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DHL Express, a division of Germany’s Deutsche Post, said it would suspend global business-to-consumer shipments worth more than $800 to individuals in the US from today, as US customs regulatory changes have lengthened clearance.
The notice on the company website was not dated, but its metadata showed it was compiled on Saturday.
DHL blamed the halt on new US customs rules which require formal entry processing on all shipments worth more than $800. The minimum had been $2,500 until a change on April 5.
DHL said business-to-business shipments would not be suspended but could face delays. Shipments under $800 to either businesses or consumers were not affected by the changes.
The move is a temporary measure, the company said in its statement.
DHL said that the change “has caused a surge in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock”.
But the White House is set to clamp down on deliveries under $800 – specifically those sent from China and Hong Kong – on 2 May when it closes a loophole allowing low-value packages to enter the US without incurring any duties.
The removal of the so-called “de minimis” rule will impact the likes of the fast-fashion firm Shein and Temu, the low-cost retail giant.
Shein and Temu have both warned that they will increase prices “due to recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs”.
The Trump administration has claimed that “many shippers” in China “hide illicit substances and conceal the true contents of shipments sent to the US through deceptive shipping practices”.
Under an excutive order, the White House said the measures were aimed at “addressing the synthetic opioid supply chain” which it said “play a significant role in the synthetic opioid crisis in the US”.
Beijing has said that the opioid fentanyl is a “US problem” and China has the strictest drug policies in the world.
Last week, Hongkong Post said it was suspending packages sent to the US by sea and, from 27 April, would stop accepting parcels destined for America.
It said: “The US is unreasonable, bullying and imposing tariffs abusively.”
DHL said last week that it would continue to process shipments from Hong Kong to the US “in accordance with the applicable customs rules and regulations” and would “work with our customers to help them understand and adapt to the changes that are planned for May 2.”
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