Who is liable when a DHL drop-off authorization or preferred drop-off location is granted?

If you grant DHL a drop-off authorization or specify a preferred drop-off location, liability for the shipment transfers to the recipient once it is delivered to the agreed location.

This means: As soon as DHL delivers the package to the drop-off location you specified, responsibility for the shipment lies with you as the recipient.

DHL also explicitly states on its website that by granting a drop-off authorization, liability transfers to the recipient after delivery to the agreed location.

You can find more information directly from DHL:
https://www.dhl.de/de/privatkunden/hilfe-kundenservice/empfangen/ablageort.html

We kindly ask for your understanding that in cases of loss or damage after delivery to the specified drop-off location, we unfortunately cannot assume liability.