U.S. Customs Update: DHL Lifts $800 Shipment Embargo

DHL Resumes Shipments for Medium-Value Goods After U.S. Customs Adjustments

DHL Express has resumed delivery of shipments valued between $800 and $2,500 to private individuals in the U.S., following a brief suspension triggered by sudden regulatory changes. The move comes after discussions between DHL and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) led to a rollback of a recent customs requirement that had significantly increased processing burdens.

Earlier in April, U.S. Customs had reduced the threshold for using the streamlined “informal entry” process, requiring more detailed documentation for a larger number of shipments. This shift caused processing delays and a backlog of packages, prompting DHL to temporarily halt higher-value business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments in order to maintain service quality. Business-to-business (B2B) shipments and low-value goods under $800 were unaffected.

Thanks to renewed cooperation with U.S. authorities, DHL is now able to clear medium-value shipments through the informal entry system once again—a method favored by many e-commerce retailers due to its efficiency and reduced paperwork. While operations are ramping back up, customers may still see minor delays as the company works through residual backlog.

This update comes at a critical moment for cross-border e-commerce. On May 2, the U.S. government plans to eliminate the duty-free de minimis exemption for shipments under $800 originating from China and Hong Kong. The policy change, justified as a measure to combat illegal fentanyl shipments and address trade imbalances, is expected to impact thousands of daily deliveries. Most of these low-value packages currently benefit from simplified customs processing and no import duties.

DHL reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regulatory compliance while ensuring smooth logistics for customers. The company emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration between public agencies and private carriers to balance national security, economic fairness, and global trade efficiency.

Key Takeaway for Shippers: Medium-value e-commerce shipments into the U.S. can now resume through DHL under the informal entry process, but expect continued volatility in international shipping as regulatory policies shift in the coming weeks.

Source: US Customs

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