Due to the new tariffs imposed by the Trump government on imports, an avalanche of documentation is required when importing goods worth more than USD 800. The comprehensive documentation and associated checks require additional time and significantly increase costs, states DHL. To complete the formal import procedure, both the sender and recipient must fill out numerous documents including commercial invoices, packing lists, proof of origin, customs tariff numbers and other similar requirements. In reaction, the integrator has decided to stop the business altogether – at least temporarily.
Beginning today (21APR25), integrator DHL Express is halting all business-to-consumer shipments exceeding a customs value of USD 800, to individuals in the United States. DHL cites new customs regulations in the States as the reason for this measure. Washington’s regulatory changes have significantly lengthened clearance processes despite the efforts of the employees. In addition, DHL declared that business-to-business shipments could face delays but would not be suspended. Shipments under USD 800 to either businesses or consumers, are not affected by the changes.
New threshold value
The move is a temporary measure, the company emphasized in its statement.
DHL blamed the announced halt on new U.S. customs rules which were decided on 05APR25, requiring formal entry processing on all shipments worth over USD 800.
Formerly, the minimum value per shipment was USD 2,500 until regulations were changed on 05APR25. “This change has caused a surge in formal customs clearances which we are handling around the clock. While we are working diligently to scale up and manage this increase, shipments over USD 800 – regardless of origin – may experience multi-day delays,” reads a DHL press release.
DHL told agency Reuters, last week, 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 02MAY25.”
Imposing tariffs abusively
The statement is a reaction to Hong Kong Post’s decision to stop handling packages coming from or going to the United States,accusing the Trump government of “bullying”after Washington canceled tariff-free trade provisions for packages from China and Hong Kong. The city’s government cited U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision last week to eliminate the so-called de minimis exception for items posted from the city to the U.S. The exemption applied to international shipments worth USD 800 or less entering the U.S.
“Bullying act”
“The U.S. is unreasonable, bullying, and imposing tariffs abusively,” the Hong Kong government said in its release. “The public in Hong Kong should be prepared to pay exorbitant and unreasonable fees due to the U.S.’s unreasonable and bullying acts.”
Meanwhile, Hong Kong Post has stopped accepting packages transported by sea and will stop taking airborne shipments starting from 27APR25. Other postal items containing only documents such as letters, for example, will not be affected.
A DHL spokesman told media people that the integrator will continue to process shipments to the US, monitor the situation, and work with customers to help them keep up with latest changes. FedEx and UPS were not available for comment.
