DHL, a courier service under Deutsche Post in Germany, has announced that due to changes in U.S. customs regulations leading to extended customs clearance times, the company will temporarily halt processing “Business-to-Consumer” (B2C) goods valued over $800 being shipped globally to the United States, starting from Monday, April 21st.
According to information posted on its website, since April 5, 2025, all goods valued over $800 being shipped to the U.S. require formal entry procedures due to new regulations by the U.S. customs. Prior to the change on April 5th, this threshold was set at $2,500.
DHL stated that this change has caused a significant increase in formal clearance procedures. The company mentioned, “For goods sent from any origin to the U.S. with a declared value exceeding $800, we are experiencing several days of shipping delays.”
In response to this situation, DHL announced that starting from April 21st, they will “temporarily cease sending B2C goods valued over $800 to individuals within the United States until further notice.”
As per the notification released by DHL, B2C goods with a customs declaration value below $800 are not affected by this decision and will continue to be shipped.
Moreover, for “Business-to-Business” (B2B) freight destined for U.S. companies, DHL will continue to provide shipping services regardless of the declared value, but delays may be expected.
“This is a temporary measure, and we will share the latest updates based on the situation’s development,” DHL mentioned in the notification.
Since taking office, President Trump has tightened U.S. customs clearance procedures. On April 2nd, he signed an executive order stating that starting from May 2nd, the tariff exemption for parcels valued below $800 from China and Hong Kong will be permanently terminated, effectively closing the tariff loophole exploited by Chinese e-commerce companies such as Shein and PDD Holdings’ Temu.
Logistics giant DHL, in response to questions from Reuters last week, stated that they will continue to handle goods shipped from Hong Kong to the United States “in accordance with applicable customs rules and regulations” and will “collaborate with our customers to help them understand and adapt to the upcoming changes scheduled for May 2nd.”
Amid ongoing trade concerns, particularly against the backdrop of escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, DHL is one of several companies adjusting their transportation services accordingly.