News April 28, 2025
DHL Resumes B2C Shipments of More Than $800 to U.S.
The German logistics firm reversed its decision after having “constructive dialogue” with U.S. officials.
Key Takeaways
• DHL Resumes Shipments: DHL will resume international B2C shipments to the U.S. worth more than $800 after initially halting them due to new customs rules.
• Customs Regulation Adjustments: Conversations with U.S. authorities over adjustments to customs regulations have allowed DHL to continue accepting high-value shipments.
DHL announced that it will resume international shipments worth more than $800 to U.S. customers.
Last week, the German logistics company announced that it would halt B2C shipments to the U.S. due to new customs rules requiring more formal processing. Now, DHL is reversing course while it works to enhance clearing capacity in the U.S. and has also reportedly held “constructive dialogue” with U.S. authorities such as the Department of Commerce to “optimize” customs regulations.
“Starting April 28th, 2025, the value thresholds for shipments being sent to the U.S. have been adjusted,” DHL said in a statement. “Shipments valued between USD 800 and USD 2,500 can once again be cleared using the expedited informal entry process. This positive development will enable us to resume normal operations.”
DHL didn’t suspend B2B shipments above $800. Still, the firm noted that delays were possible for such packages as it worked through volumes.
DHL cautioned that some delays in service remained possible, despite the resumption of higher-value B2C shipments.
“Your shipments to the U.S. may still experience transit delays as we navigate the reintroduction of the service and while we clear the current backlog as soon as possible,” the firm said.
Good News, Bad News
DHL resuming its B2C shipments to the U.S. is good news, but it’s set against the backdrop of the upcoming May 2 deadline for claiming the de minimis exemption on inexpensive items imported to the U.S. from China and Hong Kong.
For those out of the loop, the de minimis exemption previously allowed shipments valued at less than $800 per person per day to enter the U.S. tariff-free. As of May 2, those shipments will be subject to a 120% tariff, as well as more formal importing procedures, should the Trump administration stay true to its word.
“The elimination of this exemption will be extremely impactful for promo,” Josh King, CEO of Counselor Best Place to Work distributor You Name It Specialties (asi/365123), told ASI Media. “It will soon be cost-prohibitive for small orders of lapel pins, table covers, sublimated apparel, feather flags and event tents.”
While the DHL issue seems to be resolved, at least for now, the whole tariff situation is a moving target, and staying on top of rule changes and protocols is crucial.