DHL Suspends U.S. Deliveries Over $800 Amid Customs Changes

ATLANTA, Ga. — DHL Express announced Monday it is suspending shipments to U.S. consumers valued at over $800 due to increased customs regulations following a tariff regime implemented by former President Donald Trump. The company stated that this temporary measure is necessary to handle a surge in formal customs clearances that has overwhelmed their processing capabilities.

This policy change impacts businesses globally, as DHL will pause all business-to-consumer deliveries exceeding the new threshold until further notice. Shipments with a declared value of less than $800 will continue with minimal restrictions, but the company warns that business-to-business deliveries could also encounter delays.

Previously, shipments valued up to $2,500 could enter the U.S. with only basic paperwork; however, that value has now been decreased to $800, imposing stricter documentation requirements. DHL cited the introduction of these new rules on April 5 as a significant factor leading to delays.

“The changes outlined above have caused a significant increase in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock,” DHL said in a statement. “While we are working diligently to scale up clearance capacity, we are experiencing multi-day transit delays for U.S. imports above $800.”

Industry experts are concerned about the broader implications of these changes, particularly for businesses that rely heavily on international shipping. Louis Kurlander, the director of a London-based courier firm, noted that clients have faced uncertainty since the announcement, with many scrambling to find alternative shipping options. “There’s panic and confusion because obviously this was dropped on a bank holiday weekend,” Kurlander said.

Additionally, starting May 2, the U.S. plans to eliminate the duty-free exemption for low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong, which could further disrupt e-commerce operations for companies like Shein and Temu that rely on shipping products to American consumers.

The White House has justified these regulatory changes as a measure to limit the importation of illicit substances, particularly fentanyl, stating that many shippers attempt to conceal the contents of their shipments using deceptive practices. The administration emphasizes that these regulations aim to mitigate issues related to the opioid crisis.

In light of these developments, DHL has reached out to its customers to provide updates and assistance regarding the new requirements. The company is working to adapt to increased processing demands, but it is unclear how long the current suspension on shipments valued over $800 will remain in effect.

As logistics firms navigate this evolving landscape, the repercussions of these customs changes will likely be felt across various sectors, effecting everything from shipping costs to delivery timelines.