DHL Pauses US Deliveries Over $800 Amid New Customs Red Tape

ISTANBUL, Turkey — DHL Express announced it will suspend all deliveries to the United States valued over $800, effective Monday, following a significant increase in customs requirements associated with new tariff rules introduced by the Trump administration.

The logistics giant indicated that the policy change is due to modifications made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which now mandates formal entry processing for goods valued above $800, down from $2,500, as part of a broader effort to tighten border controls. These adjustments have created a backlog in customs processing, leading to multi-day delays for shipments impacted by this rule.

“These changes have caused a significant increase in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock,” DHL stated in an email to customers. The company emphasized that deliveries for business-to-business transactions will continue, but they may also encounter delays.

This new regulation, which was enacted on April 5, is one of several recent measures aimed at combating illicit trade practices. The White House justified the tighter customs rules by asserting that it would help prevent the entry of illegal substances, such as opioids, into the U.S. market, which officials have indicated is a growing concern.

Beginning May 2, additional changes are set to further tighten these regulations by closing a loophole that allows low-value packages, especially those from China and Hong Kong, to enter duty-free. This change is expected to affect online retailers, including fast-fashion companies like Shein, who have already indicated that they will need to raise prices in light of the new trade rules.

Louis Kurlander, director of a London-based courier firm, reported that clients were scrambling to find alternatives for shipping to the U.S. He noted, “There’s panic and confusion because obviously this was dropped on bank holiday weekend. A lot of businesses are not working.”

As logistics companies grapple with increased operational burdens, DHL’s decision has given competitors like FedEx and UPS an opportunity to capture market share from disgruntled clients looking for reliable shipping options. Kurlander mentioned, “It’s a gift to them,” referring to how the suspension could benefit their rivals.

DHL has assured customers that it is actively working to expand its customs brokerage capabilities to manage the surge in required documentation effectively. “DHL Express is working diligently to scale up clearance capacity and maintain high-quality service commitments,” the company said in its communication.

The alteration in the customs rules is part of a larger trend observed under the current U.S. administration, reflecting ongoing tensions in international trade relations. The measures have sparked criticism from foreign postal services, with Hongkong Post recently ceasing sea mail shipments to the U.S., deeming the tariffs to be “unreasonable” and “bullying.”

For now, DHL has committed to providing updates as the situation progresses. The logistics company is prioritizing its operations to ensure compliance while mitigating delays for all affected customers.