Over the last few months, we have been working on the modernisation of our DHL integration and plugin, among other things. This includes the switch to the DHL REST API on the one hand and the transfer of the assistant to the menu tree on the other.

Why the switch to the REST API?

DHL are moving to a new technology and we’re going with them! DHL have already announced the discontinuation of the previously used technology (DHL SOAP interface) and version 1 will be switched off in the middle of 2024.
With the early switch to REST, we are giving you a longer „test phase“, as the effective switch-off of the old interface with version 3, on which we are running, is still some time in the future. But with the switch, new features will be available to you that are only possible via REST and future features will only be rolled out by DHL for REST. So we want to offer you the best possible solution for working with DHL.
In addition to the advantages for you, we as an integrator also benefit from flexibility, performance and scalability.

Why are the settings moving?

In general, we are taking the step from the assistants to the menu tree, as stated here.

In addition to the tour, we are also introducing other features that are possible with the REST API, such as importing billing numbers with the (GKP) booking text.

This makes it easier to understand and work with the settings without a sudden cut/difference to the familiar assistant.

Where can I find the settings?

The new menus are under Setup → Orders → Shipping → Shipping service provider → DHL Shipping.

• Basic settings

  • Entry of login details for Business Customer portal, billing numbers and shipper data

• Shipping combinations

  • Configuration of basic settings for shipping profile and regions as well as specific services

• Shipping settings migration

  • Switch between REST and SOAP

What does it mean for me?

In the near future you will see a menu for DHL in the plenty backend, which you can use to switch to the REST API but also back to the SOAP API.

The settings you have already made will be applied by using the „Migration menu“.

Important: It is not possible to use REST and SOAP at the same time, for example by using different plugin sets.

Note: The data from the assistant are transferred. When switching from REST back to SOAP, the old data is restored, changes made in the menu tree are deleted again.

When do I have to switch to REST?

Currently you can continue to work with the existing plugin. As mentioned above, DHL has discontinued the SOAP API and the first stage will come into force in the middle of 2024. A switch to REST is currently not necessary. We reserve the right to also announce our SOAP implementation with the appropriate lead time.

Can I test the change beforehand?

We would be happy for you to do this which will benefit you and us in this stage. In the initial phase you can switch in consultation with us.

We try to cover all cases in our tests, but unfortunately it is always possible that we do not have/know certain setting constellations and errors occur when migrating the data.

It is possible to switch between the two APIs and we recommend that you test them at your end and not wait for the last possible day.