DHL Express, a division of Germany’s Deutsche Post, said it would suspend global business-to-consumer shipments worth over $800 to individuals in the United States from April 21, 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 over $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 last week in response to Reuters questions that it would continue to process shipments from Hong Kong to the United States “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.”
That came after Hongkong Post said last week it had suspended mail services for goods sent by sea to the United States, accusing the US of “bullying” after Washington canceled tariff-free trade provisions for packages from China and Hong Kong.
In the United States, goods valued at or below $800 are generally exempt from import duties and taxes, as long as the total value of all shipments on a single day doesn’t exceed $800. This is part of the “de minimis exemption,” which allows for simplified customs clearance for low-value imports.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
The $800 Threshold:
A key point is that this $800 threshold applies to the total value of all shipments arriving on a single day for a specific person.
No Formal Entry Required:
Goods under $800 generally don’t require formal customs entry, as they are considered “de minimis”.
Gifts and Personal Effects:
There are specific provisions for gifts and personal effects, with lower thresholds and different rules applying. For instance, bona fide gifts from abroad may have a duty-free value of up to $100.
CBP’s Role:
The CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) oversees the de minimis exemption and can still require formal entry for any shipment if deemed necessary
UPS is still shipping from China, but there may be temporary service delays, particularly from Southern China to the U.S. and Americas. UPS has also suspended its Service Guarantee for deliveries from China and Hong Kong to the US.
FedEx is still delivering from China. They have a significant presence in China with numerous employees, vehicles, and flights operating weekly, according to FedEx newsroom. While there may be occasional service disruptions or fee adjustments, FedEx continues to operate international shipping services, including those from China to the US. For example, they have recently implemented a demand surcharge for some shipments from China entering the U.S., but shipments are still generally continuing.
the USPS does still deliver from China. While there was a brief suspension of inbound packages from China and Hong Kong in early February 2025, the USPS reversed that decision and resumed accepting these packages.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
The USPS initially announced a suspension of inbound packages from China and Hong Kong, but this was lifted within hours.
Reason for the Suspension:
The suspension was reportedly in response to President Trump’s executive order ending a trade loophole, known as “de minimis,” which allowed low-value packages from China to enter the US without paying duties.
Current Status:
The USPS has reversed its decision and is again accepting inbound packages from China and Hong Kong.
Impact on Retailers:
This reversal means that popular online retailers like Temu and Shein, who rely on the USPS for shipping, can continue to operate.
To support sayata.net, please consider purchasing one of my eBooks
Note Contains Erotic eBooks