The global logistics firm DHL has announced it will stop shipping packages valued over $800 to U.S. consumers, citing new, stricter U.S. customs rules.
DHL will now suspend consumer shipments ‘from any origin’ that are over $800 because of a tariff-induced backlog at US customs
4/22/2025
The company pointed to the 10% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in early April, which it says have triggered increased customs scrutiny for packages exceeding the $800 threshold. This heightened oversight has resulted in shipping delays and backlogs, according to DHL.
“This change has caused a surge in formal customs clearances, which we are handling around the clock,” the company said in a statement. “While we are working diligently to scale up and manage this increase, shipments over USD 800—regardless of origin—may experience multi-day delays.”
When contacted by NPR, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) did not specifically address DHL’s new policy but provided general details on customs duties. According to CBP’s website, packages undergoing formal entry require more extensive documentation and a CBP bond, while informal entries involve less paperwork and are processed by the agency.
DHL said the new policy, which took effect Monday, applies to all consumer-bound packages over $800 from any country. The company will continue to handle business-to-business shipments over $800 but warned those deliveries may also face delays.
These changes follow the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape global trade policy, including closing the so-called de minimis loophole. That exemption currently allows goods valued under $800 to enter the U.S. without import fees or extensive inspections.
In early April, the administration announced the end of de minimis exemptions for products from China and Hong Kong, effective May 2—a move expected to heavily impact e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu that ship low-cost goods to U.S. consumers.
A report from the Congressional Research Service noted that de minimis shipments to the U.S. soared from 153 million in 2015 to over 1 billion in 2023. CBP says these shipments now make up 92% of all inbound cargo.
FEATURED NEWS
US lawmakers have urged SEC to delist Alibaba, BABA, and other Chinese companies
5/3/2025 Buffett and Berkshire now have $347.7 Billion of cash and cash equivalents as of the end of Q1 ...
5/3/2025 Warren Buffett has downplayed recent market volatility as 'really nothing,' saying it's part of...
5/3/2025 Warren Buffett says he will retire at the end of the year from Berkshire Hathaway
5/3/2025
Stay Updated
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest financial insights and news.
+With Unusual Whales
Get the best broker for options trading and earn Unusual Whales discounted! in cash with an eligible account deposit at tastytrade. Get an Unusual Whales bonus when you deposit $2000. Offer expires 3/31/25. Certain restrictions, terms and conditions apply.
Unusual Whales does not confirm the information's truthfulness or accuracy of the associated references, data, and cannot verify any of the information. Any content on this site or related pages are not intended to provide legal, tax, investment or insurance advice. Unusual Whales Inc. is not registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) or any state securities regulatory authority. Nothing on Unusual Whales should be construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any security by Unusual Whales or any third party. Options, investing, trading is risky, and losses are more expected than profits. Please do own research before investing. Please only subscribe after reading our full terms and understanding options and the market, and the inherent risks of trading. It is highly recommended not to trade on this, or any, information from Unusual Whales. Markets are risky, and you will likely lose some or all of your capital. Please check our terms for full details.
Any content on this site or related pages are not intended to provide legal, tax, investment or insurance advice. Unusual Whales Inc. is not registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) or any state securities regulatory authority. Nothing on Unusual Whales should be construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any security by Unusual Whales or any third party. Certain investment planning tools available on Unusual Whales may provide general investment education based on your input. You are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, investment strategy, security or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances and risk tolerance. You should consult your legal or tax professional regarding your specific situation. See terms for more information.