Here, you will find the Client ID, Client Secret, and Authentication URL to use the Sandbox APIs.
8. Using these keys, you can make API requests to the Sandbox endpoint https://api-sandbox.dhlecs.com.
9. Refer to the Postman samples or API documentation to test out the different APIs.
10. Once you are ready to go live, you can apply for production credentials through the Developer Portal.

FAQs – DHL Ecommerce API V4

Here are concise answers to questions related to DHL ecommerce API v4: