DHL Express, one of the biggest global delivery companies, has paused its delivery service for packages going to the United States that are worth more than $800. This change affects all shipments from companies in any country to customers in the US. DHL says this action is only temporary, but it will stay in place until further notice.
DHL Brings High-Value Shipments to a Stop
The main reason behind this decision is a sudden and large increase in paperwork and customs checks. These changes started after the US introduced a new set of tariffs earlier this month. Before this adjustment, packages up to $2,500 could be delivered with little paperwork. Now, that limit has been lowered to $800, and everything over that value needs more strict checks.
According to DHL, this new rule has led to a huge number of packages needing full customs clearance. This means workers have to spend more time going through each item to make sure it meets the new rules. DHL says its teams are working around the clock to handle this large number of extra checks. Even with this effort, shipments over $800 are facing multi-day delays.
For now, DHL will continue delivering business-to-business packages — which items are sent from one company to another— but those may also get delayed. Meanwhile, personal or customer orders over $800 will not be shipped at all during this suspension.
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Small Packages Still Allowed – But Not for Long
Even though DHL has stopped high-value deliveries, it is still shipping packages worth less than $800. There are still fewer checks required for these low-value packages to reach the US. This makes it easier and faster to deliver everyday goods that are not too expensive.
But more changes are coming soon. A unique regulation known as the “de minimis” rule will be eliminated on May 2. This rule currently allows packages under $800 to enter the US without paying import duties or going through detailed customs checks. Once the rule ends, even smaller items may be delayed or become more expensive to receive.
This change is expected to impact several low-cost online stores that ship directly to American customers. Two big names, known for selling cheap clothes and household items, have already said they may raise their prices. The reason is that the cost of doing business under the new trade rules is going up.
The US government has said it wants to close this $800 loophole because some packages entering the country may hire illegal or dangerous items. Authorities believe some shipments do not honestly declare what is inside, which makes it harder for customs officers to keep the country safe. By changing the rules, the US aims to improve safety and stop dangerous goods from coming in through regular mail.
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Growing Impact on Global Delivery Networks
The decision by DHL is not the only sign of trouble. Other postal services are also reacting to the stricter rules. Last week, the postal service in Hong Kong said it was no longer sending packages to the US by sea. Starting April 27, it will also stop accepting any mail destined for the US altogether. It claimed that the new US trade regulations were unjust and severe.
The situation is becoming more complicated for international shipping companies. As trade rules become tighter, these companies have to spend more time and resources to meet customs requirements. Many are now changing their delivery services or suspending them altogether to deal with the added stress.
DHL explained that while it is trying to increase its ability to handle the surge in customs work, it cannot keep up with the current pace. The company said it needs more time to process packages under the new guidelines. Until it can scale up its operations, deliveries worth more than $800 will remain on hold.
These changes have a ripple effect on businesses and customers. Companies that sell products online are now having trouble sending their goods to the US. Customers may notice delays, price increases, or even canceled orders if the items they buy come from overseas and cost more than $800.
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For now, DHL will focus on smaller packages and business-to-business shipping while adjusting to the new rules. But many companies in the global delivery chain are facing growing challenges as they try to navigate the new trade environment.
