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      How to Obtain a DHL API Key

      DHL limits the number of API requests per day through a process called "rate limiting."

      If, for example, ikas retrieves information from DHL multiple times a day, the set limit for the used API key can be quickly reached – especially when tracking a large number of DHL packages.

      In such cases, we will not be able to provide any new updates until the next day.

      ⚠️ Important:

      If you manage an average of more than 5,000 active DHL packages per day, we kindly ask you to contact DHL directly and provide us with your own API key, which we will use exclusively for your shipments.

      Instructions: How to Request a DHL API Key

      1. Registration

      Register at https://developer.dhl.com/user/register and complete your account information.

      2. Confirmation

      You will receive an email from DHL with a link to reset your password.

      Once you reset your password, your profile will be ready to use.

      3. Create an App

      • Navigate in the menu to Apps > Create App.
      • Fill out the "Create App" form:
        • App Name: ikas
        • Select APIs: Shipment Tracking - Unified
      • Click Add to app and then Create App.

      4. Copy Your API Key

      • Your app is now created!
      • Click on your app ikas.
      • Copy the Consumer Key (do not copy the Consumer Secret!) and paste it into your ikas dashboard.

      The Consumer Key is your API key that will be used to track your DHL packages.

      5. Request an Upgrade

      • In your app overview, click Request Upgrade.

      Note:

      By default, DHL allows only 250 API requests per day.

      However, the DHL team usually responds quickly and positively to upgrade requests.

      6. Fill Out the Upgrade Form

      Here are our recommendations:

      • Are you already a DHL customer: Yes

      • What's your expected rate of usage:

        Calculate the expected usage as follows:

        1. Determine the average number of DHL shipments per day (including returns).
        2. Multiply this number by 5 (average delivery duration in days).
        3. Multiply the result by 12 (number of requests per day).

        ➡️ Result = required number of API requests per day.

        (The "Requests per second" field does not need to be filled.)

        Example:

        2,000 orders/day × 5 × 12 = 120,000 requests/day

      • What's your purpose of usage:

        DE: Ich möchte meine eigenen Sendungen verfolgen.

        (EN: I want to track my own shipments.)

      • Please specify if there are any other usage:

        Enter the following:

        perl
        KopierenBearbeiten
        ikas will use our API key to track our DHL shipments.
        Number of DHL shipments per month: XXX

      • From which DHL division(s) do you want to track shipments:

        Select the known service codes or, if unsure, simply select all.

      Next Steps

      Once your upgrade request has been approved:

      • Enter your Consumer Key into the DHL app section in your ikas dashboard under Tracking API Client Key.

      ➡️ Your individual DHL API key is now successfully set up – and your packages can be reliably tracked!

       

       

       

      For any assistance or if you have further questions, please let us know. You can contact us by phone at +49 7361 3893012 or email us at support@ikas.de.