What is Shipment API v4?
The Shipment API v4 makes it easier to pre-announce shipments, create, and print labels. Instead of working with complex product codes, you can now use logical and clear product names. This ensures faster and more accurate handling of pre-announcements and shipment preparation.
What are the benefits?
Clear product names instead of codes
Product codes are replaced with recognizable product names, making pre-announcements less error-prone and easier to understand, especially for new users.
Flexibility in label choice
With the new API, you can choose between portrait or landscape labels based on your preferences. You can also select the file type that best suits your printer. This ensures legible shipping labels and a consistent presentation of your shipments.
Better alignment with other PostNL processes
The new API aligns seamlessly with our other processes, such as invoices. Consistent terminology applied in contracts, ensures clear and error-free communication.
When will the update be rolled out?
The new Shipment API v4 will be rolled out in the first half of 2025. You’ll receive timely notifications to give you plenty of time to switch. Older versions of the Shipping API and Labelling API will be phased out by mid-2026.
What is Checkout API v4?
The Checkout API v4 offers greater consistency and integrates perfectly with the new Shipment API. You can easily configure and manage delivery options, using the same terms and descriptions throughout the process. This simplifies integration and reduces errors.
What are the benefits?
Consistent delivery options
The new API ensures a uniform approach to delivery options. This means the options you offer to your customers are processed in the same way during shipments. This consistency reduces errors and speeds up the process.Seamless integration with the Shipment API
The terms and fields in Checkout API v4 are aligned with Shipment API v4, ensuring smoother communication between the two APIs. This results in faster and easier integration with your systems.
Improved customer experience
With Checkout API v4, you can offer your customers delivery options that are clearer and more user-friendly. This enhances the shopping experience and increases the likelihood of successful conversions.
When will the update be rolled out?
The Checkout API v4 will be rolled out alongside the Shipment API v4 in the first half of 2025. You’ll receive updates in advance about transitioning to the new version. The older version of the Checkout API will be phased out by mid-2026.
Other questions
You will need to adjust your integration with PostNL. The IT impact depends significantly on how your current integration is set up and how you use the existing API. You can assess the impact yourself using the detailed information on the Developer portal.
On the Developer portal, you’ll find technical information outlining the necessary steps.
SThe Shipment API v4 supports preparing e-commerce shipments within the Netherlands, to Belgium, and internationally. Later in 2025, mailbox parcels will be added, and international services will be expanded further.
In late 2025, services for PostNL Belgium customers will also be included.
If you are using any of the following APIs, they must be replaced by the new Shipment API v4:
- Labeling API
- Shipping API
If you use the Confirming API, it will also require updates later. Communication about this will follow.
If you are using any of the following APIs, they must be replaced by the new Checkout API v4:
- Checkout API
- Timeframe API
- Deliverydate API
The technical documentation on the Developer Portal includes a dedicated section for Shipment API v4 and Checkout API v4. Here, you’ll find everything needed for a smooth transition:
- Step-by-step migration guide
- Guidelines
- Open API Specifications (OAS)
- Overview of all available products and services
- Error codes
- Reference codes
- FAQs
The new Shipment API v4 supports sending e-commerce shipments domestically and internationally. The following PostNL portfolios will be available:
- PostNL parcels NL portfolio
- PostNL parcels BE portfolio
- PostNL International portfolio
- Registered mail
- Mailbox parcel
For now, other portfolios such as Logistics Solutions (e.g., Extra@Home) will remain in the current API.
The product offering in Checkout API v4 is identical to that of the current versions.