Starting Monday, DHL has officially suspended deliveries of international consumer packages valued above $800 to customers in the United States.
The decision is tied to new customs clearance rules stemming from changes introduced under former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
What led to this move?
Previously, packages worth up to $2,500 could enter the US with minimal documentation.
Now, any shipment over $800 must undergo formal clearance, significantly slowing the import process.
This shift took effect on April 5 and has since overwhelmed DHL’s processing systems, leading to widespread delays.
Business shipments still allowed — with a catch
While the new suspension targets consumer deliveries, business-to-business shipments will continue.
However, DHL warns that those may also be subject to “multi-day delays” due to increased border scrutiny.
Official statement from DHL
DHL issued a statement on its website:
“While we are working diligently to scale up and manage this increase, shipments over USD 800 — regardless of origin — may experience multi-day delays.”
The company emphasized this is a temporary measure and promised to provide updates as the situation evolves.
Under-$800 packages still qualify for quicker processing
Deliveries valued under $800 remain eligible for streamlined customs processing.
But even these may face complications as US authorities prepare to limit the longstanding “de minimis” rule.
What’s the “de minimis” rule and why it matters
This exemption has allowed low-cost imports to bypass duties and inspections — a benefit heavily relied on by global e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu.
However, the US plans to roll back this rule on May 2, particularly targeting shipments from China and Hong Kong.
The result could be price hikes for consumers and longer wait times for deliveries.
Implications for e-commerce giants
Retailers such as Shein and Temu have already begun warning their customers about potential delays and price increases.
With the rollback of the de minimis threshold, their reliance on low-cost, high-volume shipping is set to face severe disruption.
Framed as a national security move
The Trump Administration has defended the new rules as necessary for national security.
Officials claim certain exporters have been mislabeling shipments to conceal illicit drugs, including synthetic opioids.
By tightening import scrutiny, the US aims to close these loopholes and better monitor incoming goods.
Global responses to the US customs crackdown
In response to the de minimis changes and higher tariffs, Hong Kong’s postal service announced it would temporarily halt postal deliveries from the US.
Officials cited disagreement with Washington’s decision to remove duty-free treatment and increase tariffs on inbound mail.
Conclusion: A turbulent time for global shipping
DHL’s decision to suspend high-value consumer deliveries marks a major shift in cross-border logistics.
With changing regulations, increasing scrutiny, and the potential end of duty-free thresholds, international e-commerce may soon become more expensive and less predictable.
For now, both businesses and consumers are urged to monitor updates closely as this situation continues to evolve.