Silke Mayr DHL Express has announced it will pause shipments of goods valued over $800 to U.S. customers starting Monday. The logistics giant explained that new U.S. customs policies have significantly increased the paperwork required at borders. As a result, the company will suspend high-value deliveries from all international origins until further notice. Business-to-business shipments will continue but may face similar delays. The move comes as U.S. authorities implement stricter customs regulations that impact the processing of packages entering the country.
New U.S. Customs Rules Intensify Border Checks
Starting Monday, DHL Express will halt shipments of goods worth over $800 to U.S. customers. This decision follows the introduction of stricter U.S. customs enforcement policies that require more detailed paperwork for shipments. Previously, packages worth up to $2,500 could enter the U.S. with minimal documentation, but new rules have lowered this threshold to $800, triggering a rise in detailed customs declarations. DHL confirmed that this adjustment has led to increased customs processing times, causing delays in shipments over the $800 limit.
Despite the pause on high-value shipments, DHL reassured customers that deliveries of packages valued under $800 will continue, as they still qualify for minimal customs inspection. However, even shipments under this value could experience minor delays, as the company works to manage the increased workload at customs.
Impact on Business-to-Business Shipments
While DHL Express is halting consumer-facing shipments over $800, the company clarified that business-to-business (B2B) deliveries will continue as usual. However, these shipments may also experience delays due to the more rigorous customs procedures. DHL is working diligently to handle the surge in paperwork, but even business shipments may face processing setbacks as U.S. authorities ramp up scrutiny at the borders.
The logistics provider has stated that it will monitor the situation closely and provide updates as the customs enforcement policies evolve. The suspension will remain in place “until further notice,” indicating that DHL may resume high-value shipments once the processing delays are alleviated.
Tariff Changes Set to Affect Chinese and Hong Kong Retailers
In addition to changes in customs enforcement, U.S. authorities are set to revoke the “de minimis” rule for packages below $800 originating from China and Hong Kong. This shift, scheduled to take effect on May 2, will significantly affect retailers, particularly fast-fashion brands like Shein and the budget retailer Temu. Both companies have warned that they will raise prices to cope with the new tariffs and trade policy shifts.
The U.S. government has accused Chinese shippers of using deceptive methods to smuggle restricted items, which officials argue contributes to the ongoing synthetic opioid crisis in the country. A recent executive order framed these changes as part of efforts to disrupt the illegal trafficking of fentanyl and other controlled substances.
In response, China has rejected the accusations, asserting that fentanyl misuse is primarily an American issue and pointing to China’s stringent anti-drug laws as evidence of its commitment to addressing the global drug trade.
Hong Kong Post Halts Shipments to the U.S.
In response to the tightening of U.S. customs enforcement, Hongkong Post announced last week that it would stop accepting U.S.-bound sea mail. The service will cease accepting U.S. parcels by April 27. A spokesperson from Hongkong Post criticized the U.S. for its actions, arguing that the new rules unfairly target international trade and disrupt established shipping practices.
This move by Hong Kong follows a broader trend of increasing tensions between the U.S. and China, as both nations engage in trade disputes and differing views on drug enforcement. Hong Kong’s suspension of U.S.-bound deliveries adds to the growing list of disruptions in the global shipping network, as companies navigate the challenges posed by the U.S. government’s changing trade policies.
DHL Express’s decision to halt high-value shipments to the U.S. highlights the significant impact of recent changes to U.S. customs regulations. As authorities intensify border checks and reduce the value threshold for minimal inspection, businesses and consumers alike will feel the effects of the new policies. While DHL continues to deliver packages under $800, delays are expected, and the situation may worsen if the processing workload continues to rise.
The trade dispute between the U.S. and China is also set to escalate, as changes to the “de minimis” rule will affect retailers from both regions. With Hong Kong Post following suit and halting U.S.-bound sea mail, it is clear that the global shipping industry is facing a period of uncertainty as customs enforcement tightens.