Global logistics giant DHL has announced a temporary suspension of shipments valued over $800 from businesses to individual consumers in the United States, citing significant delays in U.S. customs processing.
The company said the move, effective Monday, is a direct result of recent changes in U.S. customs regulations.
“As a result of recent U.S. Customs regulatory updates, we are experiencing multi-day transit delays to the U.S. from any origin for shipments with a declared customs value exceeding USD 800,” DHL said in a statement.
Under new rules implemented on April 5, the U.S. government has lowered the threshold for parcels requiring formal customs entry from $2,500 to $800. The change has reportedly led to a surge in formal customs clearances, straining processing capacity.
“This change has caused a surge in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock,” DHL said.
The suspension applies only to business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments. Business-to-business (B2B) deliveries will continue, although they too may face delays, the company added.
The policy shift comes as part of broader trade measures under the Trump administration, which has aggressively pursued a series of tariffs and regulatory changes aimed at reducing the U.S. trade deficit. China has been a particular target, with recent moves by Washington to end duty-free exemptions for small parcels from the country—seen as a direct challenge to online retail giants like Temu and Shein.
