DHL Halts High-value Consumer Shipments to the US amid New Customs Rules

By Evans Momodu
Published 19:18

DHL Express will pause all business-to-consumer shipments over $800 to the United States starting April 21, 2025, due to updated US customs regulations. Learn how this affects international e-commerce and delivery timelines.

DHL Express, the international express shipping arm of Deutsche Post (Germany), has announced it will temporarily suspend all business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments over $800 destined for the United States beginning April 21, 2025.

This decision is in response to recent changes in US customs regulations, which significantly impact the clearance process for high-value goods.

Previously, US customs only required formal processing for shipments valued over $2,500. As of April 5, 2025, the threshold has been lowered to $800, requiring more rigorous documentation and processing for a larger number of shipments.

DHL says this sudden shift has led to longer clearance times, prompting the company to suspend affected B2C services until further notice.

“Due to new US customs regulations, we are temporarily halting consumer shipments over $800 to the US to manage operational challenges,” DHL stated on its website.

The announcement, although undated, was compiled on Saturday, according to website metadata as follows:

• Business-to-business (B2B) shipments will continue but may experience processing delays.

• Shipments under $800 to both businesses and consumers are not impacted.

• All B2C shipments exceeding $800 to the US will be paused temporarily.s

This decision adds to a growing list of international logistics issues as the US enforces stricter trade and import controls. The pause could heavily impact e-commerce retailers, third-party logistics companies, and international consumers, particularly those ordering electronics, luxury items, or bulk shipments.

DHL’s announcement follows a similar move by Hongkong Post, which last week suspended sea mail services to the US. The Hong Kong postal authority cited “bullying tactics” by Washington after the US revoked duty-free trade status for packages from China and Hong Kong.

DHL has reassured its customers that it is actively working on adapting to the new regulations, especially ahead of additional changes expected by May 2.

“We remain committed to assisting our customers through these changes,” DHL told Reuters last week, adding that it will continue shipments from Hong Kong in compliance with all applicable US regulations.

Source:CNN