NAIROBI, Kenya – DHL Express has announced a temporary suspension of deliveries to the United States for packages valued over $800, following a significant increase in customs red tape due to the introduction of stricter tariff rules under former President Donald Trump’s administration.
Effective Monday, DHL will halt shipments from all countries to U.S. consumers for goods exceeding this threshold, citing the added complexity and delays at customs as the primary reason for the suspension.
The company clarified that business-to-business shipments will continue but may also face delays due to the heightened scrutiny.
Previously, packages worth up to $2,500 could enter the U.S. with minimal paperwork.
However, the new customs requirements, which came into effect earlier this month alongside Trump’s tariff reforms, have reduced the threshold to $800.
DHL explained that the change had led to a “surge in formal customs clearances,” which it is working around the clock to process.
“While we are scaling up our operations to manage this increase, shipments worth more than $800 may experience multi-day delays,” DHL stated in its announcement.
Shipments valued under $800 will continue to be processed as usual, as they are subject to less stringent checks.
This move by DHL comes ahead of further restrictions set to take effect on 2 May, when the White House is expected to close the so-called “de minimis” loophole.
Currently, low-value packages (under $800) can enter the U.S. without incurring duties, a rule that primarily benefits companies in China and Hong Kong, such as fast-fashion giant Shein and retail platform Temu.
Both companies have warned that the changes will lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers due to the new global trade rules.
The Trump administration introduced the tighter customs checks as part of a broader initiative to curb the flow of illicit goods into the U.S., particularly synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which are often shipped from China.
The administration argued that some Chinese shippers have been exploiting the loophole to conceal harmful substances.
In response, China has maintained that the opioid crisis is a domestic U.S. issue and has defended its strict drug policies.
Meanwhile, Hongkong Post, following similar concerns over the new measures, announced last week that it would suspend sea shipments to the U.S. and stop accepting parcels destined for the country starting 27 April.
The Hong Kong postal service criticized the U.S. move, labeling it “unreasonable” and accusing Washington of “bullying” through its tariff policies.
With the new measures set to impact international shipping flows, businesses and consumers alike will need to prepare for potential disruptions and higher costs in the coming months.
