International shipping company DHL suspends delivery of packages over $800 to US consumers, hitting more than just low-cost retailers like SHEIN and Temu

DHL, a global shipping company, has announced that it will suspend deliveries of packages with a declared value of over $800 until further notice. The reason for this is reportedly due to a significant increase in customs cumbersome procedures following the introduction of President Donald Trump's new tariff regime.

Important update regarding shipments to the United States with a customs value exceeding USD 800: Transit Time delays & Temporary suspension of business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments Australia

https://www.dhl.com/au-en/home/important-information/2025/shipments-to-the-united-states-with-a-customs-value-exceeding-usd-800.html

DHL halts international deliveries to US consumers worth over $800 | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/news/652977/dhl-shipment-delays-us-tariffs-business-to-consumer

According to DHL, US customs regulations will change from April 5, 2025, and customs clearance procedures will be required for all packages with a declared value of over $800, whereas previously customs clearance procedures were not required unless the declared value exceeded $2,500 (approximately 352,000 yen). This change has caused a sharp increase in the amount of formal customs clearance procedures, forcing DHL to operate around the clock.

DHL announced, 'We are working diligently to scale and manage the increased customs clearance process, but shipments over $800 may experience delays of several days, regardless of origin. To manage this, we will suspend B2C shipments to individuals in the United States with a declared value over $800, effective Monday, April 21, 2025 until further notice.'

This change in US customs regulations is likely in response to the elimination of the de minimis tax-free threshold for imports from China on May 2, 2025. With the elimination of the de minimis rule, goods from China will be subject to tariffs even if they are less than $800. This has dealt a major blow to Chinese online shopping sites such as SHEIN and Temu, forcing them to raise prices.

Temu and SHEIN to raise prices in the US, cut advertising spending but boost sales as Trump tariffs cause last-minute demand - GIGAZINE

However, this change will require additional customs procedures and a considerable amount of work, and not only SHEIN and Temu but also many other shipping companies and mail-order companies, including DHL, will be forced to bear the burden.

DHL said, 'This is a temporary measure and we will share updates as the situation evolves,' and that packages under $800 will continue to be shipped to the US with minimal checks.